When we think of extreme weather, heatwaves and hurricanes often come to mind—but cold can be just as intense. In certain corners of the world, winter doesn’t simply arrive and leave. It stays. These cities push the limits of what humans can endure, where average winter temperatures dip below freezing for months on end. Let’s explore the seven coldest cities on Earth, where icicles form faster than your thoughts and survival is a way of life.
1. Yakutsk, Russia As the unofficial king of cold, Yakutsk is widely recognized as the coldest city on Earth. Temperatures in winter regularly drop below –50°C. Located in Siberia’s Sakha Republic, the city is built on permafrost. Yet, it’s home to more than 300,000 people who go to school, work, and even shop outdoors in this deep freeze.
2. Norilsk, Russia Another Siberian heavyweight, Norilsk is one of the northernmost cities in the world and sits above the Arctic Circle. With an average January temperature of –30°C, it experiences near-polar night for several weeks. The city’s economy is centered around mining, but living here requires serious cold-hardiness.
3. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia The world’s coldest national capital, Ulaanbaatar faces brutal winters, with average lows around –20°C and frequent plunges below –35°C. The surrounding steppes offer little protection against icy Siberian air. Yet, the city is growing fast, blending traditional Mongolian gers with modern urban life.
4. Yellowknife, Canada Perched on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife is the coldest city in Canada. Temperatures in January average around –26°C, and the aurora borealis dances across the sky during its long winter nights. Despite the chill, the city boasts a strong community spirit and breathtaking Arctic scenery.
5. Barrow (Utqiaġvik), USA As the northernmost town in the United States, Barrow (officially known as Utqiaġvik) spends more than two months a year in complete darkness. The mercury can fall below –30°C, but its indigenous Iñupiat community continues to thrive with a deep connection to their land and traditions.
6. Oymyakon, Russia Though technically a rural village and not a city, Oymyakon earns an honorable mention. It holds the world record for the coldest temperature ever recorded outside Antarctica: –67.7°C. Life here is pure endurance, with outdoor plumbing being virtually impossible and cars needing constant engine warmth.
7. Irkutsk, Russia While warmer than its Siberian siblings, Irkutsk still has bitterly cold winters with temperatures often dipping below –20°C. As a cultural hub near Lake Baikal, it’s rich in history and beauty—but you’ll need a serious coat to enjoy it.