The 11 Coldest Countries in the World 2024

There are places and countries that look their best when they are covered by a white blanket of snow and ice. They are presented to us as mysterious, beautiful, fragile and secret entities. Touring the corners of the coldest countries in the world becomes an adventure that will fulfill us as travelers.

Would you dare to go cold to enjoy some of the most unforgettable landscapes of your life? Well, keep reading and take note, because these are some of the coldest countries in the world, but also the most beautiful.

1. Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the coldest countries in the world. And also one of the most remote. With record low temperatures (they have reached -89.2ºC) it is normal that no one lives there permanently. 

The land of eternal winter is a fascinating and almost magical place that has been attracting travelers and the curious for centuries. If you want to observe the fauna of Antarctica, with some of the most extraordinary species on the planet, nothing better than a cruise. Weddell seals, emperor penguins and millions of seabirds await you there.

Tourism in Antarctica is discouraged due to how delicate the ecosystem is, but you can see lots of incredible wildlife in the Tierra del Fuego province of Argentina.

2. Canada

Beautiful as ever, Canada ranks third on the list of the coldest countries in the world. But, with such a large area of ​​land, temperatures tend to vary quite a bit. If what you want is really cold, head north, in search of -40ºC, landscapes of snow-capped fir trees and imposing mountains. 

If you dare, go through the town of Snag, in Yukon, the coldest in all of North America, which has reached -63ºC. Cover up and enjoy the windy and frigid Canadian winter. When you need to regain strength and warm up, nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate with some pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. 

And, if you want to discover the country, in Canada there is always something to do for all types of travelers. From contemplating imposing waterfalls, such as Niagara, or admiring its many natural parks, walking next to glacial lakes such as Louise or Peyto, to discovering the charm of cities such as Toronto or Montreal.

3. Estonia

You probably think that if we compare it with Siberia or Antarctica, it is not so cold in Estonia. And maybe you are right, but the truth is that Estonia’s neighbors have quite extreme winters in which snow covers a good part of the territory from the end of December to March. 

They usually live below 0 for at least a couple of months, so you won’t get too hot. But, if you want to enjoy snowy forests, beautiful cities and towns covered by a blanket of white… don’t miss Estonia in winter. 

One of the coldest countries in the world seems straight out of a fairy tale. Its capital, Tallinn, is one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, with a historic center of medieval origin named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition, parks, viewpoints, palaces and churches await you. A list of the most desirable proposals.

4. Finland

Finland is the northernmost country in Europe (at least its upper part) and is practically covered in snow for 4 long months in winter. Temperatures can drop (especially in January and February) to -45ºC in the most extreme cases. But who wouldn’t want to visit Lapland and go see Santa Claus in his natural habitat? Put on some good furry boots, put on a huge coat and dare to discover the Finnish winter. 

Don’t let the few hours of sunshine a day scare you! With activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing of any kind, you won’t be bored. And, if you are a nature lover, almost 190,000 lakes, 180,000 islands and immense forests await you in Finland. Additionally, in its northern part, you can photograph beautiful northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.

5. Iceland

Iceland is cold even in summer. Not as much as in winter, but it is a country that is more than just ‘cool’. The “land of ice” reaches temperatures ranging from -25 to -30ºC, and life like this is not exactly easy. 

But then you contemplate its movie-like panoramas, its volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls, and it is difficult not to fall at its feet. Iceland may be one of the coldest countries in the world, but it is also incredibly beautiful. In addition, you cannot miss the culture and nightlife and bohemian life of its capital, Reykjavík. It will surprise you.

6. Kazakhstan

While Kazakh summers are fairly mild, its winters chill you to the bones. With an environment full of snow-covered hills and lush forests battered by snowfall, it is a postcard place that few travelers still know about. 

Astana is the coldest city in Kazakhstan, but also one of the most emerging in Asia, with a constantly growing architecture that is a good example of the Bayterek Tower or Nur Alem, the largest spherical building in the world.

7. Mongolia

Located in the heart of Asia, Mongolia is located between China and Russia. The first two months of the year are when it is usually coldest, with temperatures around -20ºC and can drop to -30ºC. The water freezes and even you would freeze… Of course, if you are well dressed you will enjoy a unique environment, a fascinating country and incredibly welcoming people. 

Some areas of Mongolia are so wild that you can drive almost an entire day with hardly any signs of human presence. Experiencing nature in its purest form is what attracts more tourists from all over the world every year.

8. Alaska, United States

In Alaska, the temperature is extreme. Beyond Hollywood movies, the truth is that it is one of the coldest countries in the world, with temperatures that can reach -30ºC in winter, with records of up to -62ºC. Locals apparently suffer from skin problems and infections due to the intense conditions in which they live. 

Alaska boasts 17 national parks where you can see mountain ranges, volcanoes, wild rivers and wide expanses of tundra. Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the country, and within it there is still a 20th century mining town dedicated to copper extraction.

9. Norway

In winter, Norway is a snow-covered paradise that would make anyone dream. Temperatures can drop to -40ºC in the regions of Finnmark, Norwegian Lapland, Tromsø or the eastern area, although sometimes the months of January and February are milder. 

And if you want to make sure you don’t get too cold, you can always take the opportunity to visit its coastal areas, where the climate is somewhat milder, although rainier. 

Whatever you do, put on a hat, gloves and earmuffs to enter a postcard land because Norway offers a thousand things to see and do. Vibrant urban areas, impressive fjords, northern lights or remote villages north of the Arctic Circle await you.

10. Sweden

Sweden’s neighbors don’t get hot in winter either. Although thanks to the Gulf Stream they are much milder than other countries in their area, temperatures in the north do not usually exceed 0ºC in January, constantly hovering around -10ºC. But that can be fixed with the right clothing and a great desire to set foot in this snowy wonder, one of the coldest countries in the world. 

Palaces, museums and a surprising historical legacy make Sweden one of the most interesting in  Europe. Where to start? Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö? _ Why not all 3?

11. Greenland

Located above Iceland, Greenland is the largest island in the world. But, in addition to being huge, it is also one of the coldest countries in the world. Surely, because it is located in the Arctic Circle and it is cold there, and good. Greenland is usually covered in ice and snow for much of the year and the winters are almost eternal. 

It has reached -66ºC here, so be prepared. It is an autonomous region and, despite the distance, it belongs politically to Denmark. 

Read Also: The 12 Largest Deserts In The World

Few people live here, but the color of their houses and their hospitality will be an indelible memory. Greenland is a mysterious, wild and remote, difficult island. And that makes it one of the most desired adventure trips on the planet.

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