Where temperatures drop to -40 degrees Celsius.
For some cities around the world, winter isn’t just cold but relentless. From the tundra of Siberia to Canada and eastern China, the people in these places know what real cold means as they’re used to living in extreme temperatures. Let’s take a look at five of the world’s coldest cities, which also attract many tourists each year thanks to their natural surroundings, sights, and festivals.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Set at an elevation of 1.350 meters at the foot of Bogd Khan Uul mountain, Ulaanbaatar is considered the coldest capital in the world. It is the gateway to the magical world of Mongolia, with vast landscapes, wild nature, and incredibly hospitable people. In January, temperatures average -24,6 degrees Celsius, while the area’s mean annual temperature is -1,3 degrees Celsius. The city has modernized significantly in recent years and offers a wealth of cultural attractions, from Buddhist monasteries to contemporary art galleries.
Harbin, China
Harbin is a city in northeastern China and the capital of Heilongjiang province. With lows ranging between -22 and -24 degrees Celsius at this time of year, it’s no surprise it’s called the "City of Ice". Harbin is famous for the Harbin International Ice Snow Sculpture Festival, the largest snow and ice sculpture festival in the world. Astonishing ice sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a winter wonderland.
Winnipeg, Canada
The capital of the province of Manitoba in Canada is home to more than 700.000 residents and is one of the coldest cities in North America. January temperatures reach -22 degrees Celsius, while the lowest temperatures ever recorded were -45 degrees Celsius on February 18, 1966 and -47,8 degrees Celsius on December 24, 1879. The city has a rich cultural life, and its preserved neoclassical buildings inspire visitors’ admiration.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is a small town with a population of 20,000 residents on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, approximately 400 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. It is the coldest city in Canada, with the harshest winter and temperatures in January reaching -32 degrees Celsius. In Yellowknife, conditions are ideal for seeing the Northern Lights from mid-November to early April.
Yakutsk, Russia
Yakutsk, the capital of the Republic of Sakha (or Yakutia) in eastern Siberia, is considered the coldest city in the world. The most extreme temperatures occur in January, averaging around -40 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Yakutsk was -64 degrees Celsius in 1891. Attractions such as the icy Permafrost Kingdom museum and the National Art Museum draw tourists undeterred by the biting cold.
