The 5 Coldest Places in Nebraska Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

As a state, Nebraska is known for its hot and humid summers. However, much of the state also experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the country. Winters can be quite snowy and frigid, and some towns have even experienced record-low temperatures of below -40° F — brrr! If you’re looking to visit or move to Nebraska, you’ll want to make note of some of the coldest places in the state.

There are quite a few chilly towns in Nebraska, and depending on how you measure them (e.g., based on average annual temperature versus average low temperature), some are considered colder than others. Based on our research, here are five of the coldest locations in Nebraska.

1. Valentine

The coldest place in Nebraska (by average annual temperature) is Valentine. Known for its harsh winters and snowfall, Valentine features the lowest average temperature in the state. Its average annual temperature is 47.9° F, with its average daily minimum at 34° F. Valentine has a population of over 2,600 people. Its lowest temperature to date occurred in 1989, when temperatures fell as low as -39° F. 

Valentine is located in Cherry County, Nebraska, which is in the northernmost part of the state. Despite its chilly temperatures during the winter season, the city boasts various outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, and more. If you’re visiting during a particularly cold day, you can also enjoy one of the many eateries and cafes to cozy up indoors. 

2. Oshkosh

Another frigid location in the Great Plains state is Oshkosh. This town experienced the lowest temperature ever recorded in Nebraska: -47° F, which occurred on December 22, 1989. Oshkosh has an average annual low temperature of 33º F and a population of around 790 people.

Oshkosh is located in Garden County, Nebraska, near Lake McConaughy, the North Platte River, the Nebraska Sandhills, and the Crescent Lake Wildlife Refuge. It offers various outdoor activities and attractions, from birding and camping to hunting and fishing.

3. Harrison

A small village in Nebraska, Harrison, experiences low temperatures throughout the winter months. With a population of just over 230 people (as of 2021), Harrison has an average annual low temperature of 32° F. 

Located in Sioux County, Harrison is situated in northwestern Nebraska. Though quite a small village, Harrison boasts a popular tourist attraction: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. Additionally, the historic town is known as Nebraska’s “Top Town” because it’s situated at the highest elevation (4,876 feet above sea level) than any other town in the state.

4. Scottsbluff 

Scottsbluff is yet another cold place in the state of Nebraska. The city has an average annual low temperature of 34° F. Not only that, but the coldest temperature ever recorded in Scottsbluff is -46° F, which occurred on February 6, 1899.

Located in the Nebraska Panhandle, Scottsbluff is part of Scotts Bluff County. With a population of around 14,280 people, the diverse city has a vibrant culture with tons of parks, restaurants, cafes, and family-friendly activities. The city is also rich with history, and its welcoming community and gorgeous natural scenery make it a great place to live and visit — despite its cold weather.

5. North Platte

Nestled at the intersection of the North and South Platte Rivers, which form the Platte River, is North Platte, Nebraska. This chilly city has an average annual low temperature of 36º F. The coldest temperature ever recorded in North Platte is -34° F, which occurred on December 22, 1989.

Located in west-central Nebraska in Lincoln County, North Platte has a population of around 22,720. The city is home to various attractions like the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum, Golden Spike Tower, Grain Bin Antique Town, 20th Century Veterans Memorial, and much more. Additionally, North Platte is considered a railroad town, as it was founded on and became the division headquarters for the Union Pacific Railroad.

Summary of the Coldest Places in Nebraska

Here is a roundup of some of Nebraska’s coldest places, including their countries, average low temperatures, and populations.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ultima_Gaina/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images