Imagine if we told you that the same city which drops to -62.7°C in the winter can also get hotter than London during the summer? Meet Yakutsk, officially the coldest city in the world, and home to more than 355,000 toughened citizens who endure one of the planet's most severe climates.

In January 2023, Yakutsk saw a bone-chilling -62.7°C (-80.9°F)—Russia's lowest temperature in more than two decades. During such deep freezes, even the air is frozen, shrouded in an otherworldly "ice fog" where heat from houses and cars does not penetrate.

There's something irresistibly sexy about confronting the cold. While many travellers follow the sun, a select few pursue the frostbite-worthy rush of living where winter is not a season—it's a lifestyle.

For those who are fascinated by nature's extremes, this guide will reveal the world's coldest city and nine other frosted destinations that prove how people adapt and live in subzero temperatures. From frozen eyelashes to ice festivals beneath the aurora borealis, these cities provide winter memories for the adventurous and inquiring traveller.

From the coldest city in the world to other stunningly frigid destinations, you'll see what it's actually like to live and explore these icy worlds.

As a thrill-seeker or winter wonderland fan, these are the destinations where nature puts human strength to the test—and where every snowflake is a tale to tell. Want to know which one is the world's coldest city? Keep reading to learn.

How Do We Define the Coldest Cities?

The coldest cities in the world are not just chilly—they consistently experience some of the lowest annual temperatures on the planet. To be featured here, a city must:

  • Be permanently inhabited
  • Have measurable annual low temperatures (not one-off weather events)
  • Take into account factors like latitude, elevation, and population
  • The data considered reflects climate conditions as of 2025

Top 10 Coldest Cities in the World in 2025

1. Yakutsk, Russia – The Coldest City in the World

Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic in Siberia, holds the record as the coldest city in the world. Located at 62°N latitude and 100m above sea level, winter temperatures routinely plunge below -40°C, with the coldest recorded at a bone-chilling -64.4°C.

Homes are built on stilts to prevent permafrost from melting, and locals dress in thick fur and wool layers.

Despite the frost, life buzzes with activity—markets, schools, and public transport run through the ice.

Don’t miss:

  • Ice kingdom museum & frozen fish market
  • Visit in December–February | Pack: thermal layers, boots, hand warmers
  • Indians need a Russian visa via an embassy or authorised agents

2. Norilsk, Russia

Located above the Arctic Circle, Norilsk is an industrial city with winter temperatures averaging -30°C. With limited road access, it’s one of the world's coldest cities and also among the most isolated. The city has adapted with heated apartment blocks and enclosed walkways.

Don’t miss:

  • Polar Night arts festival
  • Visit: December to March | Pack: heavy-duty jackets, face masks
  • Indian citizens require a visa for Russia

3. Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska, USA

The northernmost city in the United States, Barrow, is known for its long polar nights and icy winds. Temperatures hover around -25°C in winter, but the cultural richness of the native Iñupiat people adds warmth.

Don’t miss:

  • Whale bone arch, indigenous museums, Northern Lights
  • Visit: November–February | Pack: windproof layers, insulated footwear
  • Indian travellers need a U.S. tourist visa

4. Yellowknife, Canada

While it may not be the coldest city in the world, Yellowknife, located on the north shore of Great Slave Lake in Canada's Northwest Territories, is still among the most frigid urban centres on the planet. Winter temperatures regularly plunge to -30°C, earning it a spot in conversations about the world's coldest cities. 

Despite the chill, Yellowknife is a lively destination known for its vibrant culture, warm community, and unmatched views of the Northern Lights. Locals adapt to the extreme cold with well-insulated homes, heated garages, and a shared love for winter sports and festivals.

Don’t miss:

  • Northern Lights tours, snowshoeing, Snowking Winter Festival
  • Visit: December–March | Pack: merino base layers, thermal gloves
  • Indians need a Canadian tourist visa (apply via VAC)

5. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

At 1,350m elevation, Ulaanbaatar is the coldest national capital in the world, with average January temperatures around -25°C. Traditional gers (yurts) dot the outskirts, and locals rely on coal heating and fur-lined boots.

Don’t miss:

  • Genghis Khan statue, winter horse festivals
  • Visit: December–February | Pack: heat-tech layers, balaclavas
  • Indian travellers need a Mongolian visa in advance

6. Fraser, Colorado, USA

Fraser, Colorado, may not be the coldest city in the world, but it proudly contends for the title of “Icebox of the Nation” in the United States.

Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Fraser endures average winter lows of around -18°C, with bone-dry air and frequent snowfalls creating the perfect setting for winter sports.

While it's not the world's coldest city, its charming alpine vibe, powdery slopes, and friendly locals make it a beloved cold-weather destination for thrill-seekers and snow lovers alike.

Don’t miss:

  • Snow tubing, Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Visit: December–March | Pack: ski gear, waterproof outerwear
  • A U.S. visa is required for Indian nationals

7. Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, is a winter wonderland where temperatures can dip to -25°C. It’s the official hometown of Santa Claus and offers magical snowy experiences.

Don’t miss:

  • Reindeer safaris, Santa Claus Village, ice saunas
  • Visit: November–March | Pack: layered woollens, thermal socks
  • Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for Finland

8. Nuuk, Greenland (Denmark)

Nuuk may not be the world’s coldest city, but with average winter temperatures around -20°C, it’s a striking Arctic capital.

Surrounded by icy fjords and steeped in Inuit culture, Nuuk offers a raw, untouched winter experience like few others.

Don’t miss:

  • Ice fjord tours, local Inuit cuisine
  • Visit: February–April | Pack: arctic-rated jackets, snow goggles
  • Apply for a Denmark visa (covers Greenland) for Indian travellers

9. Murmansk, Russia

While Murmansk isn’t the coldest city in the world, it holds the distinction of being Europe’s largest Arctic city, with harsh winters where temperatures can plunge to -30°C. Murmansk stands out for its unique climate, staying ice-free throughout the year thanks to warm ocean currents.

The city endures months of polar night, offering a rare glimpse into life under almost continuous darkness, balanced by a vibrant port culture and deep-rooted Russian Arctic traditions.

Don’t miss:

  • Lenin nuclear icebreaker tour, Northern Lights
  • Visit: January–March | Pack: parkas, fleece inners
  • Russian visa required

10. Oymyakon, Russia (Honourable Mention)

Although technically a village, Oymyakon is often cited in debates on the world's coldest city, with temperatures dropping below -67.7°C, the lowest recorded in any inhabited location. Tourists visit to test their endurance and capture frost-covered beards.

Don’t miss:

  • Cold Pole monument, ice fishing
  • Visit: with guided tours only (Dec–Feb) | Pack: extreme cold gear
  • Requires a Russian visa and travel coordination

Tips for Travelling to the Coldest Cities

For Indian travellers heading into extreme winter:

  • Layer like a local: Base (thermal), mid (fleece), outer (waterproof down)
  • Health first: Carry travel insurance that includes hypothermia & frostbite coverage
  • Combat the dark: Carry a daylight simulation lamp or adjust your sleep cycle
  • Getting around: Use local apps for public transport updates in snow conditions
  • Best months to travel: November to March for winter festivals & snow activities

Conclusion

Stepping into the coldest city in the world isn’t just about enduring temperatures that freeze eyelashes—it’s about experiencing human resilience in its purest form.

Whether pursuing the Northern Lights in Yellowknife or drinking hot tea in a market in Yakutsk, these places combine extreme nature with unforgettable cultural warmth.

So if you're adventurous enough to take the chill, let Visa2Fly assist you in preparing for your polar dip—from obtaining your visa to providing expert travel documentation assistance.

Ready for the chilliest adventure of your life? Let's do it.