The 20 Coldest Countries in the World

1. Greenland

It’s one thing to be told that Greenland is the coldest country in the world; it’s another to see the vast expanse of chalky white ice that blankets about 80 percent of its terrain. Intersected only by turquoise waters, the beauty of this frozen landscape is unfathomable.

Greenland holds the record for the coldest temperature in history. This autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark experienced an ominous -93.3°F (-69.6°C) on 22 December 1991. The harshest winters grip the North and Northeast regions, where temperatures can plummet to an astonishing minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Canada

Canada is a spread-out country in the northern part of North America that is admittedly in the path of bitter cold temperatures. Earning its rank as the second-coldest country globally, average temperatures in the country linger around 32°F in the winter. The country experienced its coldest day in Snag, Yukon on 3 February 1947, when temperatures plunged to a chilling -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Russia

Russians truly nurture a tough-it-out spirit to endure the country’s frigid temperatures. For Russians the brutal cold is not just a season of the year, it is the bitter reality they face throughout the year. The average winter temperature in the country is around 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The nation has also seen some record-low temperatures. On 6 February 1933 temperatures plunged to a bone-chilling -89.9 degrees Fahrenheit (-67.7 Celsius) in the village of Oymyakon which is located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in northeastern Russia.

4. Tajikistan

Although Tajikistan is generally an arid country, it does have considerable variations in its climate. Annual mean temperatures range from 62.6°F (17°C) in the southern regions to 21.2°F (-6°C) in the lower Pamirs. In East Pamir, temperatures as low as -58°F (-50°C) have been recorded. Snowfall is common and considerable and transforms the country’s landscape into a snow-clad paradise.

5. United States of America

Temperatures in America vary widely during the cold season. The country is, however, home to some of the coldest states in the world, where people have to contend with intense snowfall and dangerous icy conditions. Thanks to the state of Alaska, in particular, the USA is recognized as one of the coldest countries in the world. Average low temperatures in Alaska can range from 20°F to -10°F (-7°C to -23°C) with the lowest ever temperature of −79.8°F recorded in Prospect Creek in the year 1971.

6. China

In China, cities tucked away high up in the northeast suffer the coldest temperatures. Average low temperatures in the month of January can go from below 14 °F (-10 °C) in the mountainous north to milder temperatures of over 59 °F (15 °C) in the South. The coldest-ever temperature recorded in the country was in the northernmost city of Mohe at -63.4°F (-53°C).

7. Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, average seasonal temperatures will illustrate a wide variation between the northern and central regions of the country and the southern regions. However, average temperatures in the winter months, largely oscillate between 15.8°F (-9°C) and 10.4°F (-12°C). The country’s capital city, Astana, or what is now called Nur-Sultan experiences some of the most jaw-chattering winters, with temperatures occasionally plummeting to as low as -58°F (-50°C).

8. Mongolia

Remote, sparsely populated, and eerily beautiful, Mongolia in the winter has a hypnotic lure. The average winter temperature in Mongolia fluctuates between 14 degrees to 22 degrees Fahrenheit. However, ‘Dzud’ or what is locally known as ‘white death’ can bring more severe winter conditions like heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures.

9. Sweden

Sweden’s best winter scenes are packed in the country’s northernmost region, which experiences some of the coldest temperatures. Areas in and around Lapland, particularly are away from the moderating influence of milder coastal climates and often experience bitter cold and snowy conditions. Average winter temperatures in the country can vary greatly and may range from around 33.8°F (1 °Celcius) in the far south to 8.6°F (-13 °Celcius) in Lapland.

10. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan in winter is the most mesmerizing. The country becomes home to an extraordinary assemblage of snow and ice all over its landscape. The average low temperature in Kyrgyzstan in January is around 14° F (-10° C).

11. Austria

The tantalizing snowy landscapes of Austria are matched by no other! With snow-capped peaks, snow-laden forests, and legendary apres-ski, the country has all the rural charms of an extraordinary winter destination and more. Average temperatures in the coldest month of January can range from anywhere between 37 °F (3 °C) to 27 °F (-5 °C).

12. Switzerland

Thanks to the Swiss Alps, Switzerland makes it to the list of the 20 coldest countries in the world. Located in Central Europe, Switzerland generally has a temperate climate with cold winters, especially in the mountainous part of the country. The average overall temperature in Switzerland in the winter is usually around 28.6 F.

13. Norway

Despite the frightening cold temperatures, Norway is a spellbinding wonderland in the winter, with its captivating beauty and enchanting landscapes. The coldest temperature recorded in Norway is -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celcius). Temperatures along the coast usually hover around 32°F (0 Celcius), while temperatures inland are typically lower and can range between 14°F and -4°F (-10 and -20 degrees Celcius).

14. Finland

Winters in Finland come with everything you’d hope for and more; frozen lakes, serene blankets of white, and snow-dusted forests. Temperatures in the country are almost as invigorating as the scenery, with the mean annual temperature hovering around 41.9°F (5.5°C) in southwestern Finland and decreasing even further towards the northeast.

15. Iceland

Sitting at a high altitude and surrounded by the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland unsurprisingly qualifies as one of the coldest countries in the world. Average temperatures in the country range from 21.2°F to 35.6°F (-6°C to 2°C). In winter, the average temperature can vary between 0 °C (32 °F) at the coast to -10 °C (14 °F). The country has also experienced its share of extreme weather events. During ‘the Great Frost Winter’, temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -36.4°F (-38°C).

16. Germany

Winter in Germany brings a different charm to the country. With ski slopes and Christmas markets, the country offers the best sweeping views of the most unspoiled scenery. Average temperatures in the winter are around 35 to 37 °F (2 to 3 °C) in the north and the west, and close to 0 °C (32 °F) in the east and Bavaria.

17. Pakistan

Pakistan’s climate is one of startling contrasts. Regions in the north such as Murree, Astore Valley, Skardu, and Naltar Valley experience bitter cold and snowy winters with temperatures often falling below freezing. In stark contrast, the Southern regions of Pakistan experience milder winters with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C).

18. Italy

Italy in the winter will truly wow you with exhilarating ski experiences amidst the snowy Dolomite peaks and the festive allure of Florence’s cobblestone streets. Average winter temperatures in the country can vary from 0 °C (32 °F) in the Alps to milder temperatures of about 12 °C (54 °F) in Sicily.

19. Turkey

You may think of Turkey as a warm/hot climate country with brooding blue skies. However the country has a very diversified climate and the northeastern region, particularly the areas around Ardahan and Kar experiences extremely cold temperatures in the winter. Winter temperatures can range between 36–43 °F (2 to 6 °C) with average lows of 33 °F (0.5 °C) in the coldest month of January.

20. North Korea

North Korea is well-known for its cold noodles and ice festivals and of course, its exceptionally cold winters. Winters can be prolonged and brutal in the country with average temperatures fluctuating between nine degrees Fahrenheit and 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-13 degrees Celcius to -3 degrees Celcius) during the coldest months.