Coldest cities in the world

Here are some of the coldest cities in the world historically. Please note that weather patterns can vary from year to year, so the rankings may change. Here are a few cities that are known for their extreme cold temperatures

#5 Yellowknife, Canada

Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is the only city and has the largest community in the Northwest Territories, with about 20,000 citizens. Besides being one of the coldest cities in the world, Yellowknife takes great pride in being the best place in the country to view the beautiful Northern Lights. During its dark and cooler months, Yellowknife will have winter lows of -26°C

#4 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is the country's capital and also the largest city in the region. The location sits 4,430 feet above sea level in the Mongolian steppes on the Tuul River, and it's the world's coldest national capital. You can take trips to see some stunning Buddhist temples and check out the impressive statue of Genghis Khan, which has its own complex complete with shops and a museum. In the summer, you can also take a Gobi desert tour on camels or horses.

The average temperature in January is -9 degrees Fahrenheit, but the lowest recorded temperature was -47 degrees Fahrenheit in 1957.

#3 Dudinka, Russia,

Dudinka, Russia, is the capital of Tayyria and is right on the water. The place is very remote and became an official settlement in 1667. The city's major industry is shipping the nickel mined nearby. When the river freezes over in the winter, there's an annual ice breakup that requires flooding the port deliberately. 

That said, it's easier to visit in the summer when the days last almost 24 hours. If you do find a way to get there in the winter, pack smart. The average temperature in January is -12 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lowest recorded temperature there was -60 degrees Fahrenheit in 1947. Don't miss the Taymyr History Museum, which features exhibits on life in Dudinka and the culture of the native peoples of the area.

#2. Oymyakon, Russia

As expected, another city in Russia follows in the top list of world’s coldest cities. Oymyakon is a small town with no more than 500 inhabitants, thriving in a typical winter temperature of -50°C. Markets in the city don’t even have to worry about fish or meat going bad because they’ll stay frozen just from being exposed outside. But do expect annoying frozen pipes and the inevitable frostbite! 

#1 Yakutsk, Russia

Yakutsk is the city and capital of Sakha Republic, Yakutia, situated in northeastern Russia. It is widely believed to be the coldest city in the world, with an average low temperature of -35°C. Natives in Yakutsk are so used to surviving the harsh and intense winters, given that the typical freezing temperature in the city will drop further to at least -70°C! 

Note: Coldest Cities in the World for True Winter Lovers