The 6 Coldest Places in Idaho Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

Idaho’s collection of mountains, valleys, lakes, natural hot springs, and rivers attracts outdoor lovers from all over the country. Even in winter, the state boasts 19 ski resorts that take advantage of the state’s snowfall. The Gem State frequently appears on lists of the coldest places in the United States, thanks to its drastic elevation changes and the resulting weather patterns. If cold weather lights your fire, Idaho’s wintery playgrounds have you covered. Now, let’s lace up our snow boots and pull on our mittens so we can explore the six coldest places in the state.

Ranking places as the “coldest” can be tricky — some places that experience extremely cold temperatures also see extremely hot temperatures. For this ranking, we use the annual average temperatures as our metric. A place’s year-round temperatures, all averaged together, create a fair picture of just how cold some of these towns in Idaho can get.

6. Sun Valley

A renowned winter destination, Sun Valley sees an average of 165 inches of snow a year. The town and surrounding area experience about 44 days of snow to build up the snowpack on both Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, which delights skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Sun Valley stays frosty all winter, which helps maintain its snow levels. Its average annual temperature is 39.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Though it attracts thousands throughout the year, and especially during the winter, about 1,800 people live in Sun Valley. Another 3,500 live in nearby Ketchum.

5. Tetonia

Located within spitting distance of the Grand Teton mountains, Tetonia sits near Idaho’s eastern border and Wyoming. This small town is home to 311 people. As of 2021, agricultural farms surround it. Though there’s not much to do in Tetonia, with a single gas station and one restaurant, it’s got great views and is a quick drive to several destinations.

Tetonia’s annual temperature averages out to 39.4 degrees F and reported record low temperatures of -45 degrees in 1983.

4. Island Park

Island Park is tucked in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Wyoming border. Close to Yellowstone National Park, the town sits within a crater, or caldera, formed by the same geological forces that power the amazing sights within the national park. Island Park experiences very cold winters with tremendous snowfall, averaging about 215 inches a year. Despite this, the town’s annual average temperature comes in at 38.9 degrees F.

In January 1943, Island Park set Idaho’s record for the lowest temperature at an eye-watering -60 degrees F. Thankfully, the town’s 193 residents (per Census data) no longer experience temperatures that low.

3. Big Creek

With a 1934-era lodge and an airstrip, Big Creek serves as a jump-in point for outdoor adventurers. Big Creek and nearby Edwardsburg are tucked within easy distance of multiple mountain peaks that, admittedly, are more popular with summer hikers than winter skiers. The town sits at the feet of the surrounding mountains in a small valley carved by the waters of the Big Creek River.

Big Creek stays cool year-round, with highs of just 75 degrees F in July and August. It makes the perfect summer getaway from the high temperatures other Idaho cities experience. The town’s annual average temperature barely reaches 37 degrees F, making another chilly addition to our list. Population counts aren’t recorded for Big Creek.

2. Stanley

Just down the hill from Idaho’s tallest peak, Mount Borah, Stanley’s cold temperatures stem from the mountain’s peak. The heavy, cold air sinks through the atmosphere to sit in the small valley Stanley calls home. Just 122 people live in Stanley, according to the 2021 census.

Stanley’s annual average temperature ranks only slightly above 35 degrees F. February temperatures are the lowest, with an average temperature of one degree F! During its coldest winter on record, Stanley hit -54 degrees F in 1983. Amazingly, this town sees more days of freezing temperatures than not, with an average of 290 days a year falling below 32 degrees F.

1. Obsidian

According to the Western Regional Climate Center, Obsidian has the lowest annual average temperature at just 35 degrees F. This chilly combination of year-round temperatures makes Obsidian the coldest place in Idaho! Obsidian sits just over 10 miles south of Stanley and experiences similar weather patterns, contributing to its frigid temperatures. Bring your snow gear if you plan to visit — winter temperatures can fall as low as seven degrees F!

A true small town, Obsidian doesn’t appear in recent census counts, and no verifiable population data exists. Many rankings list Stanley as Idaho’s coldest place due to how small a town Obsidian truly is.