Welcome to a world where frost clings to windows and breath hangs in the air like tiny clouds. The coldest inhabited places on Earth offer a unique glimpse into life at the edge of human endurance.
It's fascinating how communities have not only survived but thrived in such harsh conditions. These icy outposts have stories to tell, from their unique cultures to the ingenious ways residents have adapted to the cold.
Oymyakon, Russia: The Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth
Oymyakon, a remote village in the Sakha Republic of Russia, holds the record for the lowest reliably recorded temperature in a permanently inhabited place outside Antarctica: −67.7 °C (−89.9 °F), measured in February 1933. Winters are extremely cold and long, with average temperatures often well below −50 °C (−58 °F) in the coldest months.
Despite these harsh conditions, around 500 people live there year-round, making Oymyakon one of the coldest permanently inhabited settlements on Earth. Residents adapt through well-insulated homes, heavy clothing, and diets rich in high-fat and protein foods like reindeer and fish to generate body heat and endure the relentless cold of Siberian winter
Verkhoyansk, Russia: A Close Contender in the Cold Race
Not far from Oymyakon, Verkhoyansk is another Siberian town known for its punishing cold and huge seasonal extremes. This small community of around 1,000–1,300 people has recorded winter temperatures as low as −67.8 °C (−90 °F), nearly rivaling Oymyakon's record lows.
It's also notable for its extreme seasonal variation: summers are surprisingly warm, with typical summer highs above 30 °C (86 °F) and even a record of 38 °C (100.4 °F) — one of the highest temperatures ever measured above the Arctic Circle. This dramatic contrast highlights how Verkhoyansk experiences some of the greatest temperature swings on Earth.
Norilsk, Russia: Life in the World's Northernmost City
Norilsk, situated above the Arctic Circle, is the world's northernmost city and one of the coldest. With a population of over 175,000, it's also one of the largest cities in the continuous permafrost zone.
Winters are long and dark, with the sun disappearing for several weeks during the polar night. Despite these challenges, Norilsk thrives on nickel mining, and the economy is bolstered by vast mineral reserves. The city remains isolated, accessible only by air or rail.
Yakutsk, Russia: The Cold Capital of the World
Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in eastern Siberia, is widely regarded as one of the coldest major cities on Earth, with winter temperatures often around −40 °C (−40 °F) and historical lows near −64.4 °C (−83.9 °F).
Home to over 370,000 residents, Yakutsk endures long, frigid winters but remains a vibrant cultural hub with theaters, museums, and community life that persist despite the climate. The region's dramatic seasons also give rise to artistic and cultural expressions connected to ice and winter, and the city's unique location on continuous permafrost influences everything from architecture to daily life.
Barrow (Utqiagvik), Alaska: America's Arctic Outpost
Utqiagvik, previously known as Barrow, is the northernmost city in the United States, perched on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. With a population of around 4,500, it's a hub for indigenous Iñupiat culture.
The city experiences polar night for about two months each winter, when the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. Despite the extreme conditions, the community thrives on subsistence activities like fishing and whaling, which are integral to their way of life.
International Falls, Minnesota: The Icebox of the Nation
Known as the "Icebox of the Nation," International Falls competes with Fraser, Colorado, for the coldest spot in the contiguous United States. The town has recorded temperatures as low as -48°C (-54°F).
Winter is the dominant season here, and the community embraces it with gusto. Residents enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and the annual Icebox Days festival, which features quirky events like frozen turkey bowling, celebrating their chilly reputation with pride.
Harbin, China: The Ice City of the East
Harbin, in northeastern China, is famous for its annual International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, drawing millions of visitors from around the world. Winter temperatures can drop to around −25°C (−13°F), creating the perfect conditions for the city's stunning ice architecture.
Large blocks of ice are harvested from the nearby Songhua River and transformed into intricate sculptures and entire buildings. While the festival showcases Harbin's artistic flair and winter culture, it also reflects the city's diverse historical influences, including its Russian heritage.
Fraser, Colorado: Competing for the Coldest in the Continental U.S.
Fraser, a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is in constant competition with International Falls for the title of the coldest place in the lower 48 states.
With winter temperatures routinely dipping below -30°C (-22°F), Fraser is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular activities, attracting visitors who revel in the crisp mountain air.
Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan: Chilling in the World's Second Coldest Capital
Astana, recently renamed Nur-Sultan, is the capital of Kazakhstan and the second coldest capital city in the world, after Ulaanbaatar. Winter temperatures can plunge to -30°C (-22°F), and the city is often swept by icy winds.
Despite the cold, Astana is a modern metropolis, with futuristic architecture that seems to rise out of the snow. The city's resilience is a testament to its people's spirit, with cultural events and festivals that keep the community vibrant through the long winter.
Rovaniemi, Finland: Santa's Frigid Home in the Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is famous as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Situated on the Arctic Circle, it offers a magical winter experience with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F).
Visitors flock to see the Northern Lights and enjoy activities like dog sledding and reindeer safaris. Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village is open year-round, but there's something special about visiting during the snowy winter months, where festive cheer warms the chilly air.
Resolute, Nunavut, Canada: Life in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Resolute, one of Canada's northernmost communities, sits on Cornwallis Island in the Arctic Archipelago. With a population of about 200, it's a hub for Arctic research and exploration. The town experiences extreme cold, with temperatures often below -40°C (-40°F) in winter.
Despite the harsh environment, the Inuit community thrives, relying on traditional knowledge and skills for hunting and survival. Resolute is a testament to human resilience in one of the planet's most unforgiving climates.
La Rinconada, Peru: The Highest and Coldest Settlement in the Andes
La Rinconada, perched at an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) in the Peruvian Andes, is the highest permanent settlement in the world. It's also one of the coldest, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
The town's economy is centered around gold mining, attracting those willing to endure the harsh conditions in search of fortune. Life here is challenging, with limited access to basic services, yet the community persists, driven by the promise of prosperity.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The World's Coldest Capital City
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, holds the title of the coldest capital city in the world. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°C (-40°F), and the city experiences severe air pollution due to coal burning for heat.
Despite these challenges, Ulaanbaatar is a vibrant cultural center, where traditional Mongolian customs blend with modern influences. The city's residents embrace their heritage, celebrating festivals like Tsagaan Sar, the lunar new year, with traditional foods and family gatherings.
Unique Flora and Fauna: Nature's Survival in Icy Habitats
Cold regions are home to unique flora and fauna that have evolved to survive harsh conditions. In the Arctic, polar bears and seals thrive on ice-covered seas, while the tundra supports hardy plants like mosses and lichens.
Siberia is known for its vast taiga forests, which provide habitat for species like the Siberian tiger and reindeer. These ecosystems are delicate and resilient, showcasing nature's ability to adapt and endure in the face of extreme cold.