Coldest Countries in the World
Can you brave the intense cold weather even during various times of the year? Believe it or not, the coldest countries in the world have much to offer, but only if you can withstand the snow and notably low temperatures.
Of all the coldest countries in the world, which one takes the cake? Is it the one with the lowest single temperature, like Antarctica? Could it instead be Russia, which is famous for its extreme winter seasons? Perhaps it’s an entirely different nation altogether.
As you can imagine, being around extreme cold comes with certain challenges. The human body, when exposed to low temperatures from the top coldest countries in the world, loses heat at a much faster rate. Ongoing exposure to such weather can also increase your likelihood of coming down with frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related illnesses.
Nevertheless, this guide will center on the top ten coldest countries in the world. We’ll focus on places with varying degrees of low temperatures, especially during the winter season. Also included in our guide will be some handy tips and tricks for braving the extreme cold. Join us on a fantastic tour around the globe as we discover what are the coldest countries in the world.
Life and Environment in Antarctica
Before we explore the top ten coldest countries with the coldest temperatures in the world, we’d be remiss not to focus on Antarctica! This continent is home to not just the lowest temperatures across the globe. It’s also the driest, highest, and windiest destination you’ll come upon.
Believe it or not, Antarctica presents an impressive lineup of ice glaciers, along with its own unique wildlife and plant life. Many people believe that due to the very cold temperatures of this continent, no living beings can survive. Though that simply isn’t true. As a matter of fact, Antarctica is home to over 230 animal species, across its lands and waters. We’ll unpack all of this now.
During the winter months, Antarctica experiences up to 24 hours of pure darkness for days on end. It is also known to reach -76 degrees fahrenheit (-60 degrees celsius) during its winter months. Summer, on the other hand, can bring an average temperature of -18 degrees fahrenheit (-28.33 degrees celsius). The already cold nature of Antarctica is compounded by the extreme darkness during the winter season.
Even at the warmest time of the year in Antarctica, the temperature almost never climbs above 0 degrees fahrenheit (-18 degrees celsius). The cold is a way of life here, even during its summer season. Though rising concerns about climate change have called into question whether or not Antarctica could one day get warmer.
Despite these extremely low temperatures, this unique continent is home to some fairly diverse wildlife. Krill, emperor penguins, seals, and killer whales each have a home in Antarctica. The continent also surprisingly hosts some plant life, with lichens, mossens, and algae having their place in this freezing cold destination.
Top 10 Coldest Countries in the World
We’ll now transition to the list of coldest countries in the world. While some of these places might come as a shock, others will be ones you’re likely quite familiar with. In fact, you may have already visited some of the globe’s most frosty destinations. If you haven’t yet seen this list of coldest countries in the world, you’ll learn about their average temperatures and popular winter activities worth partaking in.
10. Russia
In Russia, its capital city Moscow carries an average temperature of 12 degrees fahrenheit (-11.11 degrees celsius) to 76 degrees fahrenheit (24.44 degrees celsius). Known as the “General Frost,” Russian winters are a time when people enjoy seasonal activities like ice hockey, skiing, and skating. As one of the coldest countries in the world, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Russia, even once the temperatures drop.
9. Canada
Next up on the list of coldest countries in the world is Canada. In this North American nation, the average temperature varies across different coasts. Though for the most part, you’ll find the weather ranges between 5 degrees fahrenheit (-15 degrees celsius) to 86 degrees fahrenheit (30 degrees celsius). Like Russia, Canada is very well known for its harsh winters, where locals go ice fishing, snowboarding, and even attend winter festivals.
8. Greenland
Nestled between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Greenland carries an average temperature of -4 degrees fahrenheit (-18 degrees celsius) to 42 degrees fahrenheit (5.6 degrees celsius). Famous for its Arctic tundra climate, Greenland easily earns its spot as one of the coldest countries in the world. During the winter months, people frequently break out their snowmobiles and go dog sledding across new terrain.
7. Iceland
As the closest European neighbor to Greenland, it makes sense that Iceland is one of the coldest countries in the world. Throughout the year, Iceland’s average temperature moves between 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degrees celsius) to 55 degrees fahrenheit (13 degrees celsius). Once the winter season arrives, locals enjoy journeying out to admire the Northern Lights, go soaking in the hot springs, and even try winter snorkeling.
6. Finland
Standing as number six of the top ten coldest countries in the world, Finland is a Nordic nation based in Northern Europe. Its average temperature stands between 25 degrees fahrenheit (-4 degrees celsius) to 45.5 degrees fahrenheit (7.5 degrees celsius). During the coldest months, it’s not uncommon for folks to visit the Santa Claus Village, explore Finnish saunas, and even go on husky safaris.
5. Sweden
Next up on the list is Sweden. This Nordic nation ranks as number five while we explore what are the coldest countries in the world. On average, Sweden’s temperature stands between 37 degrees fahrenheit (3 degrees celsius) to 75 degrees fahrenheit (24 degrees celsius). Some popular winter activities in this part of the world include ice skating on frozen lakes, making reservations at the iconic Ice Hotel, and going cross country skiing with their loved ones.
4. Norway
Based in the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is the fourth of the coldest countries in the world. It is also another Nordic destination based in Northern Europe. The average temperature ranges between 27 degrees fahrenheit (2 degrees celsius) to 65 degrees fahrenheit (18 degrees celsius). During the coldest times of the year, it’s not uncommon to see people relaxing in the fjords, snowshoeing, or tubing down mountains.
3. Mongolia
In East Asia, Mongolia is well deserving of its spot on the list of coldest countries in the world. With an average temperature ranging between -5 degrees fahrenheit (-15 degrees celsius) to 80 degrees fahrenheit (26.7 degrees celsius), each season packs its own punch. During the winter months, people in Mongolia regularly attend the annual Ice Festival, hike through the Yolyn Am Valley, and explore snow-covered dunes, often with a licensed tour guide.
2. Kazakhstan
Nestled in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the world’s biggest landlocked country. Though it makes number two on the list of top coldest countries in the world due to its notably cold temperatures. Today, the average temperature in this area ranges between -49 degrees fahrenheit (-45 degrees celsius) to 26 degrees fahrenheit (-3.33 degrees celsius). When the temperature drops in Kazakhstan, the country hosts all sorts of popular, family-friendly festivals for people to enjoy at their own leisure.
1. Antarctica
Despite being a continent rather than a nation, Antarctica is number one as we discover what as the coldest country in the world. Due to its overall temperature almost never reaching above 0 degrees fahrenheit, no nation around the globe can top Antarctica.
In spite of the extreme cold, many people opt to visit this continent via cruise, where they can see the impressive ice glaciers, penguins, and gorgeous white landscapes. When visiting Antarctica via cruise, the trips are planned months to years in advance. Due to the continent’s 24 hours of darkness during the winter months, not every season is optimal to accommodate tourists.
Adapting to Extreme Cold: Tips and Tricks
If you ever decide to visit one of the top ten coldest countries in the world, you’ll need to learn how to manage these extreme temperatures. The same also applies to anyone who ends up in one of the top 20 coldest countries in the world or even one of the top 50 coldest countries in the world. Without knowing how to properly adapt, it can be challenging to enjoy your time in these very beautiful destinations.
Thankfully, this guide comes with some crucial tips and tricks that will prove handy even when you’re surrounded by extremely low temperatures. If you already practice the following three hacks, consider sharing our guide with a friend who could learn from it.
Get Your Body Moving While Outdoors
When your body is physically active, it naturally generates more heat than when it’s sitting or standing still. If you happen to be in one of the top coldest countries in the world, make sure you’re walking while you’re outdoors. This, combined with wearing the appropriate outdoor attire, goes a long way in saving you from getting too cold. It’s why many people in Iceland, Greenland, and other countries partake in winter sports that require lots of physical movement.
Eat Well
If you’re exploring even just one of the coldest countries in the world, you’ll want to make sure you’re eating well. A nutritious diet makes a very big difference in fueling your body and keeping your metabolism in great shape. Picking up some additional calories from healthy fat also helps you to burn energy and produce warmth. Without enough fuel to run on, your body can become more sensitive to the elements and less equipped to defend itself against extremely low temperatures.
Consider Taking Cold Showers
Believe it or not, taking cold showers can help your body adapt to low temperatures throughout the coldest countries in the world. You can begin this process gradually with just 15 seconds of exposure to cold water the very first time. During future showers, try 30 seconds and then one minute of cold water exposure. Over time, your body will get used to these lower temperatures. By that time, the chills of Norway, Kazakhstan, or even Antarctica won’t seem so unbearable.
Tourism Throughout the Coldest Countries in the World
When most people think of travel, the last thing that comes to mind for them is a list of coldest countries in the world. However, many people are journeying to places like Norway, Finland, Iceland, and other cooler destinations. While islands and coastal regions have their own appeals, frosty nations are not without attractions, sightseeing, and other allures that pull in tourists.
Many of these folks are actually eager to get a break from the heat and partake in some of the world’s most exciting winter activities. Others are just willing to explore a new part of the globe they’ve never visited, even if that means braving less than warm weather. Given the current tourism trends and the emergence of climate change, the top coldest countries in the world can expect more visitors in the years to come.
A Recap of the Coldest Countries in the World
This guide thoroughly explored the top ten coldest countries before diving into popular winter activities. In doing this, we also looked into some handy tips and tricks for adapting to the extremely low temperatures. After all, you never know when you might end up in Canada, Russia, Sweden, or another one of the coldest countries in the world.
No matter where you venture out next, this guide can be of value. Despite the presence of climate change, the low temperatures in these destinations are going to be around for quite some time, especially in places like Kazakhstan and Mongolia.
If you do decide to visit what are the coldest countries in the world, make sure to bundle up before going outside! This means wearing a heavy coat, sturdy boots, gloves, and a scarf.
In places like Antarctica, you’ll want to double up with thermal wear and preserve as much of your body heat as possible. All of this winter attire will ensure that your trip(s) to the top coldest countries in the world go perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is colder Canada or Russia?
Both Canada and Russia have huge areas with frigid temperatures. Russia generally experiences colder winters due to its continental climate. Canada's northern regions, particularly those near the Arctic Circle, can also reach extreme lows. The coldest region depends on the specific location within each country according to air temperatures.
What is the coldest city on Earth?
Yakutsk, Russia, is often considered the coldest city on Earth. Its harsh continental climate leads to extremely cold winters, with average yearly temperatures well below freezing.
The coldest temperature, also lowest temperature, is calculated here. So cool summers are also seen in this city.
What are the top 5 coldest places in the world?
The world’s coldest countries in the world typically include:
- Antarctica
- Kazakhstan
- Mongolia
- Norway
- Sweden
What are the top 50 coldest countries in the world?
The top 50 coldest countries in the world, winter temperatures calculated, are primarily located in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as in Siberia and northern North America. Countries like Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Norway frequently appear on these lists.
