Some cities are so cold that they can make you feel like
your bones are freezing. Some of them are cities in Russia's Siberia, which are
known for having harsh winters. One of these cities is Yakutsk, which is in the
Sakha Republic of Russia. In January, the average temperature there is around
-40 degrees Celsius. Oymyakon, also in Russia, is the coldest place on earth
where people live. Temperatures there can get as low as minus 71.2 degrees
Celsius.
Harbin, which is in northeastern China and has a subarctic
climate, is another cold city. In January, the temperature in the city, known
for its ice festival, drops to around -20 degrees Celsius. Ulaanbaatar, the
capital of Mongolia, is another cold city, with winter temperatures between
minus 20 and minus 40 degrees Celsius. In North America, Yellowknife in
Canada's Northwest Territories is known for its harsh winters, when the
temperature can drop to -50 degrees Celsius.
These cities are known for having high temperatures and
rough weather, making life difficult for those who live there. These cities are
still full of life and have rich cultural histories. People continue to visit
them in the winter to enjoy their unique landscapes and activities.
The following are ten of the coldest cities in the world based on their average annual temperature:
1. Yakutsk, Russia: It is
often considered the coldest city in the world because the average temperature
there is -38.6°C (-37.5°F).
Yakutsk is a city in Russia that is in the east of Siberia.
The city is on the Lena River and in the Sakha Republic, Russia's largest and
coldest region. People often think of it as the coldest city in the world
because of how cold it is there.
The average temperature in Yakutsk is about -38.6°C
(-37.5°F) per year. During the winter, the temperature often drops below -50°C
(-58°F). Even though the weather is harsh, the city is home to about 300,000
people and is a major hub for diamond mining and other industries like farming
and fishing.
Because of the extreme cold and how hard it is to work with
traditional building materials like concrete and brick, many of the buildings
in the city are made of wood. Yakutsk also has several museums and cultural
centers, such as the National Art Museum of the Republic of Sakha and the
Museum of Permafrost.
Even though it's hard to live in such a cold place, Yakutsk
is known for its warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere. Visitors can
experience traditional Yakutian culture and food, such as stroganina (frozen
raw fish) and kumis (fermented mare's milk).
2. Verkhoyansk, Russia:
Verkhoyansk is another city in Russia where the average annual temperature is
-27.5°C (-17.5°F), which is very cold.
Verkhoyansk is a town in the northeastern part of Siberia.
It is in the Sakha Republic of Russia. The average annual temperature in the
town is -27.5°C (-17.5°F), which makes it one of the coldest places on Earth
where people live.
The town is on the banks of the Yana River, and about 1,300
people live there. Even though the weather is harsh, the town has several
historic buildings and landmarks, such as the 1912-built St. Michael's Church
and the Khevtuul Museum of Local Lore, displaying the history and culture of
the area.
Verkhoyansk is also known for its unique natural
environment. Many locals live in traditional yurts made from reindeer hides and
other natural materials. The town is also a center for traditional industries
like reindeer herding and hunting. The Verkhoyansk Range, which is close by, is
a great place to go hiking and explore the surrounding wilderness.
Evidence shows that people have lived in the town for over
2,000 years. Verkhoyansk was a center for Russian fur trading in the 17th and
18th centuries, and it was a center for political exiles in the 19th century.
Today, Verkhoyansk is a small town that is hard to reach
and can only be reached by air or a long, hard trip on the ground. Even though
it's hard to live in such a cold and remote place, the people of Verkhoyansk
are tough and resourceful, and they've learned to deal with the harsh
conditions over hundreds of years.
3. Oymyakon, Russia: With
an average temperature of -13.7°F (-25.4°C), Oymyakon is thought to be the
coldest place on Earth where people live.
Oymyakon is a small village in Russia's Sakha Republic. It
is often considered the coldest place on Earth where people live. The village
is in the middle of the Siberian wilderness, about 750 meters (2,500 feet)
above sea level, and about 500 people live there.
The average annual temperature in the village is -25.4°C
(-13.7°F), known for being very cold. During the winter, the temperature can
drop as low as -60°C (-76°F), making it one of the coldest places on Earth.
Because of this, the village has some interesting things, like heated outhouses
and an airport runway made of ice.
Even though the climate is harsh, the people of Oymyakon
are tough and have gotten used to the harsh conditions after living there for
hundreds of years. Reindeer herding and other traditional industries are
centered in the village, and many of the local people still live in traditional
yurts made of reindeer hides and birch bark.
Visitors to Oymyakon can learn about the traditional
Siberian culture and explore the surrounding wilderness, including the nearby
Pole of Cold monument and the Lena Pillars, a group of rock formations that
rise out of the Lena River. Oymyakon is also popular for tourists who want to
experience the extremely cold and unique culture of one of the world's most
isolated and unfriendly places.
4. Utqiagvik, Alaska, US:
Utqiagvik, which used to be called Barrow, is the northernmost city in the US,
with an average annual temperature of -11.7°C (10.9°F).
Utqiagvik, which used to be called Barrow, is a city in
northern Alaska, USA. It is on the Arctic Ocean coast, above the Arctic Circle,
and is the northernmost city in the United States. Around 4,300 people live in
the city, known for its harsh Arctic weather.
The average temperature in Utqiagvik is about -11.7°C
(10.9°F) per year, and during the winter, the temperature often drops below
-40°C (-40°F). In the winter, when the sun goes away 65 days a year, the city
has long periods of darkness. In the summer, when the sun is out for 82 days
straight, the city has long periods of daylight.
Even though Utqiagvik has a harsh climate, it is home to a
thriving Inupiaq community where many still do traditional things like hunting
and fishing. Many galleries and museums in the city also show Inupiaq art and culture.
Visitors to Utqiagvik can experience the unique environment
and culture of the Arctic, such as whale hunting and dog sledding, both
traditional activities. The city is also a starting point for exploring the
nearby Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to many different kinds of
animals, such as caribou, polar bears, and migrating birds.
Utqiagvik is also an important place for scientific
research. There are several research institutions there that study how climate
change affects the Arctic and its people. The Barrow Arctic Science Consortium,
which helps with logistics for scientific research in the area, is based in the
city.
5. Yellowknife, Canada: It is the coldest city in Canada, with an average temperature of -7.9°C (17.8°F).
The city of Yellowknife is in Canada's Northwest
Territories. It is on the north side of Great Slave Lake, North America's
deepest lake. About 20,000 people live there. The city is known for its unique
northern culture, outdoor activities, and beautiful natural scenery.
Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories. It
has several government offices and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city
has a long history. Evidence shows that people have lived in the area for over
8,000 years. Yellowknife was a center for gold mining in the 20th century, and
it is still an important hub for the mining and resource industries in the
area.
People from all over the world come to the city to
experience the unique environment of the north. Outdoor activities are
available all year long. Visitors can do things like dog sledding, ice fishing,
and snowmobiling in the winter. In the summer, they can hike, camp, and fish in
the area to learn more about nature.
Yellowknife is also a center for arts and culture in the
north. It has several galleries and museums where you can see the work of local
artists and learn about the area's history. The Prince of Wales Northern
Heritage Centre is in the city. It displays the Northwest Territories' culture,
history, and traditions.
Visitors to Yellowknife can also enjoy the area's beautiful
natural scenery, such as the Northern Lights, which can be seen in the winter.
The city is also close to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, where people can
fish, boat, and watch wildlife.
Yellowknife is a lively and unique city where people can
experience Canada's northern territories' rich culture, history, and natural
beauty.
6. Harbin, China:
Harbin is known for its annual winter festival, ice sculptures, and cold
weather, with an average annual temperature of -5.3°C (22.5°F).
Harbin is a city in the Heilongjiang province, which is in
the northeast of China. It is the province's capital and biggest city, with
more than 10 million people living there. People know the city for its long
history, cultural heritage, and interesting winter festivals.
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival,
which happens every year from December to February, is a popular winter event.
There are huge ice and snow sculptures at the festival, such as ice skating,
snowboarding, and ice fishing, among other winter activities.
Harbin is home to more than just the winter festival. It
also has several cultural and historical sites. Many buildings in the city have
a mix of Russian and Chinese design elements, which shows that the city has a
history of being influenced by Russia. The St. Sophia Cathedral, a Russian
Orthodox church built in 1907, is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Harbin is also known for its food, a mix of Chinese,
Russian, and Korean flavors. The city is known for its dumplings, often filled
with pork and vegetables, called "Harbin-style dumplings."
Overall, Harbin is a unique and lively city where people
can experience different cultures, history, and winter activities outside. The
city's winter festival is a big draw for people worldwide, but Harbin has much
to see and do all year round.
7. Surgut, Russia:
Surgut is a city in western Siberia where the average annual temperature is
-4.4°C (24.1°F).
Surgut is in the Russian region of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous
Okrug in northern Western Siberia. The city is known for its unique
architecture, cultural history, and important role in Russia's oil and gas
industry. With more than 350,000 people, it is one of the largest cities in the
area.
Surgut is on the Ob River's banks, a major shipping and
transportation route in the area. Surgutneftegas, one of the biggest oil
companies in Russia, is one of the oil companies in the city.
Surgut has a modern industrial economy and a lot of history
and culture. The city is known for its unique architecture, which combines old
wooden buildings with newer ones. The Church of the Holy Transfiguration is one
of the most well-known buildings in the city. It has a unique design that combines
elements of Russian Orthodox and Khanty culture.
Surgut is known for more than just its buildings. It is
also known for the cultural events and festivals it hosts. The city has several
events throughout the year, such as a winter festival with ice sculptures and
outdoor activities and a summer music festival with local and international
musicians.
Visitors to Surgut can also enjoy the area's beautiful
forests, rivers, and wetlands. People often go to the city to fish, hunt, and
do other outdoor activities. There are also several nature reserves and parks
in the area.
8. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia:
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, and its average annual temperature is
-2.9°C (26.8°F).
The capital city of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, which is in the
middle of the country. It is the largest city in Mongolia, with more than 1.4
million people living there. It is also the country's cultural, political, and
economic center.
The city has a long history. It was founded in the 17th
century as a center for Buddhist nomad monks. Today, Ulaanbaatar is a modern
city that combines traditional Mongolian culture with modern amenities and
technology.
The Gandan Monastery, a large Buddhist temple at the center
of the country's religious life, is one of the most well-known places in
Ulaanbaatar. There are also several museums in the city, including the National
Museum of Mongolia, which shows off the rich history and culture of the
country.
Ulaanbaatar is a busy city with a lively cultural scene.
There are many theatres, art galleries, and music venues. The city hosts
several festivals yearly, such as the Naadam Festival, which has traditional
Mongolian sports and cultural events.
The countryside around Ulaanbaatar is also a big draw for
tourists. The city is close to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which allows
visitors to see Mongolia's natural beauty by hiking, camping, and riding
horses.
Even though Ulaanbaatar has many modern conveniences, it
has problems like air pollution, traffic jams, and insufficient affordable
housing. Though the city is working to fix these problems, it continues to grow
and develop as an important center for business, culture, and tourism in
Mongolia.
9. Astana, Kazakhstan: The
average temperature in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is -1.8°C (28.8°F)
per year.
Kazakhstan's capital city is Astana, which is also called
Nur-Sultan. It is in the north of the country, on the banks of the Ishim River.
In the 1830s, the city was built as a small fortress. It grew into a major
trading center, and in 1997, it became the capital.
Astana is known for its unique and modern architecture.
Many futuristic buildings and structures have been built in the past few years.
The Bayterek Tower, which is 97 meters tall and represents the Tree of Life in
Kazakh mythology, is one of the city's most famous landmarks. At the top of the
tower is an observation deck where people can look out over the whole city.
The Khan Shatyr is another famous building. It looks like a
big tent with a shopping mall, an indoor beach, and other places to have fun.
The Astana Opera House is also a popular place to visit. There are opera,
ballet, and other cultural events there regularly.
Astana has many different kinds of people and a mix of
modern and traditional Kazakh culture. Visitors can learn about the city's history
and culture at museums like the National Museum of Kazakhstan, which displays
the country's history and culture, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
This pyramid-shaped building hosts conferences and cultural events.
The city is also known for its parks and green spaces, such
as the Central Park of Culture and Recreation, which has many outdoor
activities and attractions, and the Astana Botanical Garden, which shows off
the region's plants and animals.
10. Helsinki, Finland: It is the coldest city in Europe, with an
average annual temperature of 5.9°C (42.6°F).
Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is
in the south of the country on the Gulf of Finland. It is known for its unique
mix of modern design, traditional architecture, and natural beauty, making it a
popular place for tourists worldwide.
The Helsinki Cathedral is a famous neoclassical building in
the middle of the city. It is one of the most well-known landmarks in Helsinki.
Other interesting places to visit are the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, built in
the 18th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Temppeliaukio
Church, a beautiful underground church built into a rock formation.
Helsinki is also known for its vibrant arts and culture
scene. The city has many cultural institutions, such as the Ateneum Art Museum,
the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and the National Museum of Finland. Many
museums and galleries in the city show the city's history and modern art.
Helsinki is also a city that loves nature. It has many
parks and green spaces where people can get away from the busyness of city
life. Central Park is one of the most popular parks. It is a huge area with
forests, lakes, and meadows stretching through the city's suburbs.
Lastly, Helsinki is known for its design and innovation;
its tech and startup scene is active. There are several top universities
in the city, such as Aalto University, one of the world's best art and design
schools.
Overall, Helsinki is a unique Finnish city with a mix of history,
culture, nature, and new ideas. It is a busy and diverse city with something
for everyone, whether they like art, history, nature, or the latest technology.