Which is the Coldest Country in the World? Check India’s Rank!

Did you know that the coldest inhabited place on Earth is in Russia? Yup, it’s Oymyakon, where temperatures can dip below -60°C! 

Now, when we think of freezing countries, we usually picture the Arctic or places with heavy snowfall. But the world’s coldest countries aren't just about snowstorms; they’re about surviving extreme cold. 

The top three include Russia, Canada, and Greenland, known for their frigid climates. But here's the twist: Alaska, part of the USA, doesn’t make this list. 

Why? Because while it's freezing, the state’s overall climate doesn’t quite measure up to the harsh cold of some of these other nations. 

Now, buckle up, because the last country on our list will amaze you. It might not come to mind when you think of extreme cold, but its climate is brutal enough to make you shiver just thinking about it! Have you guessed it yet? Keep reading!

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List of Coldest Countries in the World

Here’s the list of the coldest countries in the world, where freezing temperatures are the norm and surviving the chill is a way of life.

Source: World Atlas

1. Canada

Canada ranks as one of the coldest countries, with an average annual temperature of approximately -4.2°C (24°F). In winter, temperatures can plummet to -40°C (-40°F) in northern regions. 

The coldest recorded temperature in Canada was -63°C (-81.4°F). The country features diverse climates, but the northern territories experience extreme cold due to their proximity to the Arctic Circle. 

Canadians prepare for winter by layering clothing and using various heating methods to combat the harsh conditions that prevail for much of the year.

2. Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world and experiences some of the coldest temperatures globally, with an average winter temperature around -40°C (-40°F) in many regions. 

The coldest recorded temperature was -67.8°C (-89.9°F) in Siberia. The vast landmass and high latitude contribute to severe winters, particularly in northern areas where snow can cover the ground for months. 

The extreme continental climate leads to significant temperature variations between seasons, making winter a challenging time for inhabitants who must endure long periods of frost and heavy snowfall.

3. Mongolia

Mongolia is known for its harsh winters, with average temperatures dipping to around -55.3°C (-67.5°F) during January. The country’s vast steppes experience extreme continental climates that lead to significant temperature fluctuations between summer and winter. 

The lowest recorded temperature reached -55°C (-67°F). Mongolian nomads traditionally use yurts for shelter, which are well-insulated against the biting cold. 

Winter survival strategies include herding livestock that can withstand frigid conditions while relying on traditional practices passed down through generations.

4. Norway

Norway experiences a diverse climate, with temperatures varying significantly across regions. The coldest recorded temperature in Norway reached -51.4°C (-60.5°F) in Karasjok. 

Coastal areas are milder due to the North Atlantic Current, while inland regions can experience severe winter conditions, often averaging between -10°C (14°F) and -20°C (-4°F) during January. In 2024, Kautokeino recorded its coldest temperature in 25 years at -43.5°C (-46.3°F). 

The Finnmark region is particularly known for its extreme cold, making Norway one of the coldest countries in the world, especially during the long winter months when snow covers much of the landscape

5. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's climate is characterised by its mountainous terrain, leading to severe winters where temperatures can drop as low as -53.6°C (-64.5°F). 

The country experiences heavy snowfall in higher elevations, which poses challenges for transportation and daily life during the winter months. 

The lowest recorded temperature was noted at these frigid levels due to its elevation above sea level and geographical position within Central Asia's mountain ranges. 

Residents often rely on traditional homes designed for insulation against the cold while maintaining livestock that can endure harsh weather conditions.

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6. Finland

Finland experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short summers. Average winter temperatures can range from -6°C (21°F) to -15°C (5°F), particularly in northern regions where the lowest recorded temperature is around -51.5°C (-60.7°F). 

The northern parts of Finland experience polar nights during the winter months when the sun does not rise above the horizon for weeks. Snow cover is consistent from late November until April, impacting daily life and transportation. 

Finnish culture embraces winter sports and outdoor activities as residents adapt to the severe cold through appropriate clothing and heating solutions.

7. Iceland

Iceland's climate is surprisingly mild for its high latitude, with coastal lowlands averaging around 0°C (32°F) in January. However, temperatures can drop significantly in the highlands, often falling below -10°C (14°F). 

The coldest recorded temperature in Iceland was -39.7°C (-39°F). While winters are generally mild due to the warm Gulf Stream, snow and ice are common in many regions. 

The country experiences long periods of darkness during the winter months, making it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights as residents adapt to the unique climate challenges presented by their environment.

8. Tajikistan

Tajikistan experiences a unique climate characterised by its mountainous terrain, with an average winter temperature that can drop to -20°C (-4°F) in higher altitudes. The coldest recorded temperature was -63°C (-81.4°F) at Lake Bulunkul. 

Most of Tajikistan's territory is above 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), leading to polar conditions in mountainous areas during the winter months. 

Snowfall is common, particularly in western regions, creating challenges for transportation and daily life as residents navigate severe weather conditions throughout the season.

9. Sweden

Sweden experiences long winters with temperatures averaging around -53°C (-63°F) in northern regions during January. The country's diverse geography results in varying climates. 

However, northern Sweden is particularly known for its severe winters marked by heavy snowfall and ice storms. The lowest recorded temperature was noted at these extreme levels due to Arctic influences on its weather patterns. 

Swedes adapt through well-insulated homes and outdoor gear designed for sub-zero conditions while enjoying winter sports as part of their cultural heritage.

10. Estonia

Estonia has a temperate maritime climate characterised by cold winters and mild summers. Average winter temperatures can drop to around -20°C (-4°F), with the coldest recorded temperature reaching -43.5°C (-46.3°F). 

The Baltic Sea influences its climate, leading to significant snowfall and icy conditions from December through February. Coastal areas tend to be milder than inland regions, where temperatures can fluctuate more dramatically. 

Estonian winters are marked by long nights and short days, making it essential for residents to prepare for extended periods of cold and snow, especially in rural areas.

17. India

India ranks 17th among the coldest countries globally, with temperatures dropping as low as -45°C (-49°F) in certain northern regions like Ladakh during the winter months. 

While much of India experiences a tropical climate, its northernmost areas face severe winters due to their elevation in the Himalayas. 

Snowfall is common in these regions, impacting local communities that rely on agriculture and tourism linked to winter sports and scenic landscapes created by snow-covered mountains. 

Despite being known for its heat, India's diverse geography allows for significant temperature variations across different states throughout the year.

Which is the Coldest Place in Asia?

The coldest place in Asia is Oymyakon, a rural locality in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia. It is often referred to as the "Pole of Cold" for the Northern Hemisphere due to its record-breaking low temperatures.

Oymyakon holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in a permanently inhabited location: −67.7°C (−89.9°F) in February 1933. Despite its harsh climate, Oymyakon is home to a small population of approximately 500 residents.

Which is the No. 1 Coldest Place in the World?

The No. 1 coldest place in the world is Vostok Station in Antarctica, where scientists recorded temperatures as low as -89.2°C (−128.6°F). Situated at the center of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, near the Southern Pole of Cold, Vostok Station was opened on December 16, 1957, during the International Geophysical Year.

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