Are you wondering which are the coldest countries in the world? Then you have come to the right place! In this article I outline the 25 coldest countries and give you some fascinating facts about these areas. Ready to learn more about the coldest countries of the world? Read on!

25 Coldest Countries of the World

Did you know in 1983, the Soviet Station in Antarctica is one of the coldest countries of the world and experienced the lowest temperature (-89.2 ℃) ever observed on our planet in the middle of July?

Our planet Earth is full of extremes. Countries near either of the two poles experience cold climates depending on the geographical location. 

With alarming temperatures making the news every day, these coldest countries of the world are wondering what the rest of the world is complaining about.

If you’re thinking of spending your summer vacation in a beautiful cold country to enjoy its frost-bitten beauty, this write-up is exclusively for you. Here we will share the list of the 25 coldest countries of the world and some fascinating facts associated with them.

Our list of the 25 coldest countries of the world includes the following places:

1. Ukraine – World’s Largest Producer of Sunflower Seeds

With an annual mean temperature of 48.6℉, Ukraine is one of the coldest countries of the world. The moderate continental climate of Ukraine is characterised by cold winters and mild summers.

The country is generally colder in the north, with an average temperature of 41 to 44℉, and warmer in the south, with an average temperature of 51 to 55℉.

Across every part of Ukraine, you will see stunning fields of yellow blooms because it is the world’s largest producer of sunflower seeds.

The so-called Tunnel of Love is the greatest tourist attraction in Ukraine. It is a beautiful section of the industrial railway, ideal for couples looking for romantic walks.

2. Canada – Boasts the Longest Coastline in the World

With an annual mean temperature of 20.5℉, Canada is one of the coldest countries of the world by all measures. Although the subarctic climate dominates most areas of the country, the southern regions have a Polar Tundra climate.

The northmost regions of the country, located near the Arctic, are mostly covered by snow in winter, experiencing temperatures up to 50℉.

Canada features the world’s longest coastline, spanning over 202,080 km. This coastline is a famous tourist attraction due to its stunning views. 

3. Poland – Features the World’s Largest Castle 

Located on the Baltic Sea Coast, Poland also holds a top position in the list of the coldest countries of the world. The country experiences an annual mean temperature of up to 46.3℉ with a combination of continental and temperate climates.

In January 2021, the Bialystok weather station reported the coldest day in Poland, where the temperature dropped to -13.2℉.

Poland is famous for its Teutonic Order, the largest castle in the world by land. The castle reflects the architectural wonders of the 13th century. Because of its great historical significance and breathtaking views, Teutonic Order is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Russia – Home to 12 Active Volcanoes 

Russia features several climate regions, stretching over 1544.409 square miles from north to west and 93474.919 square miles from west to east. The elongated country experiences extreme temperature fluctuations and holds a top position in the list of the coldest countries of the world.

Russia’s Eastern Siberia experiences the lowest temperature of up to -76℉ at night, whereas the temperature in steppe regions of central Siberia often reaches 95℉.

12 active volcanoes make Russia a worth-visiting country. Kamchatka is the most visited volcano in Russia because it is located in a convenient and accessible position. 

5. Denmark – Famous for Tastiest Hot Dogs

With an annual mean temperature of 47.7℉, Denmark enjoys a moderate climate with humid winters and cool summers. Being a Nordic country, Denmark is characterized by a temperate climate with an oceanic hint.

Denmark can be one of the finest coldest countries of the world to visit if you want to enjoy the tastiest hot dogs and pork. Whether you need a hotdog with artichokes, blueberries, foie gras, spice mayo, or bell peppers, it’s not a problem in Denmark.

6. Mongolia – Well Known for Its Horse Culture

Mongolia is a landlocked country nested between Russia and China in eastern Central Asia. With an annual mean temperature of 33.1℉, Mongolia experiences an arid continental climate. 

The lowest temperatures in the country remain above freezing throughout the year. In February 2016, Mongolia experienced the coldest day, when the temperature dropped to hair-raising -66.5℉.

It is said that a Mongol without a horse is just like a bird without wings. The country is home to unique horses. You will find more than 3 million horses in the country that play a significant role in the daily lives of Mongols. 

7. Georgia – Famous for Traditional Polyphonic Singing 

Georgia experiences a moderate climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from 50℉ to 87℉. The alpine climates keep the eastern and western regions of the country generally cold all year round.

Georgia is well known for its traditional polyphonic folk music, a traditional practice put on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in 2016. Polyphonic music has four different types, famous in different areas of Georgia.

8. Norway – The Happiest Place on Earth

With an annual mean temperature of 35.2℉, Norway is also one of the coldest countries of the world. The country experiences several climate zones because of its north-south extension of more than 675.29 square miles.

The northeastern areas of the country, like Finnmark, have an average annual temperature of 37.5℉, whereas the west coast of Norway experiences a milder climate.

In 2017, Norway was positioned #1 in the World Happiness Report and has been at the top since 2013. The country’s strong social programs and things like civil liberties and personal freedom make it one of the happiest countries in the world.

9. Belarus – Called the Lungs of Europe 

The moderate climate of Belarus is characterized by cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers, with an average annual temperature of 45.5℉.

Belarus especially gets chilly when the Siberian AntiCyclone appears. During these times, the temperature in the country may drop from -22 to -40°F.

Belarus is often called the “Lungs of Europe” because of its stunning lakes and forests. This blue-eyed country features more than 11,000 lakes. Naroch is one of the largest lakes in Belarus, offering breathtaking views to tourists.

10. Kyrgyzstan – Home to Stunning Mountains 

With an average annual temperature of 35.9℉, Kyrgyzstan is one of the coldest countries of the world, characterized by two climate zones. The southern part of the country is located in the subtropical climate zone, whereas the northern part is temperate.

Kyrgyzstan is famous for its heavenly-beautiful mountain ranges. Surprisingly, majestic peaks and mountains cover 90% of the country. Alai Mountains, Pamir, and Tien Shan are some of the famous mountain ranges of Kyrgyzstan.

11. Armenia – Features the World’s Oldest Cathedral 

Armenia is landlocked in the Eurasian Caucasus, with an annual mean temperature of 44.8℉. From December to February, the country has an ideal climate for winter sports. Cold air from the north causes intense frosts in Armenia.

Armenia is home to the world’s oldest Etchmiadzin Cathedral (the mother church of Armenia Apostolic Church). Though the cathedral has endured a lot during its long history, it never lost its significance for Armenians.

12. Iceland – Boasts Majestic Waterfalls 

Nested between Greenland and Europe, Iceland is one of the coldest countries of the world. The Polar Tundra climate of the country keeps it cold throughout the year.

The average monthly temperature of Iceland may vary from 26.7℉ to 37.5℉ in winter and 46℉ to 59.2℉ in summer.

The majestic waterfalls of Iceland are the greatest tourist attractions. Glymur is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, accessible after a two-hour hike. Gullfoss Falls (Golden Falls) is another iconic waterfall in Iceland.

13. Austria – Leader in Architecture 

With an annual mean temperature of 45℉, Austria’s climate is significantly influenced by the Alps. On an average day, the temperature in China ranges from 35.6℉ to 73.4℉, making it one of the coldest countries of the world.

Austria is famous for its most historic and cerebral buildings. St. Charles Church and Schonbrunn Palace are some of the greatest architectural wonders in Austria.

WU Library and Learning Centre in Vienna is a worth-visiting place in the country, famous for its spaceship-like interior design and tilting structure.

14. Finland – Associated with Santa 

Finland is one the coldest countries of the world, located much further away from the equator. It means the winter days in Finland are much shorter, colder, and darker compared to Central Europe.

The northern part of the country experiences the coldest winter, with an annual mean temperature of 36.5℉, as it is located in the colder polar zone of the Arctic.

Finland has a significant association with Father Christmas, Santa. The Finnish town of the country in the Arctic Circle is well-known throughout the world as the home of Father Christmas.

15. China – Features the Great Wall

China is one of the coldest countries in the world, with more than 30 climate classifications. The temperature in the country’s northern regions drops to -22℉, resulting in freezing winters. 

The Great Wall of China is one of the country’s greatest landmarks. Covering a distance of about 13,170 miles, this wall is the largest human construction in the world and one of the 7 wonders of the world. 

16. Sweden – Well Known for Its Gota Canal

With an average annual temperature range of 36.7℉, Sweden holds a top position in our list of the coldest countries of the world.

The country has three different climate zones depending on the region. During winters, the country’s northern areas can experience as low temperatures as -22℉. 

Gota Canal is a must-visit place in Sweden to witness the country’s most innovative engineering. It is a 120-mile long canal with 58 locks and 47 bridges.

Gota Canal creates a water link from Stockholm to Gothenburg through its connection with Trollhattan. 

17. Kazakhstan – Home to the Last Breed of Wild Horses 

Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country. With an average annual temperature of 44.4℉, the country’s temperature is characterised by a continental climate.

Kazakhstan is home to the last breed of wild horses (aka Przewalski’s horses). Wild horses tend to live for only 15 to 20 years. These horses are likely to perish due to harsh weather or injury.

Together with Mongolia and China, Kazakhstan is at the forefront of saving this beautiful creature.

18. Tajikistan – Famous for Its Pamir Highway 

Tajikistan experiences a continental climate with an arid hint. It means the winters in the country are extremely cold, and summers are scorching, with an annual mean temperature of 38.7℉.

The locals have nicknamed Tajikistan Bam-i-Dunya, meaning The Roof of the World. It is named due to its world’s famous Pamir Highway.

Pamir Highway is slightly lower in elevation than Karakoram Highway. Whether you cycle or drive, the highway is one of the greatest adventures. 

19. Latvia – A Heaven for Beer Lovers 

Located beneath Estonia, Latvia is another Baltic country with an annual mean temperature of 44.3℉. During extreme winters, days turn darker, and the climate turns colder. 

Latvia is an ideal destination for beer lovers, with local breweries making the beers region-specific. Here, you will have hundreds of excellent beers to try, but gaisais and tumsais are the most popular strains of the country. 

20. Switzerland – Well Known for its Swiss Chocolate 

Situated in the Central European Alps, Switzerland experiences a varied climate. The country’s overall climate is temperate, with an annual mean temperature of 42.9℉.

Along with the coldest climate conditions, Switzerland is also famous for its Swiss Chocolate, which is deliciously creamy. This chocolate is damn good; that’s why Swiss people tend to eat more chocolate per person than any other country in the world.

21. Estonia – Features 2,000+ Islands 

With an average temperature between 28℉ and 73.3℉, Estonia experiences a temperate climate. The irregular rainfall patterns in the country cause temperatures to drop at a moment’s notice.

Surprisingly, Estonia’s coast contains about 2,355 islands, which are optimal destinations for nature lovers.

Hiiumaa and Saaremaa are the two largest islands in Estonia; both are inhabited and welcome visitors warmly.

22. Lithuania – Ideal for Enjoying Hot Air Balloon Rides 

Lithuania is a beautiful Baltic country with an annual mean temperature of 45.3℉. The country’s overall climate is characterized by cold winters and pleasant summers.

Lithuania’s majestic air balloon rides make you believe that fairy tales do come true. Riding a hot air balloon is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the country’s beautiful landscapes.

23. Slovakia – A Home to Natural Caves

The annual mean temperature of Slovakia reaches up to 47℉, whereas the temperature may range between -41.8℉ and 104.5℉ throughout the year.

In February 2012, the coldest day was reported in Slovakia, where the temperature dropped to -20.2℉.

The underground river and natural caves are the most fascinating facts about Slovakia. You will find 6000+ staggering natural caves in the country. Most of them are in the national parks of Slovak Karst and Slovak Paradise. 

24. Liechtenstein – Famous for Its Vaduz Castle 

Being a landlocked country in the Eastern Alps of Central Europe, Liechtenstein enjoys a continental climate with humid summers and snowy, cold winters.

The recorded annual mean temperature of Liechtenstein ranges between 40℉ and 44℉.

Vaduz Castle- an ancient home of the royal family, is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions of Liechtenstein. 

The castle has great historical significance, as it became a refuge for some members of European royal families during World War II. 

25. Czech Republic – Has the Weird Easter Festivities 

With an annual average temperature of 47℉, the Czech Republic is one of the coldest countries of the world. The country experiences an oceanic and temperate continental climate with snowy winters and warm summers.

The Czech Republic is well known for its weird easter festivities. During Easter Sunday, men and boys of the country take willow twigs, braid them into whips, and decorate them with beautiful ribbons. Then on Easter Monday, they use these twigs to whip girls and women, requesting eggs from them in return. 

Wrapping Up

So that sums up our today’s list of the 25 coldest countries of the world. You can visit any of the countries mentioned here to spend your vacations while enjoying breathtaking views.

If you need more valuable tips for traveling or exploration, don’t forget to read on to the following recommendations:

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• The 10 Biggest Countries in the World
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