Which Is the Coldest Place in the World? Earth’s Extreme Temperatures 2026

Cold is something we usually think of as manageable, a crisp morning in Shimla or snow dusting a mountain village. But in some places on Earth, cold is not just uncomfortable, it is extreme, relentless, and unforgiving. Boiling water can freeze in midair, eyelashes harden into icicles in seconds, and every breath feels like shards of ice in the lungs. In these regions, the weather shapes life itself and tests the limits of human endurance.

From the remote research stations of Antarctica to the quiet villages of Siberia, survival becomes a daily struggle. Some of these places exist only on maps and in scientific records, while others are home to people who live with temperatures that most of us could barely imagine. This blog explores the ten coldest corners of our planet, showing how scientists track temperature and how humans endure, adapt, and continue to live where the cold never lets up.

How Scientists Track Temperature Across The Globe?

Before we dive into the coldest places on Earth, it helps to understand just how extreme temperatures are measured. Ground stations use thermometers placed about two meters above the surface, capturing the air temperature a person would actually feel while standing outside. These readings form the official records and give us a sense of what human survival looks like in the coldest inhabited areas.

Satellites, on the other hand, offer a wider perspective by measuring the temperature of the ice and ground itself. Sometimes, these measurements reveal temperatures far colder than those recorded at ground level, reaching astonishing lows like minus 98 degrees Celsius in Antarctica. By combining both methods, we get a complete picture of the planet’s most extreme cold, setting the stage to explore the places where humans are truly tested against nature’s harshest conditions.

Top 10 Coldest Places On Earth

Finding which is the coldest place in the world involves looking at both remote wilderness and settled communities. The following locations represent the peaks of natural deep freeze across the planet. These spots are scattered across the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

1. East Antarctic Plateau, Antarctica

This vast, high plateau at 3,500 meters above sea level is considered the coldest place on Earth. Satellite readings have recorded temperatures as low as minus 98 degrees Celsius. The air is still and dry, allowing heat to escape into space. Only a few research teams visit this massive ice sheet that stretches for kilometres.

2. Vostok Research Station, Antarctica

Located near the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility at 3,488 meters, Vostok Station recorded minus 89.2 degrees Celsius in 1983. Scientists drill deep ice cores above Lake Vostok to study the atmosphere’s history. Life here is harsh, with thin air, constant freezing winds, and extreme isolation.

3. Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica

At the geographic South Pole, this U.S. station sits at 2,835 meters and has seen temperatures drop to minus 82.8 degrees Celsius. Built on stilts to prevent snow accumulation, it experiences six months of darkness every winter, making it one of the most isolated human habitats on Earth.

4. Dome Argus, Antarctica

The highest point on the Antarctic Ice Sheet, at 4,093 meters, Dome Argus is 1,200 kilometres from the coast. Temperatures have reached minus 82.5 degrees Celsius. Its thin and dry air makes it ideal for telescopes, with Chinese astronomers observing the stars without interference from water vapour.

5. Mount Denali, Alaska, USA

North America’s tallest peak, at 6,190 meters, experiences extreme Arctic cold. A weather station at 4,500 meters recorded minus 73.8 degrees Celsius. Strong winds often make it feel even colder, challenging climbers with frostbite and high-altitude hazards.

6. Klinck Research Station, Greenland

Located within the Arctic Circle at 3,105 meters, Klinck recorded minus 69.6 degrees Celsius in 1991. Surrounded by Greenland’s vast ice sheet, it provides critical data to help scientists understand climate change in the Northern Hemisphere.

7. Oymyakon, Russia

This Siberian village, at 741 meters, is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. In 1933, it recorded minus 67.7 degrees Celsius. Residents face permafrost, frozen engines, and extreme conditions, yet daily life continues with schools open unless temperatures drop below minus 52 degrees Celsius.

8. Verkhoyansk, Russia

Another Siberian town, at 127 meters, Verkhoyansk recorded minus 67.8 degrees Celsius in 1892. It is famous for its huge temperature range, with warm summers of 30 degrees Celsius. Locals survive the long winters with reindeer herding and wood fires.

9. North Ice, Greenland

This British research station at 2,345 meters recorded a temperature of minus 66.1 degrees Celsius in 1954. Explorers lived in small huts and travelled by dog sledge, mapping Greenland’s interior and showing how extreme the Arctic can be far from the ocean.

10. Snag, Yukon, Canada

A small village at 646 meters, Snag reached minus 63 degrees Celsius in 1947, the coldest on mainland North America. The bowl-shaped landscape traps icy air, freezing every breath and carrying sounds over long distances. Residents endure the bitter winter that dominates the Yukon.

How to Prepare for Extreme Cold Environments

Travelling to the coldest places on Earth is not for the unprepared. The temperatures are extreme, the winds are merciless, and every step outdoors tests your limits. Proper equipment, careful planning, and understanding the risks are essential to survive and stay safe in these frozen landscapes.

Clothing and Gear

• Use a layering system to trap air between clothes.

• Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to keep skin dry.

• Add insulating layers made of wool or fleece.

• Choose a high-quality down parka for the outer layer.

• Protect your feet with insulated boots rated for minus 50 degrees.

• Wear mittens instead of gloves to keep fingers together for warmth.

• Use a face mask or balaclava to prevent frostbite on the nose and cheeks.

Food

• Increase your calorie intake to give your body fuel for heat.

• Eat foods high in healthy fats like nuts and oils.

• Consume protein to help with long-term energy levels.

• Drink warm fluids regularly to keep your core temperature up.

• Avoid alcohol because it can cause your body to lose heat faster.

• Carry high-energy snacks that do not freeze solid easily.

• Keep your water bottle inside your jacket so it does not turn to ice.

Technology and Equipment

• Keep batteries in internal pockets close to your body heat.

• Use lithium batteries because they perform better in the cold.

• Carry a satellite communication device for emergencies.

• Use specialised lubricants for mechanical gears that do not freeze.

• Bring a high-quality sleeping bag rated for extreme temperatures.

• Carry a backup heat source like chemical hand warmers.

• Ensure all metal tools have rubber or plastic grips to prevent skin from sticking.

Health and Safety

• Monitor your skin for white or numb patches that indicate frostbite.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as slurred speech or shivering.

• Travel with a partner so you can check each other for signs of cold injury.

• Keep a survival kit in your vehicle or sledge at all times.

• Make sure you have a reliable way to call for medical help.

• Get travel insurance to cover medical emergencies in remote areas.

• This insurance can help with the high costs of medical evacuation if you get injured.

• Ensure your policy covers travel to high altitude or extreme climate zones.

Read More : Which is the Richest Country in the World in 2026?

Conclusion

The frozen corners of our world reveal the raw power of nature. From the silent ice of the South Pole to the hardy villages of Siberia, these landscapes push the limits of the planet and human endurance. The coldest places are shaped by high altitude, isolation, and relentless conditions, making them more than just numbers on a thermometer. They are sites of remarkable scientific discovery and examples of human bravery, where survival depends on preparation, resilience, and respect for the environment.

For anyone venturing into these extremes, safety is essential. The right gear, a solid plan, and protection against unexpected events are key to enjoying the experience. Our travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, delays, and other challenges, letting you focus on the awe-inspiring beauty of the cold. Exploring the coldest places on Earth is an extraordinary adventure, and being prepared ensures it can be experienced safely and fully.

FAQs

What is the lowest temperature ever recorded on the ground?

The lowest ground temperature was minus 89.2 degrees Celsius. It was recorded at Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1983.

Can you breathe in minus 60 degrees Celsius?

Yes, but it is difficult. The air is very dry and can hurt your lungs. People in Siberia often wear scarves over their mouths to warm the air before it enters their bodies.

Is it possible to visit Oymyakon as a tourist?

Yes, there are tour companies that take visitors to Oymyakon during the winter. You must be prepared for extreme conditions and limited facilities.

Does boiling water really turn to ice instantly in these places?

Yes, this is known as the Mpemba effect. When you throw boiling water into very cold air, it evaporates and then freezes into a cloud of ice crystals before it hits the ground.

Why is travel insurance important for cold destinations?

Extreme cold increases the risk of accidents and illness. Remote locations often lack large hospitals. Niva Bupa travel insurance can cover the cost of being transported to a medical facility in an emergency.