Many people know the cities of France, Russia and Norway as some of the coldest cities in the world. But there are other cold cities that people may not be familiar with.
Climate is one of the most important selection factors when choosing a city to live in. Cold weather can make all the difference in what you can and cannot do. However, cold cities are often preferred by tourists to enjoy their winter vacations. If you want to know where the coldest cities in the world in 2023 are, you should check out this blog post. It has ten of the coldest cities in the world. We are also providing the average temperatures of these cities.
10 Coldest Cities in the World in 2023
Let’s take a look at the ten coldest places in the world. These cities are some of the most extreme places on Earth with the lowest temperatures. Most of them are near the Arctic Circle.
| Coldest place in the world | Average Temperature |
| Yakutsk, Russia | +19.9 °C (67.8 °F) in July to −37.0 °C (−34.6 °F) in December |
| Oymyakon, Sakha Republic, Russia | +23.0 °C (73.4 °F) in July to −49.3 °C (−56.7 °F) in January |
| Harbin, Heilongjiang, China | +27.8 °C (82.0 °F) in July to −22.9 °C (−9.2 °F) in January |
| International Falls, Minnesota, United States | +25.4 °C (77.7 °F) in July to −21.0 °C (−5.8 °F) in January |
| Fraser, Colorado, United States | +24.9 °C (76.8 °F) in July to −18.3 °C (−0.9 °F) in January |
| Dudinka, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia | +19.1 °C (66.4 °F) in July to −31.0 °C (−24.0 °F) in January |
| Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | +25.5 °C (76.1 °F) in July to −25.9 °C (−14.6 °F) in January |
| Astana, Kazakhstan | +26.6 °C (79.9 °F) in July to −18.7 °C (−1.7 °F) in January |
| Erzurum, Turkey | +28.5 °C (79.9 °F) in August to −15.9 °C (−1.7 °F) in January |
| Golmud, Haixi, Qinghai, China | +25.3 °C (77.5 °F) in July to −14.2 °C (6.4 °F) in January |
Details of Top 10 Coldest Cities in the World
Yakutsk, Russia
Yakutsk, Russia is a place that people often say is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Nestled between the Lena and Indigirka Rivers, Yakutsk is surrounded by mountains and valleys. The city itself has a population of about 300,000 people, with a total of 1,500,000 people living in the surrounding area. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, with museums displaying significant collections of art and historical artifacts. Yakutsk is also one of the coldest cities in the world. In this city, people are required to wear winter clothes, a hat, and gloves when outside. Yakutsk is also a great place for skiing and snowboarding.
Oymyakon, Sakha Republic, Russia
Oymyakon is a village or rural city in the Sakha Republic, Russia. It is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. This city has a population of about 462 people and it is located around 1,833 miles from the North Pole. The village is nestled in the heart of Siberia, which is surrounded by mountains. When it comes to Oymyakon, Russia, it is important to prepare for weather conditions. The only way to survive here is by building a snow house or igloo that can protect you from extreme temperatures and snowstorms. What makes Oymyakon even more hostile is its remote location from any major city.
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
Harbin, China is a city that is known for its cold weather and beautiful snow. In the winter, Harbin’s average low temperature is -29 degrees Celsius (-9.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Harbin has a population of over 10 million people and is one of the most important industrial cities in China. This city is also famous for The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Harbin will always be a beautiful place to visit, but it’s important to know what you are getting into before you go.
International Falls, Minnesota, United States
The largest city in the state of Minnesota, International Falls is an adventure-filled destination. With its natural beauty and cultural history, the city offers visitors a wide range of attractions, including the Rainy River. In the winter, when the river is frozen, it is possible to walk across the river on foot. In the summer when the river is not frozen, people can take boats or ferries across. The city has a population of about 5,800 people and is famous for its natural attractions. International Falls is a great place to visit with family and friends.
Fraser, Colorado, United States
Fraser, Colorado is a small town in Grand County, Colorado that is home to many people who love the outdoors. The town is in the mountains, and the main attractions are skiing and hiking. Fraser has a population of around 1,402 people and is very close to the Rocky Mountains. The town is surrounded by several national forests, which makes for plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. Whether you’re into backpacking or just taking a leisurely walk through the forest, you will love Fraser City.
Dudinka, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Dudinka, Russia is a small town in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. It is located on the banks of the Yenisei River and is home to a small population of fewer than 23,000 people. The town is famous for its beautiful radio mast, as well as its natural beauty. The climate is cold throughout the year, with an average low temperature of -31°C in January and 19.2°C in July. Dudinka’s winter lasts from October to April and its summer from May to September.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and has an estimated population of 1.6 million. Located in the center of the country, it is located in the heart of Asia. It is a central hub for trade and transportation. The city is mainly made up of high-altitude areas and snow-capped mountains. It is the coldest capital city in the world. The temperature of this city hovers around 0 degree Celsius even in the month of April. In winter, the temperature can drop down to -40 degree celsius as well. Despite the extreme temperatures, Ulaanbaatar has a rich culture, a diverse population, and a history dating back centuries.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Astana is a city in central Asia. It is the capital and 2nd largest city of Kazakhstan. Its location in the north of Kazakhstan makes it cooler than the rest of the country. The average temperature for Astana in July is 26 degrees Celsius and the average low temperature in January is minus 18 degrees Celsius. The city receives a lot of snow every year which creates many opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Erzurum, Turkey
Erzurum is a city in Eastern Anatolia that is famous for its climate. Erzurum’s climate is influenced by the nearby Taurus Mountains and the Black Sea. The Taurus Mountains are covered in snow year-round, while the black Sea keeps the city’s temperature mild during the winter months. The city is famous for its Winter sports. It hosted the 2011 Winter Universiade.
Golmud, Haixi, Qinghai, China
Golmud is a city in Qinghai Province, China. The city is in the process of becoming a tourist destination because of its natural beauty and proximity to Tibet. The 2nd largest city of Qinghai Province, it is becoming one of the most important cities in China. The city is also the 3rd largest city in the Tibetan Plateau with a population of more than 200000 people. The city’s climate is influenced by the cold, dry air coming from the plateau. In addition, the elevation of Golmud is 2,809 meters (9,216 ft), which causes the temperature to be colder than that of other places in China.
Frequently Asked Question
Russia is the coldest country in the world in terms of the coldest temperature ever recorded.
Yakutsk, Russia is the coldest city in Europe.
Liawenee is the coldest permanently-inhabited place in Australia.
Currently, Jacobabad city in Pakistan is considered the hottest city.
