Which Are the Coldest Countries in the World? Find Out India’s Rank!
When it comes to extreme cold, a few countries dominate the global rankings with frigid temperatures that test the limits of human survival. Surprisingly, India's northernmost regions also find a spot in this icy club. Read on to discover the coldest countries and India's place on the list!
The Top Coldest Countries
The Top Coldest Countries
1. Russia
- Average Winter Temperature: Around -40°C (-40°F).
- Known for: Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited place, recording a bone-chilling -67.8°C (-89.9°F).
- Russia’s vast size and Arctic proximity make its winters legendary, with Siberia enduring months of heavy snowfall and frost.
2. Canada
- Average Annual Temperature: -4.2°C (24°F).
- Record Low: -63°C (-81.4°F).
- While its southern regions experience milder winters, Canada’s northern territories face Arctic cold, especially near the Circle.
3. Greenland
- Climate: Predominantly Arctic.
- Often experiencing below -50°C (-58°F), Greenland remains icy with its expansive glaciers and polar conditions dominating life.
4. Mongolia
- Harshest Winters: -55.3°C (-67.5°F).
- Extreme continental climate leads to sharp seasonal fluctuations. Mongolian nomads depend on traditional yurts to brave the cold.
5. Norway
- Coldest Recorded Temperature: -51.4°C (-60.5°F) in Karasjok.
- Inland areas endure frigid winters, while coastal zones benefit from the milder influence of the North Atlantic Current.
Other Notable Countries
- Kyrgyzstan: Mountainous regions hit -53.6°C (-64.5°F).
- Finland: Polar nights and consistent snow make winters here uniquely severe.
- Iceland: Mild coastal winters but freezing highlands offer stark contrasts.
- Tajikistan: Record lows of -63°C (-81.4°F) in its mountain ranges.
- Sweden & Estonia: Harsh Arctic influences dominate winters with extensive snowfalls.
India: A Surprising Entry at Rank 17
Lowest Temperatures: -45°C (-49°F) in Ladakh’s Himalayan regions.
While much of India is tropical, its northern territories like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are marked by heavy snow and freezing winters.
Key Highlights: These regions thrive on winter tourism, with snow sports and picturesque landscapes drawing adventurers from across the globe.
The Coldest Places in the World
- Coldest Place in Asia: Oymyakon, Russia, earning the title of "Pole of Cold" with record lows of −67.7°C (−89.9°F).
- World’s Coldest Spot: Antarctica’s Vostok Station, where temperatures hit a staggering -89.2°C (−128.6°F).
Wrap-Up: Braving the Freeze
Surviving in these icy regions is no easy feat. From Siberian snowscapes to Ladakh's Himalayan chill, these cold zones showcase both nature's extremes and human resilience. While India’s frigid pockets might seem unexpected, they highlight the country’s diverse climate, offering a rare contrast to its sun-soaked reputation.