Coldest cities in the world feature harsh climates and stunning beauty—discover 10 freezing cities where life defies the elements.
Coldest Cities in the World: 10 Extreme Places You Won’t Believe People Live In
When people dream of travel or relocation, tropical beaches and sun-soaked cities usually come to mind. But what if you flipped the script? Welcome to the coldest cities in the world, where temperatures drop to unimaginable lows, yet people still thrive, adapt, and build entire communities amid the ice and snow. In this detailed exploration, we’ll travel to 10 cities that redefine what it means to be cold. From the icy corners of Siberia to the frostbitten towns of Alaska, prepare to be frozen in awe.
1. Yakutsk, Russia – The Coldest City on Earth
Yakutsk is often referred to as the coldest city in the world. Located in Siberia, it holds the world record for the lowest temperatures ever recorded in a city. In winter, temperatures regularly drop to -40°C (-40°F), and residents wear fur-lined clothing just to make it through daily life.
- Population: Around 355,000
- Coldest Month: January
- Record Low: -64.4°C (-83.9°F)
Despite the harsh conditions, Yakutsk is vibrant with culture, museums, and even a permafrost kingdom made entirely of ice. It’s a testament to human adaptability and resilience.
2. Oymyakon, Russia – The Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth
While Yakutsk is the coldest city, Oymyakon claims the title for coldest permanently inhabited place. It’s more of a village than a city, but it’s legendary for its bone-chilling record low of -67.7°C (-89.9°F), making it one of the most extreme environments humans inhabit.
- Population: ~500
- Unique Feature: Schools close only below -52°C
- Fun Fact: Eyelashes freeze moments after stepping outside
Life in Oymyakon is raw and extreme, but locals have built a routine that turns frost into familiarity.
3. Norilsk, Russia – The Most Northern Major City
Norilsk is not only one of the coldest cities in the world, but also one of the most polluted due to its nickel mining industry. With a population of over 180,000, it’s the largest city within the Arctic Circle.
- Average Winter Temp: -30°C (-22°F)
- Unique Fact: No roads connect it to the rest of Russia
- Winter Duration: Up to 9 months
The city remains isolated but functions fully, with theaters, museums, and schools operating through extreme conditions.
4. Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska – America’s Coldest City
Barrow, officially known as Utqiaġvik, is the northernmost city in the United States and endures long, dark, and frigid winters.
- Population: ~4,400
- Polar Night: 65 days of darkness
- Average Winter Temp: -28°C (-18°F)
Despite the bitter cold, the city thrives on traditions, native culture, and a growing eco-tourism industry focused on Arctic wildlife and landscapes.
5. Yellowknife, Canada – Cold Capital of the Northwest Territories
Yellowknife is a lively northern city with a charming personality despite being one of the coldest cities in the world. It’s known for crystal-clear skies and breathtaking aurora borealis displays.
- Average Winter Temp: -27°C (-16.6°F)
- Special Feature: Longest ice roads in the world
- Activities: Dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling
The community embraces the cold through festivals and outdoor adventures.
6. Harbin, China – The Ice City
Harbin, often referred to as China’s “Ice City,” is internationally famous for its Ice and Snow Festival, where entire structures are sculpted from massive ice blocks.
- Population: ~10 million
- Winter Temps: Often drop below -20°C (-4°F)
- Highlight: Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
Despite the chill, the city buzzes with energy during winter thanks to its tourist appeal.
7. Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan – Frosty Capital City
Astana is one of the coldest national capitals in the world. The futuristic architecture contrasts sharply with its icy surroundings, making it a stunningly surreal place.
- Winter Low Average: -30°C (-22°F)
- Known For: Icy winds and cutting temperatures
- Population: Over 1 million
Even government operations continue seamlessly through the brutal winters.
8. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The World’s Coldest Capital
Ulaanbaatar experiences extreme seasonal swings but winters are bitterly cold. With its combination of altitude and latitude, it earns a firm place among the coldest cities in the world.
- Winter Average: -20°C (-4°F)
- Population: ~1.6 million
- Unique Feature: Nomadic gers (yurts) still used in urban settings
The cold is part of daily life, yet the warmth of Mongolian hospitality endures.
9. Helsinki, Finland – Freezing with Style
Helsinki, although not as cold as Siberian towns, endures long winters and low daylight. What makes it notable is how citizens not only survive—but thrive.
- Average Winter Temp: -5°C (23°F)
- Daylight in December: Less than 6 hours
- Lifestyle: Saunas, hot drinks, cozy cafés
Helsinki proves that even a capital city can flourish in frozen beauty.
10. Reykjavík, Iceland – Sub-Arctic Serenity
The final on our list, Reykjavík may not break cold records but its climate is shaped by Arctic winds and long winters. What it lacks in harsh lows, it makes up for in raw, northern charm.
- Winter Average: -1°C (30°F)
- Known For: Hot springs, volcanic landscapes
- Special Mention: One of the safest, most peaceful cities in the world
Its geothermal energy keeps the homes warm even as the wind howls outside.
Life in the Cold Lane: How People Survive
Life in the coldest cities in the world requires a deep level of adaptation:
- Clothing: Layers of insulated, windproof clothing
- Infrastructure: Heated buildings, underground utilities
- Transportation: Specially adapted vehicles
- Diet: High-calorie, nutrient-rich food to fight the cold
What seems impossible to outsiders is just another Tuesday for residents in these extreme environments.
Why Do People Choose to Live There?
You might wonder why anyone would choose to live in such icy places. The reasons vary:
- Culture and Heritage: Many indigenous communities have lived there for centuries
- Economic Opportunities: Mining, oil, and natural gas industries
- Adventure and Beauty: Northern lights, unspoiled wilderness, and tight-knit communities
These cities aren’t just cold—they’re extraordinarily human.
Conclusion
The coldest cities in the world are more than just numbers on a thermometer. They’re living, breathing communities filled with stories of endurance, innovation, and community spirit. Whether it’s Yakutsk’s frozen museums or Reykjavík’s geothermal luxury, these icy cities remind us that life, even in the harshest of climates, finds a way to flourish.
