The Top 9 Coldest Countries in the World

The coldest countries in the world are no strangers to below-freezing temperatures all year long. Even though climate change has caused these frigid places across the globe to warm the fastest, the average temperatures in some of these countries remain below or just above freezing. However, as the snow and ice melt and no longer reflect the sun, the ocean and rocks are left exposed and begin to absorb the heat, in what’s known as the albedo effect. This process causes surrounding areas to warm faster, and the unfortunate cycle of melting and warming continues.

This list was put together using the average land-surface temperatures in 2025, as reported by the WorldAtlas. These were the top nine coldest countries in the world last year.

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#9 Tajikistan 5.71°C (42.3°F)

With over 50% of Tajikistan’s land located at least 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, altitude plays a major role in the consistently cold temperatures here. The Pamir Mountains, or in Farsi, “Roof of the World,” are the third-highest mountain range in the world, behind the Himalaya and Karakoram, with several peaks surpassing 7,000 meters (22,965 feet). Additionally, these ginormous mountains are home to the world’s longest glacier situated outside of the polar regions.

#8 Kyrgyzstan 4.28°C (39.7°F)

Much of the land in Kyrgyzstan is located high in the Tian Shan range, which translates to “Heavenly Mountains.” Thanks to both the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ranges, the average elevation here is over 2,750 meters (9,020 feet). This extreme environment has thousands of glaciers, and more than 40 peaks towering above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), contributing to Kyrgyzstan’s cold average temperatures.

• Related: Kyrgyzstan Launches 2nd Major Ski Resort Project with Chinese Backing

#7 Sweden 3.38°C (38.1°F)

With 15% of the country located in the Arctic Circle, Sweden’s northern location is the biggest factor for its cold temperatures. In the north, heavy snowfall and severe cold stick around for nearly eight months of the year, while in the south, temperatures are much more tolerable, even during the winter months. However, one major upside to the cold temperatures and snowfall is that they come with more than 200 of incredible ski areas all over the country.

#6 Finland 2.87°C (37.2°F)

Finland is another example of how its extreme northern latitude contributes to bitter-cold average temperatures here. In Lapland, the northern region of Finland located mostly in the Arctic Circle, winter brings temperatures that can dip below -30°C (-22°F), and also up to 50 days of darkness, called kaamos, or the “polar night”. In addition to the drastic cold temperatures, the Finns are known for their love and culture around saunas and skiing, and are home to the most beautiful displays of the Northern Lights and reindeer, along with so many other things.

#5 Norway 2.28°C (36.1°F)

Because of its location on the northern edge of the Scandinavian Peninsula, with land sprawling even further into Svalbard, temperatures in Norway can be unforgivingly cold, dropping to -40°C (-40°F). The combination of its latitude paired with many mountains means the cold brings along some absolutely breathtaking scenery to explore. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, catching a lift at a resort, or exploring the backcountry and fjords, the cold weather in Norway doesn’t keep visitors away.

• Related: Embracing the Darkness in Longyearbyen, Norway, Where the Sun Won’t Shine Again Until March 8

#4 Mongolia 1.82°C (35.3°F)

Mongolia, nicknamed the”Land of Eternal Blue Sky”, is greatly affected by the Siberian Anticyclone, which brings terribly dry, cold temperatures from high-pressure systems, especially during the winter months. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the coldest capital city of any country worldwide, with temperatures averaging -1.3°C (29.6°F). With only one ski resort in the country, Mongolia isn’t necessarily a destination for resort skiing, but there are some gnarly, one-of-a-kind backcountry mountaineering options.

#3 Iceland 1.77°C (35.2°F)

Positioned high in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland makes the list of coldest countries in the world year after year. While coastal temperatures in southern Iceland are generally warmer and hover around freezing in the winter because of the Gulf Stream, almost all the rest of the country is a completely different story. Although the number is decreasing, glaciers still cover nearly 11% of this wintry tundra, creating fantastic opportunities to trek through untamed landscapes.

#2 Russia -2.82°C (26.9°F)

With such a vast area of land, nearly 20% located within the Arctic Circle, it’s no wonder the average temperature of the largest country in the world is so cold. Although the short summers can be quite warm, especially in Southern Russia, the long, brutal winters bring unbearable cold throughout much of the country. If you’re bold enough to brave the cold, Russia is home to hundreds of ski resorts all over the country, including in the Caucasus Mountains, where the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics were held.

• Related: 11 Climbers Killed in Avalanche on Russia’s Mount Mizhirgi As 6 Remains Missing

#1 Canada -2.89°C (26.8°F)

Nearly 40% of Canada sits within the Arctic Circle, where the extreme and unforgiving conditions persist year-round. Even in the southernmost part of the country, where most of the population lives, winter temperatures commonly fall below freezing for much of the winter. One thing is for sure: skiing and snowboarding in the coldest country in the world is absolutely incredible; just make sure to bring plenty of extra layers.