Harshest Hometowns You'd Swear to Avoid, Due to Brutal Cold Climates
Unbearably cold cities that'll freeze your bones, and your heart, if you're not careful.
Brace yourself, because these frostbite-inducing locations won't exactly warm your heart (or your fingers). From Russia's icy tundra to Canada's unforgiving winds, this list showcases the top 10 coldest cities on Earth that'll likely have you questioning your life choices.
1. Oymyakon, Russia: Where Boiling Water Turns to Ice
Nestled deep within Siberia, this icy town is often referred to as the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. The record low temperature here? A mind-numbing -67.7°C (-89.9°F).
- Avg. Winter Temp: -50°C (-58°F)
- Fun Fact: Cars are left idling 24/7 in winter to prevent engines from freezing.
- Survival Tip: Layering up is key, and forget about fresh veggies. Frozen fish and reindeer meat dominate the local diet.
2. Norilsk, Russia: Nature's Freezer
Another chilly Siberian town, Norilsk is known for its brutal combination of extreme cold and industrial pollution. This place experiences snow for over 200 days a year, with temperatures regularly dropping below -40°C (-40°F).
- Avg. Winter Temp: -30°C to -55°C (-22°F to -67°F)
- Unique Feature: It's one of the largest mining hubs globally, but the heavy smog and lack of sunlight during the polar night make it one of the most challenging places to live.
3. Yakutsk, Russia: Freezing Capital of the Sakha Republic
Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic, is one of the coldest major cities in the world. Despite its frigid winters, over 300,000 people call this city home.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -40°C to -50°C (-40°F to -58°F)
- Why People Stay: Surprisingly, Yakutsk has thriving cultural and educational institutions. Plus, the region is rich in natural resources.
- Extra Tip: Forget wearing metal glasses outdoors in winter—freezing temperatures increase the risk of frostbite on your face.
4. International Falls, USA: America's Icebox
Nicknamed "The Icebox of the Nation," International Falls, Minnesota, earns its icy reputation with brutal winters.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -20°C (-4°F), but it feels colder with the windchill.
- Claim to Fame: This small town hosts an annual "Icebox Days" festival to celebrate (or mock) its icy climate. Events include frozen turkey bowling and snowshoe racing.
5. Barrow (Utqiagvik), Alaska: Northernmost City in the US
Located north of the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik experiences extreme cold and months of darkness during the polar night.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -25°C (-13°F)
- Unique Feature: The sun disappears for about 65 days each year, leaving residents in complete darkness.
- Survival Factor: Oil and gas industries provide jobs, and the local Inupiat community thrives on traditional practices like whaling.
6. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The Coldest Capital City
Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, experiences freezing temperatures for much of the year.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -25°C to -35°C (-13°F to -31°F)
- What Sets It Apart: Mongolia's nomadic traditions and festivals like Naadam continue to thrive despite the harsh weather.
7. Winnipeg, Canada: Winter Peg
Winnipeg is no stranger to freezing winters, with temperatures frequently dipping below -30°C. In fact, the city's snow-clearing budget is larger than its entire parks department budget.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F)
- Why People Love It Anyway: Winnipeg boasts a vibrant arts scene and some of the friendliest people in Canada.
8. Nuuk, Greenland: Arctic Isolation
Greenland's capital, Nuuk, is both beautiful and challenging to live in, with Arctic winds and icy temperatures.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -7°C to -20°C (19°F to -4°F)
- What Makes It Special: Incredible views of fjords and the northern lights.
9. Harbin, China: Ice Festival City
Harbin embraces its frigid winters with the world-famous Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. While the festival is magical, living in Harbin year-round is far from easy.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -20°C (-4°F)
- Highlight: Massive ice castles and sculptures attract millions of visitors annually.
10. Fairbanks, Alaska: The Frozen Frontier
Fairbanks, Alaska, is used to extreme cold, with temperatures often plummeting below -30°C. Despite the frigid conditions, it's a hotspot for northern lights enthusiasts.
- Avg. Winter Temp: -25°C to -35°C (-13°F to -31°F)
- Why People Visit: The opportunity to witness auroras dancing across the sky is worth every freezing moment.
The Bravery of Those Who Endure
Living in the world's coldest cities requires bravery, adaptability, and maybe a hefty dose of humor. While many would find the harsh conditions unbearable, people who call these cities home have developed remarkable resilience and ingenuity. From specialized housing and clothing to traditions and cultural practices, these cold cities continue to thrive, attracting adventurous souls and curious travelers. For the rest of us, getting a peek into these icy landscapes from the comfort of our warm homes is enough adventure for a lifetime.
These frostbite-inducing locations don't just test the physical limits of their residents, but also challenge the boundaries of environmental-science, particularly with regards to climate-change. For instance, the weather patterns of cities like Oymyakon, Norilsk, and Yakutsk are closely monitored by scientists to understand the impacts of a warming planet on extreme cold conditions. This research is crucial in predicting the future of our environment and adapting to the consequences of climate-change.
