The 10 Coldest Countries in the World (2026)
Cold is not simply the absence of heat. In the coldest countries on Earth, low temperatures shape geography, ecosystems, architecture, culture, economies, and survival itself. Here, winter is not a season but a defining condition, lasting most of the year and reaching extremes that permanently alter soil, water, wildlife, and human activity.
When climatologists rank the coldest countries, they do not rely on record-breaking cold snaps. Instead, they use average annual temperature, which reflects long-term exposure to cold and provides a realistic picture of how cold a nation truly is over time.
The coldest countries are concentrated in:
High latitudes near the Arctic and Antarctic circles
Interior continental regions far from oceans
High-altitude plateaus and mountain systems
These areas receive weak solar radiation, experience long polar nights, and often sit under stable cold air masses. Snow cover and ice further reflect sunlight, reinforcing cold conditions in a feedback loop.
Below are the 10 coldest countries in the world in 2026, ranked by average annual temperature, followed by detailed explanations of why each country is so persistently cold and how life adapts.
1. Russia
Average annual temperature (2026): ~−5.1°C (22.8°F)
Russia remains the coldest country in the world by average annual temperature. Its sheer size places much of the nation deep within northern latitudes, far from the moderating influence of oceans. Large regions sit on continuous permafrost, where the ground remains frozen year-round.
Eastern Siberia contains some of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, including Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk, where winter temperatures routinely drop below −60°C (−76°F). Winters last up to eight months, while summers are short and often cool.
Cold has shaped Russian life for centuries. Buildings are heavily insulated, cities rely on centralized heating systems, and transportation infrastructure is designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Climate change is now thawing permafrost, destabilizing roads, pipelines, and buildings, creating new risks across the country.
2. Canada
Average annual temperature (2026): ~−3.6°C (25.5°F)
Canada ranks as the second coldest country in the world. Much of its landmass lies in high northern latitudes, with vast interior regions far from oceanic influence.
Northern Canada experiences extreme winters, with temperatures frequently below −40°C (−40°F). Large portions of the country are covered by boreal forest and tundra, where permafrost limits vegetation and infrastructure.
Cold defines daily life in many regions. Ice roads become essential winter transport routes, while Indigenous communities have developed deep knowledge of surviving in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Despite warming trends, Canada’s long winters continue to dominate its climate profile.
3. Greenland
Average annual temperature (2026): ~−2.1°C (28.2°F)
Greenland is almost entirely covered by ice, making it one of the coldest places on Earth by land surface. Although it is an autonomous territory rather than a fully independent state, it is commonly included in global climate rankings due to its distinct geography.
The Greenland Ice Sheet covers more than 80% of the island and influences global climate by reflecting sunlight and storing vast amounts of freshwater ice. Coastal regions experience milder conditions due to ocean currents, but the interior remains brutally cold year-round.
Melting ice in Greenland is one of the most significant contributors to global sea-level rise, highlighting how cold regions play a critical role in Earth’s climate balance.
4. Iceland
Average annual temperature (2026): ~1.8°C (35.2°F)
Despite its name and latitude, Iceland is warmer than many expect due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Still, it remains one of the coldest countries globally by annual average.
Winters are long, dark, and cold, with limited daylight. Summers are short and cool, rarely exceeding 15°C (59°F). Volcanic activity and geothermal energy provide natural heating, allowing widespread use of geothermal power for homes and greenhouses.
Iceland’s cold climate has shaped its settlement patterns, architecture, and reliance on renewable energy, making it a model for cold-climate adaptation.
5. Finland
Average annual temperature (2026): ~2.0°C (35.6°F)
Finland experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Snow cover can persist for nearly half the year, especially in the northern region of Lapland.
Temperatures in winter frequently drop below −30°C (−22°F) in the interior. The country is dotted with thousands of frozen lakes in winter, which become vital travel routes and recreational spaces.
Finnish culture has adapted closely to the cold, with traditions such as sauna use playing a key role in physical and mental resilience during long winters.
6. Mongolia
Average annual temperature (2026): ~1.3°C (34.3°F)
Mongolia is the coldest country in Asia by average annual temperature. Its landlocked position, high elevation, and distance from oceans create extreme continental conditions.
Winters are harsh and dry, with temperatures frequently below −40°C (−40°F). The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the coldest national capital city in the world.
Nomadic herding traditions persist despite the climate, with yurts (gers) designed for insulation and mobility. Climate change has increased the frequency of severe winters, known as dzuds, threatening livestock and livelihoods.
7. Norway
Average annual temperature (2026): ~2.2°C (36.0°F)
Norway’s climate varies dramatically due to its long coastline and mountainous terrain. Coastal regions benefit from the North Atlantic Drift, while inland and northern areas experience severe cold.
Northern Norway endures polar nights during winter, with weeks of darkness. Snowfall is heavy in mountainous regions, shaping infrastructure and transport systems.
Cold conditions have influenced Norway’s strong emphasis on engineering, winter transport, and energy efficiency.
8. Sweden
Average annual temperature (2026): ~2.5°C (36.5°F)
Sweden experiences cold, snowy winters, particularly in the north. Lapland lies within the Arctic Circle, where winter darkness and extreme cold are common.
Temperatures below −30°C (−22°F) occur regularly in northern regions. Southern Sweden is milder but still experiences long winters and limited sunlight.
Cold has shaped Sweden’s architecture, urban planning, and strong social infrastructure designed to support life in harsh climates.
9. Estonia
Average annual temperature (2026): ~5.0°C (41.0°F)
Estonia sits on the edge of northern Europe, where cold continental air meets the Baltic Sea. Winters are cold and snowy, with frequent freezing conditions.
The sea moderates extreme lows slightly, but ice cover remains common in winter. Estonia’s forests, wetlands, and long winters define much of its landscape and traditional lifestyle.
10. Kazakhstan
Average annual temperature (2026): ~5.5°C (41.9°F)
Kazakhstan rounds out the list due to its vast interior location and exposure to Arctic air masses. Winters are long and severe, particularly in northern regions.
Temperatures frequently drop below −30°C (−22°F). The country’s open steppe landscape offers little protection from wind, intensifying cold conditions.
Cold shapes agriculture, settlement patterns, and infrastructure across Kazakhstan’s enormous territory.
How Do Other Countries Compare?
United States
The United States does not rank among the coldest countries by average annual temperature. Its national average is around 11.5°C (52.7°F) due to wide geographic diversity.
However, Alaska contains some of the coldest inhabited areas in the Northern Hemisphere, with winter temperatures below −50°C (−58°F). Like Russia and Canada, cold is a regional extreme rather than a national constant.
Antarctica (Why It Is Excluded)
Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with average temperatures far below −50°C (−58°F). However, it is excluded from country rankings because it has no permanent population and is governed by international treaty rather than as a sovereign nation.
Is the World Still Getting Warmer in 2026?
Yes. Despite these rankings, global warming continues. Cold regions are warming faster than the global average, particularly in the Arctic. Permafrost thaw, shrinking glaciers, and shorter winters are transforming some of the coldest environments on Earth.
The presence of extremely cold countries in 2026 does not contradict climate change — it highlights how cold and heat coexist, and how warming alters even the planet’s coldest systems.
