Planet Earth is home to some very very cold places. In fact, the uninhabited Dome Fuji in the Antarctic – the coldest place on Earth – has seen temperatures of -93.2°C (-135.76°F). But where is the coldest city in the world?
Well, you’ll have to travel to Siberia in Russia to find it. The permafrost-laden area of the largest country in the world is the last place you’d think a sizeable city would be... but a diamond mine might have something to do with that.
What is the coldest city in the world?
The coldest city in the world is Yakutsk in Siberia, Russia. A record low temperature was recorded in the city on 5 February 1891 at -64.4°C (-83.9°F). During January, the average low temperature is -42°C (-43.6°F), with the city getting less than four hours of sunlight per day.
Yakutsk has a population of 355,000 people, just less than New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Surprisingly, the Siberian city gets quite hot in the summer, reaching an average high of 26°C (78.8°F) in July – that's hotter than London at the time time.
Average temperatures for Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world:
| Average high temperature | Average low temperature | |
| January | -36°C (-33°F) | -42°C (-43.6°F) |
| February | -29°C (-20°F) | -39°C (-38.2°F) |
| March | -12°C(10°F) | -28°C (-18.4°F) |
| April | 2°C(36°F) | -12°C (10.4°F) |
| May | 13°C(55°F) | 1°C (33.8°F) |
| June | 23°C (73.4°F) | 9°C (48.2°F) |
| July | 26°C (78.8°F) | 13°C (55.4°F) |
| August | 22°C (71.6°F) | 9°C (48.2°F) |
| September | 11°C (51.8°F) | 1°C (33.8°F) |
| October | -3°C (26.6°F) | -12°C (10.4°F) |
| November | -24°C (-11.2°F) | -31°C (-23.8°F) |
| December | -35°C (-31°F) | -41°C (-41.8°F) |
Why is Yakutsk the coldest city in the world?
Although Yakutsk is the coldest city in the world, it's not actually the closest city to the North Pole. Longyearbyen in Norway is twice as close, being 1,316 km from the North Pole.
There are several reasons why Yakutsk is the coldest city in the world:
- Inland location. Yakutsk is a long way from any moderating maritime influences – it is about 725km (450 miles) away from the Sea of Okhotsk. Yakutsk is built on the river Lea, but the river valley actually traps cold air.
- High-pressure system: During the winter months, Siberia experiences a high-pressure system known as the Siberian High. This weather pattern brings cold air masses from the Arctic region, leading to prolonged periods of intense cold.
- A low winter sun. During winter, Yakutsk receives very little sunlight (often less than four hours a day).
- Permafrost. Yakutsk is so cold because it is built upon land that is in continuous permafrost, meaning the ground is permanently frozen.
Over 355,000 people live in Yakutsk, the majority of whom work for a company named Alrosa, which runs a diamond mine.
What is the coldest inhabited place on Earth?
Oymyakon in Russia is often considered the coldest inhabited place in the world. This remote village (about a 21-hour-long drive from Yakutsk) of around 500 people holds the record lowest temperature: -71.2 °C (-96.2 °F).
Oymyakon is so cold that cars left outside need to be kept running. If they aren’t they won’t restart.
Read more:
- Top 10 largest cities in the world
- 8 most dangerous cities in the world
- In pictures: 10 ingenious green cities around the world
To have your mind blown by more science, check out our ultimate fun facts page.
