Coldest Destinations Worldwide

In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for cold destinations. Cooler conditions can often feel more manageable than warmer ones, especially as the world continues to get hotter. Snowy environments present unique opportunities, from thrilling activities like skiing to the cosy atmosphere of a wintery walk.

These are some of the coldest places in the world to consider for your next trip abroad.

Antarctica (East Antarctica Plateau)

Antarctica, specifically the East Antarctica Plateau, is the coldest place on earth. Temperatures can reach a shocking -98°C (-144°F)! Scientists have found that for weather conditions to get this cold, the skies must be clear and the air extremely dry; otherwise, water vapour will trap the heat.

One of the many things that makes Antarctica unique to most continents is that it only has two seasons: winter and summer. (More or less) Six months of daylight make up its summer, while six months of darkness make up its night. It's recommended that people visit Antarctica during the summer (October-March) as the weather is more manageable and the wildlife is easier to spot.

Antarctica is an excellent destination for adventurers, especially since it is the least explored continent. Visitors can watch wildlife such as penguins and seals, hike glaciers, and challenge themselves to the earth's coldest conditions. However, as it's an environmentally protected location, you must be responsible if partaking in any of these activities.

Because of how cold Antarctica is, the continent has no permanent residents. Instead, people stay for specific periods either for tourism or research purposes. If you want to visit, you will need to obtain a permit. If you arrange to travel with a specific Antarctica tour group, they'll sort it for you. Otherwise, you'll have to acquire the permit yourself. Only certain nationalities can get this permit, though. To be able to apply, your country must be a part of the Antarctic Treaty. Some countries that are part of this include the UK, USA, France, Australia and Norway. A total of 57 countries are included in the Antarctic Treaty, so make sure to check if yours is one of them.

Antarctica's only airports/airbases are for research/military purposes and, therefore, aren't available to the general public. The nearest commercial airport is the Punta Arenas International Airport in Chile. After that, you'll want to get a boat to arrive or cruise to enjoy the sights on the way.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Chile: LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Iberia✈️

Russia (Oymyakon)

Oymyakon, in the Sakha Republic of Russia, is the coldest inhabited place in the world. Its lowest-ever recorded temperature was -71.2°C (-96.16°F). The average temperature in Oymyakon during the winter is a freezing -50°C (-58°F).

Living in such a cold location means that the 500 people of Oymyakon have had to adapt to a very different way of life than most of us would be used to. One of the key differences is diet. Because the ground is frozen over, crops can't grow, and with the village being so remote, it's hard to transport goods regularly. Therefore, the residents will rely mostly on a meat-based diet. Their carnivorous diet primarily consists of reindeer meat and frozen fish.

To live in Oymyakon is to survive, and the freezing conditions don't make for an easy existence. However, it might surprise you to know that the average life expectancy there is an incredible 100 years old! In fact, some research shows that people who live in colder climates tend to live longer than those in hot ones!

It's possible to visit Oymyakon. Adventure tours are available for extreme travellers. If you decide to visit the coldest inhabited destination on earth, be aware that it has hardly any residents for a reason. The harsh conditions should only be attempted if you're in good health and have thoroughly researched Oymyakon beforehand.

The nearest international airport to Oymyakon is Yakutsk Airport (YKS). Following your arrival at the airport, it's both easiest and safest to travel to Oymyakon with a highly rated and experienced tour group. More than a full day of nonstop driving is required to get from Yakutsk to Oymyakon, but tour groups will stop at several locations over multiple days, giving you lots to explore on the way!

✈️Popular airlines flying to Russia: Aeroflot, British Airways, Emirates✈️

Greenland (Ittoqqortoormiit)

The Klinck weather station in Greenland constantly battles Oymyakon for which location has the coldest conditions. However, currently, Oymyakon is just beating it, as the weather station's lowest ever recorded temperature is, a still freezing, -69.6°C (-93.3°F). However, unlike Oymyakon, the weather station is uninhabited and is only ever occupied when people are there for research. The coldest part of Greenland that is inhabited, however, is Ittoqqortoormiit.

Ittoqqortoormiit is a settlement to the east of Greenland with a population of 345. Its winter average is -12.8°C (8.9°F), which, although much warmer than the previous destinations mentioned, is still shiveringly cold.

Ittoqqortoormiit has often been referred to as the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere. Living permanently in such a secluded area has its own adventures and challenges. With how isolated the settlement is, its people rely on hunting to eat. Animals they'll commonly hunt include the musk ox, polar bear, walrus and whale. In Greenland, because of the decline of these species, Ittoqqortoormiit locals can only hunt a specific amount of these creatures a year and are not allowed to sell/give the produce to anyone who isn't in the Ittoqqortoormiit area.

Ittoqqortoormiit can be a wonderful place to visit because it presents cold conditions that are perfect for extreme travellers whilst also posing less risk than other very cold locations. Ittoqqortoormiit is home to the world's largest national park and allows visitors to experience the incredible beauty of the arctic wilderness through its wildlife and scenic views.

The easiest route to Ittoqqortoormiit is to arrive in Iceland at Akureyri International Airport (AEY) and then travel to the municipality by helicopter, boat, or snowmobile.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Iceland: Icelandair, easyJet, Norlandair✈️

Tajikistan (Bulunkul)

The Republic of Tajikistan, in central Asia, is one of the coldest countries in the world. Its lowest temperature was an extremely chilly -63°C (-81.4°F)—at Lake Bulunkul. The average winter temperature in Bulunkul is -55°C (-67°F).

Bulunkul is in the southeast of Tajikistan and is inhabited by a small village. There are about 20 houses in Bulunkul, and most of its occupants are livestock breeders who will farm species like the yak. That said, the village is still large enough to have its own school, shop and medical station.

Lake Bulunkul is an idyllic destination. During the summer, you'll see bright blue waters and sandy slopes, while in the winter, you'll witness the lake frozen over and the snow beside it fresh and untouched. Although the views are stunning, tourists account that their favourite part of Bulunkul was actually getting to meet the locals and experiencing such an interesting way of life.

No planes are flying to Bulunkul; instead, your best bet would be to arrive at Dushanbe International Airport (DYU), which serves the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. There's a significant distance between the airport and Bulunkul, so if you're visiting the country, why not explore the various locations on your way?

Tajikistan is rich with things to do, from historical buildings, to nature so magnificent that it will take your breath away.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Tajikistan: Tajik Air, Turkish Airlines, Jazeera Airways✈️

Canada (Yukon)

Canada is the coldest country in North America. Its coldest ever recorded temperature was -63.0°C (-81.4°F) in a village called Snag in the Canadian territory of Yukon, northwest of the country. Snag is a small, remote town with a close-knit population of around 8-10 families.

The subarctic climate means that most of Yukon (including Snag) experiences fleeting summers and long, severe winters. The average winter temperature is -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F).

The territory of Yukon has a population of around 44,160, with a growth of 2.4% in 2023. One reason for the rise in Yukon's inhabitants is its high quality of life. The exceptional views of snow-dusted mountain tops and dark green subalpine firs allow its residents and visitors to experience a world of nature untouched by the concrete and fake trees that make up many of today's cities.

Those interested in visiting Yukon will find plenty of hikes and walking tours available, as well as cosy lodgings to unwind afterwards. Further activities include the Kluane National Park and Reserve, where you will witness icy fields and towering peaks, and the Miles Canyon, nestled between snowy banks.

If you want to visit Yukon, you'll arrive at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) in Whitehorse, Yukon. Unfortunately, Snag can be quite tricky to get to. However, if you do decide to visit the Yukon area, you'll find plenty of easily accessible locations that are just as beautiful and require just as many layers.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Canada: Air Canada, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways✈️

America (Alaska)

Right behind Snag for the lowest temperature in North America comes Alaska, with only a single degree Celsius difference. Alaska's lowest-ever recorded temperature was −62.2 °C (−80 °F) in Prospect Creek.

Prospect Creek was once a small settlement in the northeast of Alaska. Unfortunately, the extreme conditions made life there too difficult, and today, it's uninhabited. Just 290 km from Prospect Creek is the city of Fairbanks, which is now the official coldest inhabited place in America.

Fairbanks has a population of 31,856. However, it's currently on a slight decline due to lowered birth rates and more people leaving the city than moving in. However, its tourism is blossoming, particularly in the winter months.

Fairbanks is a charming tourist destination with plenty of things to do for international and domestic travellers alike. One of the most popular things to do in Alaska is watch the northern lights, which can be seen from mid-August to mid-April. Witness a marvel of brilliant greens and purples, one of nature's most fascinating and enchanting sights. Meanwhile, some fun daytime activities in Fairbanks include sledging, skiing, and hiking.

For those interested in visiting, you'll be happy to know that Fairbanks has its own airport—Fairbanks International (FAI)—which conveniently brings you to America's coldest destination.

✈️Popular airlines flying to America: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta✈️

Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar)

The coldest temperature recorded in Mongolia was -58°C (-72.4°F) at Uvs Lake. It's the largest lake in Mongolia and is home to many endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Roe deer, Asiatic ibex, and more.

Ulaanbaatar is the coldest inhabited place in Mongolia and the coldest capital city in the world. At night, it can get as cold as -40°C. Ulaanbaatar's chilliness is due to a combination of its high elevation and latitude, as well as the impacts of the Siberian anticyclone.

1.7 million people live in Ulaanbaatar, which is about 45% of Mongolia's total population. Such a large portion of the country is in one place because living in the city, despite its cold, is more manageable than living in rural areas, where transportation access is much more difficult, and there are fewer modern heating systems. Those who live away from the city tend to be farmers. Lots of Mongolian farmers will own goats that they farm for their cashmere. Despite Mongolia's small population size, it's the second biggest cashmere producer.

Those interested in visiting the coldest capital city in the world will find plenty of activities in and around the city. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a great location to let you see some of Mongolia's natural beauty, from its sloping hills to its glacial lakes. If you'd rather see some of Mongolia's human-made beauty, you can visit the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum of Mongolia. The museum is inside a Buddhist Temple and holds many historical artefacts. Buddhism is the main religion of Mongolia and is practised by 87.1% of its population.  

If you want to visit the coldest capital city in the world, you'll arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), which is 52 kilometres south of the city centre. Whether you're travelling via car or public transport, it will take you about an hour and ten minutes.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Mongolia: Aero Mongolia, Korean Air, Air China✈️

Kazakhstan (The Akmola Region)

The lowest recorded temperature in Kazakhstan was -57 С°, which occurred in Atbasar in the Akmola region. However, the average winter temperature there is about -16.9°C (1.6°F).

The Akmola province is located to the north of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has a continental climate, which leads to warm summers and freezing winters. Temperatures reached their record peak at 49.1°C (120.4°F) to the south of the country! One of the reasons why Kazakhstan's climate is so diverse and extreme is because the country's so far from all oceans. Places that are by the coast tend to experience mild winters and cooler summers, but because Kazakhstan doesn't get this, you'll see very intense weather conditions.

If you can handle the climate, the Akmola province has an abundance of gorgeous outdoor locations to explore and distinctive sceneries due to its especially steppe landscape. One great place to visit is the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped 62-meter-tall piece of architecture. It was designed to reflect the importance of coexistence between faiths. To learn more about Kazakhstan's history, you can visit the country's national museum in Astana, a part of the Akmola region and also the capital of Kazakhstan.

The easiest way to reach the Akmola region is to arrive at the capital's airport, Astana International (NQZ). This will immediately place you in Kazakhstan's vibrant capital, a city known for its unique architecture.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Kazakhstan: Air Astana, Pegasus Airlines, Flydubai✈️

Kyrgyzstan (The Naryn region)

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Asia. Many of the countries surrounding it are on this page, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and China; only Uzbekistan didn't quite make it. So many of the coldest countries come from central Asia because they're so far from the ocean that there's no water buffering, which is vital for regulating temperature.  

Kyrgyzstan's lowest-ever temperature was −53.6°C (−64.5°F), and it regularly sees winters as chilly in the north as -27°C (-16.6°F).

The Naryn region is the coldest part of the country and is revered for its beauty. There are plenty of must-see landmarks. One of these includes the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, which is a fantastic location for those interested in history. It's a well-preserved, 15-century Caravansera (a roadside inn) that will make you feel like you've been transported into another era.

Nature lovers will adore Song-Kul Lake, which offers pristine blue waters and spongey green grass. It's a high-altitude alpine lake with remarkable wildlife nestled amongst the beautiful terrain. Some animals you might see include foxes, deer, and herds of wild horses.

To arrive in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, you'll land at Naryn Airport (UCFN). This airport currently only offers domestic flights but is undergoing renovations that should make international flights possible. For now, your best bet is to arrive at Manas International Airport (FRU) and then get a domestic flight.

✈️Popular airlines flying to Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz Airlines, airBaltic, Air Astana✈️

China (Mohe City)

China's lowest-ever temperature was an extremely chilly −53.0 °C (−63.4°F) in Mohe City. Mohe is in the Heilongjiang province, the country's furthest northern city. The average temperature in Mohe City is −28.2°C (−18.8°F). Mohe City experiences such cold conditions because it's so far north. It's boarded by Russia and will often be exposed to harsh winds travelling from Siberia.

Mohe City is another location where you can see the northern lights, which can be observed and enjoyed from late September to late March. Mohe experiences long winters with plenty of snow, making it an excellent destination for activity travellers interested in sledging and skiing. Mohe also has some bountiful locations for fishing and plenty of snowy forests for the perfect winter stroll.

Some enjoyable specific activities available in Mohe are Beijicun Forest Park, a serene woodland to explore. If you want to visit somewhere cold to get into the Christmas spirit, then Mohe City is the place for you. Their Santa Claus House is a cosy theme park, perfect for a magical Christmas day out with the kids.

Mohe has its own airport, Mohe Gulian (OHE), but this only offers domestic flights. For those not flying from within the country, you can arrive at Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) first, which will then allow you to fly to Mohe.

✈️Popular airlines flying to China: Jet2, Finnair, China Southern Airlines✈️

Let's keep the world cool

2018 data shows that commercial aviation contributes to 2.4% of the world's CO2 emissions. Global warming is a serious concern, and as temperatures continue to rise, many airlines are aiming to reduce their carbon footprint by adapting their aircrafts to be more environmentally friendly. Many of the airlines mentioned in this article have been taking steps to provide a greener future for air travel.

Some environmentally friendly airlines talked about earlier:

• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Easyjet
• British Airways
• Etihad
• Air Canada
• China Airlines

For further information on what makes these airlines green and tricks to lower your carbon
footprint while in the skies, please read through our page on Eco-friendly flights.

End Note

Those are the ten coldest destinations worldwide. For the people who inhabit these places, life is full of challenges yet rewards. The peaceful nature, from snowy fields to the northern lights, can make survival that little bit easier. For extreme travellers and snow lovers interested in visiting these locations, book tickets with Alternative Airlines for a wintry adventure.