10. Russia
In Russia, its capital city Moscow carries an average temperature of 12 degrees fahrenheit (-11.11 degrees celsius) to 76 degrees fahrenheit (24.44 degrees celsius). Known as the “General Frost,” Russian winters are a time when people enjoy seasonal activities like ice hockey, skiing, and skating. As one of the coldest countries in the world, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Russia, even once the temperatures drop.
9. Canada
Next up on the list of coldest countries in the world is Canada. In this North American nation, the average temperature varies across different coasts. Though for the most part, you’ll find the weather ranges between 5 degrees fahrenheit (-15 degrees celsius) to 86 degrees fahrenheit (30 degrees celsius). Like Russia, Canada is very well known for its harsh winters, where locals go ice fishing, snowboarding, and even attend winter festivals.
8. Greenland
Nestled between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, Greenland carries an average temperature of -4 degrees fahrenheit (-18 degrees celsius) to 42 degrees fahrenheit (5.6 degrees celsius). Famous for its Arctic tundra climate, Greenland easily earns its spot as one of the coldest countries in the world. During the winter months, people frequently break out their snowmobiles and go dog sledding across new terrain.
7. Iceland
As the closest European neighbor to Greenland, it makes sense that Iceland is one of the coldest countries in the world. Throughout the year, Iceland’s average temperature moves between 32 degrees fahrenheit (0 degrees celsius) to 55 degrees fahrenheit (13 degrees celsius). Once the winter season arrives, locals enjoy journeying out to admire the Northern Lights, go soaking in the hot springs, and even try winter snorkeling.
6. Finland
Standing as number six of the top ten coldest countries in the world, Finland is a Nordic nation based in Northern Europe. Its average temperature stands between 25 degrees fahrenheit (-4 degrees celsius) to 45.5 degrees fahrenheit (7.5 degrees celsius). During the coldest months, it’s not uncommon for folks to visit the Santa Claus Village, explore Finnish saunas, and even go on husky safaris.
5. Sweden
Next up on the list is Sweden. This Nordic nation ranks as number five while we explore what are the coldest countries in the world. On average, Sweden’s temperature stands between 37 degrees fahrenheit (3 degrees celsius) to 75 degrees fahrenheit (24 degrees celsius). Some popular winter activities in this part of the world include ice skating on frozen lakes, making reservations at the iconic Ice Hotel, and going cross country skiing with their loved ones.
4. Norway
Based in the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is the fourth of the coldest countries in the world. It is also another Nordic destination based in Northern Europe. The average temperature ranges between 27 degrees fahrenheit (2 degrees celsius) to 65 degrees fahrenheit (18 degrees celsius). During the coldest times of the year, it’s not uncommon to see people relaxing in the fjords, snowshoeing, or tubing down mountains.
3. Mongolia
In East Asia, Mongolia is well deserving of its spot on the list of coldest countries in the world. With an average temperature ranging between -5 degrees fahrenheit (-15 degrees celsius) to 80 degrees fahrenheit (26.7 degrees celsius), each season packs its own punch. During the winter months, people in Mongolia regularly attend the annual Ice Festival, hike through the Yolyn Am Valley, and explore snow-covered dunes, often with a licensed tour guide.
2. Kazakhstan
Nestled in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the world’s biggest landlocked country. Though it makes number two on the list of top coldest countries in the world due to its notably cold temperatures. Today, the average temperature in this area ranges between -49 degrees fahrenheit (-45 degrees celsius) to 26 degrees fahrenheit (-3.33 degrees celsius). When the temperature drops in Kazakhstan, the country hosts all sorts of popular, family-friendly festivals for people to enjoy at their own leisure.
1. Antarctica
Despite being a continent rather than a nation, Antarctica is number one as we discover what as the coldest country in the world. Due to its overall temperature almost never reaching above 0 degrees fahrenheit, no nation around the globe can top Antarctica.
In spite of the extreme cold, many people opt to visit this continent via cruise, where they can see the impressive ice glaciers, penguins, and gorgeous white landscapes. When visiting Antarctica via cruise, the trips are planned months to years in advance. Due to the continent’s 24 hours of darkness during the winter months, not every season is optimal to accommodate tourists.
