Earth’s average temperature of 61 degrees F is 16C. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Vostok Station in Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. It once reached minus 128.6 F (minus 89.5 C). However, humans can survive in any environment, be it the deserts without water, or the rugged mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, inundated islands, mangroves, or seashores. Here’s a list of the coldest countries on the planet.
1.Antarctica – Below 100° below zero
Antarctica is the southernmost continent, and is surrounded by the ocean. With over 14,200,000 square kilometers, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world. It is roughly the same size as the United States and Mexico. Or you could say that it is 1.3 times the size of Europe. The average thickness of Antarctica’s ice is 1.9 kms (1.2 miles). This region holds 90% of all ice on Earth and 70% of all the fresh water in the entire world. High winds and a lack of water make the region habitable. It is also home to the least amount of food and shelter in the world. Antarctica is, on average the coldest, dryest, and windiest continent.
2.Kazakhstan – Winters down to -20 degrees Celsius
The Republic of Kazakhstan, also known as Kazakhstan, is a country located in the middle of Asia and Eastern Europe. It is located in the Arctic circle, and shares its border with Russia and China. The country’s winter temperatures drop below zero, so the inhabitants resort to ice fishing and other interesting strategies to deal with this cold climate. It was once part of the Soviet Union, and the majority of its terrain was covered in snow. Between July and August is the best time to visit Kazakhstan.
3.Russia – Below 0°C in Summer
The Russian Federation, officially known as Russia, is the largest and coldest country in the world. Nearly all regions in Russia are extremely cold throughout the year. Even during summers, it is between 0 and 1 degree. The Communist regime used the northernmost Siberia to exile prisoners for many years. This area is now permanently covered with snow. Russia’s Oymyakon is the coldest place to live. The lowest recorded temperature was -67.8degC, which is also the lowest temperature anywhere in the world except Antarctica.
4.Greenland- Below zero degrees Celsius
Greenland is the largest non-continental landlocked island in the world and the largest dependent territory. The country has no summer and is covered in snow throughout the year, despite its name. In summer there can be up to 22 hours of sunshine and in winter it is as short as 3 hours. Greenland, which is high up in the Arctic, has a subarctic to an arctic climate. It experiences cool summers with very cold winters. Greenland’s sun does not set between May 25th and July 25th. This phenomenon is called the “midnight sun”. It is best to visit Greenland between June and September.
5.Canada – Winters as low as -40° Celsius
Canada is the northernmost country in North America. Named after the word “Kanata”, the name refers to the settlement or village in the language spoken by the native St Lawrence Iroquoians. Canada has large amounts of greenery and lakes. However, during winters almost all of Canada’s regions receive snowfall. The temperature can drop as low as 40 degrees below zero. Canada is the neighbor of Greenland, and temperatures can drop to as low as 40 degrees Celsius. Between September and November is the best time to visit Canada. Canada’s major cities are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
6.United States – Below zero degrees Celsius for most northern cities
The United States, located south of Canada, is one of the coldest countries on the planet. However, not all areas of the country are the same temperature. The country’s northern regions receive snowfall in the winter. It is below freezing in many northern cities, so it is best to visit between May and September. High altitude areas of the country are more likely to see snowfall. The USA is third in population.
7.Iceland- Below -10 degrees Celsius
The Republic of Iceland, also known officially as Iceland, is also the coldest country in the world. It has temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius. Icelandic, also known as Land of Fire and Ice, is the official language of Iceland. The country is green in summer and almost all of its regions are covered with snow in winter. Because of its humid air, vegetation can grow more easily in this country. The Central Highlands is the coldest region of Iceland. The northern region experiences sub-zero temperatures throughout the year. You can see the Northern Lights of the country best from September to April.
8.Finland – 45-degree Celsius winters in Northern Finland
Officially known as the Republic of Finland, Finland is one of coldest countries on the planet. The temperature in Northern Finland can drop to -45 degrees Celsius during winter. It shares its borders with Russia, Norway, Sweden and Norway. The Scandinavian country is located in the north of Europe, and enjoys a long winter season. Nearly all areas of the country experience heavy snowfall and cold waves in the winter season. The temperature drops to -30° Celsius in Helsinki’s coastal areas. Between May and September is the best time to visit.
9.Sweden – Northern Sweden often experiences winter temperatures as low as -30°C
The Kingdom of Sweden, officially known as Sweden, is one of the coldest countries on the planet. Winter temperatures can drop to -30C in Sweden’s northernmost regions. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, can be seen above the Arctic Circle. It is visible during the dark winter months in Sweden. Although the country has long winters, the snowfall is much lower than in other countries. The lowest temperature in Sweden was December 13, 1941 at Malgovik (Lappland) with a temperature that was -53.0 degrees Celsius (-63.4 degrees F).
10.Estonia- -6.6 degrees Celsius (20.1degF)
Estonia, officially called the Republic of Estonia, is one of the coldest countries in the world with an average temperature of -6.6 Celsius (20.1degF). In winter, the temperature in Europe can drop to -36 degrees Celsius and can even reach 35 degrees Celsius in summer. Although the summer’s longest day is 19 hours long, the winter’s shortest day is only 6 hours. Estonia’s best months to visit are May through August. It is also one the most visited tourist destinations in the world.
11.Mongolia (As low at -30 degrees Celsius in Winters
Mongolia, located in East Asia, is one of the most cold countries in the world. It is known for its rugged landscapes and nomadic culture. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is also the coldest capital. It has an average annual temperature of -0.4 degrees Celsius (31.3 degrees F). Because it boasts more than 260 sunny days per year, it is known as the “Land of the Blue Sky”. It can experience temperature swings of more than 35 degrees per day. Due to the extreme climate, people had to eat mainly dairy products, meat, or animal fats. The Buddhist population makes up the majority, while the rest of the population are non-religious.
12.Norway (From 10°C to 1°C)
Norway is officially called the Kingdom of Norway. It was once known as Nordweg, which means the “Northern Way”. Oslo is the capital of the country and the largest city. Karasjok, which is one of the coldest countries in the globe, has the lowest recorded temperature at -51.4C/-60.5F. It is also home to the Winter Olympics’ most successful country. It shares its border with Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
13.China (From 15°C to 3°C)
China is an independent country in East Asia. It has more than 1.38 billion citizens living within its borders. Hanzhong, the coldest area in China, has been measured at -41 degrees using meteorological equipment from Hanzhong’s observatory. Beijing is the capital of the country and the second-largest in China, after Shanghai. The country’s geography is very diverse, with mountains, plains and river deltas to the east, as well deserts that make some places extremely cold in winter. Mount Everest, which is the highest point in China, lies at the border of China & Nepal.
14.Denmark (Zero Degrees Celsius (above freezing) in January and Februar in Copenhagen
Officially known as the Kingdom Of Denmark, Denmark shares its border with Sweden and Germany as well as the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and North Sea. Although it is not extremely cold, the winters can be too cold for the country to experience temperatures below freezing. This includes January and February in Copenhagen. On 8 January 1982, the lowest temperature recorded in the country was -31.2 degrees Celsius in Thisted Municipality in North Denmark Region.
15.Latvia (-6.6 degrees Celsius (20.1degF)
Latvia is a country located in Northern Europe that is known for its rich culture, beaches and vast forests. On February 8, 1956, Latvia’s lowest temperature was -43.2 degrees Celsius (-45.8 degrees F) at Daugavpils. Officially called the Republic of Latvia, Riga is one of the coldest regions. The average daily high temperature is only 11 degrees centigrade. Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city, is home to about one-third of Latvians. Forests account for 42% of the country’s territory.