The Coldest Places in the World to Live
Explore the most frigid inhabited places on Earth, from icy towns in Siberia to polar research stations.
While many of us complain about the winter chill, for residents of the world’s coldest inhabited places, subzero temperatures are not just seasonal—they are a defining aspect of daily life. Experiencing months with virtually no sunlight, frostbitten winds, and ground locked in permafrost, these locales represent the ultimate test of endurance, adaptation, and ingenuity. From remote Arctic settlements to sprawling Siberian cities, these regions not only push the limits of human habitation but also unveil the extraordinary resilience of communities who call these icy corners home.
Why Some Places are Colder Than Others
The coldest areas on Earth share several environmental and geographic factors:
- Latitude: Proximity to the poles leads to reduced sunlight and extreme cold, especially during winter months.
- Elevation: Higher altitudes, like plateaus or mountains, lose heat rapidly.
- Distance from Oceans: Inland regions do not benefit from the heat-moderating effects of large bodies of water.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Clear, dry air and calm winds allow heat to radiate away from the surface.
- Permafrost: Soil that remains permanently frozen, which influences infrastructure and vegetation.
With these drivers in mind, let’s explore the ten coldest inhabited places on the planet—locales where winter is not a passing season, but an enduring reality.
1. Vostok Station, Antarctica
Coldest recorded temperature: -128.6°F (-89.2°C)
Type: Research Station
Located at the heart of the East Antarctic Plateau, Vostok Station holds the record for the lowest natural temperature directly measured at Earth’s surface. Operated by Russia, this isolated research station sits more than 1,000 miles from the South Pole, atop nearly 12,000 feet of ice. The long polar night, thin air, and windless conditions result in extreme radiative heat loss, driving temperatures to their world-record lows. Only scientific personnel inhabit Vostok, working in shifts and relying on imported supplies for survival.
2. Oymyakon, Russia
Coldest recorded temperature: -96°F (-71.2°C)
Population: ~500 residents
Dubbed the “Pole of Cold,” Oymyakon is widely recognized as the coldest permanently inhabited settlement on Earth. This rural village in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) of northeastern Siberia sits in a valley that traps cold air, leading to a subarctic climate with lengthy, harsh winters. The mercury can stay below freezing for up to nine months a year. Residents use wood and coal for heat, and vehicles are often kept running to prevent freezing. Daily life revolves around adaptation: schools close only when it’s colder than -55°C, and plumbing systems are built above ground to prevent bursting from permafrost.
3. Verkhoyansk, Russia
Coldest recorded temperature: -90°F (-67.7°C)
Population: ~1,300 residents
Sharing the “Pole of Cold” title with Oymyakon, Verkhoyansk is nestled within the Arctic Circle, and is distinguished by its continentality—the dramatic seasonal swings in temperature. The town holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest temperature range on Earth, having recorded temperatures spanning from -90°F in winter to over 100°F (38°C) in summer. The economy relies on reindeer herding, fur, and fishing—and residents are renowned for their resourcefulness in facing each new winter.
4. North Ice, Greenland
Coldest recorded temperature: -87°F (-66.1°C)
Type: (Former) Research Station
North Ice was a British scientific station located in central Greenland’s ice sheet. Though formerly inhabited only by rotating teams of meteorologists and glaciologists, its winter temperature records stand among the coldest ever measured outside Antarctica. The legacy of North Ice underlines Greenland’s enormity—over 80% of its surface is perpetually covered in ice.
5. Yakutsk, Russia
Average January temperature: -38°C (-37°F)
Coldest recorded temperature: -83.9°F (-64.4°C)
Population: ~300,000 residents
Yakutsk is the largest city constructed on continuous permafrost, with schools, buildings, and roads permanently at nature’s mercy. Winters linger from October to April, and the city is often shrouded in thick winter fog due to the frigid air meeting water vapor. Despite these extremes, Yakutsk is vibrant and prosperous, flourishing on mineral resources like diamonds and gold—proof that even colossal cold cannot hinder human industry or culture. Residents don fur clothing and host annual “Pole of Cold” festivals to celebrate their unique climate.
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6. Snag, Yukon, Canada
Coldest recorded temperature: -81.4°F (-63°C)
Population: Currently uninhabited (formerly 8-10 permanent residents)
Snag, a now-abandoned meteorological station and village, is famous for Canada’s coldest ever temperature. Built during World War II as a refueling stop for military planes, it once supported a handful of workers. The record cold snap in 1947 is legendary throughout the Yukon, where even today, sprawling wilderness and starlit polar nights define life for those living in nearby settlements.
7. Norilsk, Russia
Average January temperature: -27°C (-16°F)
Coldest recorded temperature: -63.6°F (-53.1°C)
Population: ~180,000 residents
Norilsk is the world’s northernmost city of over 100,000 inhabitants, located deep within the Russian Arctic, well above the Arctic Circle. Built on continuous permafrost, Norilsk is also notorious for environmental challenges resulting from its massive nickel-mining industry, making it one of the most polluted cities globally. Despite its unforgiving cold and months of polar night or midnight sun, Norilsk boasts robust urban infrastructure: schools, theaters, and public transport all adapted for subzero operations.
8. Eureka, Nunavut, Canada
Average annual temperature: -1.8°F (-18.8°C)
Coldest recorded temperature: -67.5°F (-55.3°C)
Population: <10 permanent (mainly research staff)
Eureka is not a traditional town but an active weather and research outpost on Ellesmere Island, one of the world’s most remote locations. With almost total darkness from October to February, it is considered Canada’s coldest weather station. Permanent staff rotate through short shifts to avoid the increasingly hostile conditions brought on by the deep Arctic winter. Wildlife such as polar bears, arctic foxes, and muskoxen far outnumber humans.
9. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Average January temperature: -23°C (-9°F)
Coldest recorded temperature: -49°C (-56°F)
Population: ~1.5 million residents
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is the coldest national capital city on Earth. Its climate is shaped by a high-altitude continental location—over 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level—and the influence of Siberian air masses. Winters are relentlessly dry and cold, while summers are brief and warm. Close to half the city’s population live in traditional “ger” tents, which are portable yet well-insulated for the climate. Urban infrastructure grapples with the challenges posed by extreme temperature shifts and persistent air pollution during months of coal heating.
10. Harbin, China
Average January temperature: -17°C (1°F)
Coldest recorded temperature: -42.6°C (-44.7°F)
Population: ~10 million residents (metro area)
Known as the “Ice City” of China, Harbin is celebrated worldwide for its spectacular annual Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, which attracts artists and visitors to marvel at intricately carved frozen palaces. Despite bitterly cold winters and lengthy stretches of snow, Harbin boasts a vibrant, multicultural metropolitan life, influenced by Russian and European architectural heritage. The city is a testament to thriving civilization amidst Siberian cold fronts and frosty winds.
The Science Behind Surviving Extreme Cold
Adapting to prolonged freezing temperatures demands ingenuity, cultural resilience, and robust technologies. Key survival strategies developed and used in these places include:
- Insulated architecture: Homes and offices employ thick walls, double- or triple-glazed windows, and sometimes external heating systems.
- Above-ground infrastructure: In permafrost regions, water pipes and buildings are often elevated to avoid thawing the frozen ground and causing structural collapse.
- Specialized clothing: Residents utilize layers of wool, fur, and thermal garments to retain body heat and prevent frostbite.
- Alternative transportation: Snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and dog sleds are commonplace for travel during impassable winter months.
- Diet: High-calorie traditional foods (e.g., fish, reindeer, dairy) help generate extra body heat for survival in severe temperatures.
Daily Life: Challenges and Culture
Life in the coldest inhabited places entails unique routines and challenges:
- Limited daylight: Some Arctic communities endure months of “polar night,” while others enjoy prolonged summer daylight.
- Food security: The growing season is brief or nonexistent, creating reliance on preserved and imported foods.
- Isolation: Harsh conditions and remoteness disrupt travel, communication, and access to services.
- Community spirit: Festivals, storytelling, and shared rituals foster social bonds and resilience.
- Cultural adaptation: Indigenous skills, communal heating, and adaptive customs remain central to survival and well-being.
Table: Comparison of the Coldest Inhabited Places
| Place | Country | Type | Coldest Recorded Temp (°F) | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vostok Station | Antarctica | Research Station | -128.6 | Variable (Seasonal Scientists) |
| Oymyakon | Russia | Village | -96 | 500 |
| Verkhoyansk | Russia | Town | -90 | 1,300 |
| North Ice | Greenland | Research Station (Former) | -87 | 0 (Closed) |
| Yakutsk | Russia | City | -84 | 300,000 |
| Snag | Canada | Village (Abandoned) | -81.4 | 0 |
| Norilsk | Russia | City | -63.6 | 180,000 |
| Eureka | Canada | Weather Station | -67.5 | 10 |
| Ulaanbaatar | Mongolia | City | -56 | 1,500,000 |
| Harbin | China | City | -44.7 | 10,000,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the coldest inhabited place on Earth?
A: Oymyakon, Russia, is widely regarded as the coldest permanently inhabited settlement, with temperatures reaching as low as -96°F (-71.2°C).
Q: How do residents survive such extreme cold?
A: Locals adapt through insulated clothing and housing, above-ground infrastructure, calorie-rich diets, and a strong sense of community.
Q: Why are these cold places inhabited at all?
A: Many cold towns originated as mining, research, or trading outposts, and have persisted due to economic opportunity, scientific value, or indigenous settlement.
Q: Can tourists visit the coldest places?
A: Some, like Harbin and Yakutsk, welcome adventurous tourists, particularly during local festivals. Others, like Vostok Station, restrict access to personnel.
Q: What are the dangers of living in such cold climates?
A: Frostbite, hypothermia, psychological challenges such as isolation, and limited food or medical access are significant risks.
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