From frozen deserts to icy towns, our planet holds some of the most extreme and breathtakingly cold destinations. These places don’t just challenge the limits of human habitation they redefine what we know about endurance, resilience, and raw natural power.
Here are the top 10 coldest places on Earth, where the thermometer dips to shocking lows and winter feels eternal:
1. Vostok Station, Antarctica
Coldest Temperature: -128.6°F (-89.2°C)
The coldest place ever recorded on Earth. A Russian research station located in the heart of Antarctica, Vostok sees vicious winds and absolutely no sun for months.
2. Oymyakon, Russia
Coldest Temperature: -96.2°F (-71.2°C)
Known as the coldest inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon is home to around 500 brave souls. Cars are kept running even when not in use to prevent engine freezing.
3. Verkhoyansk, Russia
Coldest Temperature: -93.6°F (-69.6°C)
Verkhoyansk shares the title with Oymyakon for coldest permanently inhabited place. What’s interesting? It also holds the record for one of the highest temperature swings from freezing winters to hot summers.
4. Denali, Alaska, USA
Coldest Temperature: -93.2°F (-69.5°C)
The tallest peak in North America, Denali’s summit sees relentless winds and dangerously low temperatures especially in winter.
5. North Ice, Greenland
Coldest Temperature: -86.8°F (-66°C)
This former British research station on the Greenland ice sheet witnessed temperatures so low, that survival here is purely a scientific mission.
6. Eismitte, Greenland
Coldest Temperature: -85°F (-65°C)
Meaning “Mid-Ice”, Eismitte is located in the middle of the Greenland ice sheet. It’s remote, desolate, and one of the coldest places on the planet.
7. Snag, Yukon, Canada
Coldest Temperature: -81.4°F (-63°C)
This tiny village in Yukon recorded Canada’s lowest temperature. Fun fact: The air was so cold that voices could be heard miles away!
8. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Coldest Temperature: Winter averages around -40°F (-40°C)
Known as the coldest capital city in the world, Ulaanbaatar sits at 1,300 meters above sea level and freezes for months.
9. Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska, USA
Coldest Temperature: Winter averages -20°F (-29°C)
Located above the Arctic Circle, Barrow sees 65 days of complete darkness in winter and is surrounded by icy seas.
10. Norilsk, Russia
Coldest Temperature: Winter averages -40°F (-40°C)
One of the coldest and most polluted cities on Earth Norilsk is infamous for its harsh climate and mining operations.
From frozen wilderness to remote villages, each of these locations tells a story of survival and nature’s awe-inspiring extremes. Would you dare visit any of these icy wonders?
