Despite their bone-chilling temperatures and relentless winds, the coldest places on Earth possess a unique, otherworldly beauty that captures the imagination of those who seek adventure. These extreme environments reveal the sheer power of nature and the remarkable adaptability of life. While they aren’t typical vacation spots, a visit to these frigid locales requires extra layers and plenty of preparation. In these places, your breath will crystallize instantly, and exposed skin can freeze within minutes.
Let’s explore the coldest spots on our planet. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to dive into the world’s most frigid places, starting with the location of the lowest temperature ever recorded.
Exploring the Coldest Places on Earth
Although Antarctica and Greenland might immediately come to mind, the record holders for the coldest temperatures reveal some surprising locations. Here are the seven coldest places on Earth:
1. Eastern Antarctic Plateau
The Eastern Antarctic Plateau, especially Dome A, holds the title for the coldest place on Earth. This vast, elevated region, which spans nearly the size of Australia between Dome Argus and Dome Fuji, experiences temperatures plummeting to -128.6°F (-89.2°C). This record low was recorded by satellite in August 2010 and confirmed by ground measurements in July 2013.
The extreme cold here is due to high altitude (13,428 feet or 4,093 meters), dry air, and clear skies, which allow heat to escape into space during the polar winter. Despite the frigid temperatures, Dome A’s air is among the driest on Earth due to the lack of moisture. The harsh conditions have made it nearly uninhabitable, with only a few species of fungi and bacteria surviving. Scientists find this region valuable for studying life’s adaptability and climate change.
2. Vostok Research Station, Antarctica
Previously known as the coldest place on Earth, Vostok Station remains one of the coldest locations. Founded by the Soviet Union in 1957 and located at the southern Pole of Cold, Vostok Station recorded the lowest temperature on Earth of -128.6°F (-89.2°C) on July 21, 1983. Despite its frigid temperatures, Vostok Station also experiences over 22 hours of sunlight in December, although it has no daylight during polar nights.
Situated 808 miles (1,301 km) from the Geographic South Pole and 11,444 feet (3,488 m) above sea level, Vostok Station is one of Antarctica’s most remote research outposts. Researchers live and work here in extreme isolation, enduring harsh winters to conduct vital scientific research. The station receives only about 20 mm of precipitation annually, all in the form of snow.
3. Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica
Located at the Earth’s southernmost point, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is operated by the United States Antarctic Program. Opened in 1956 and named after explorers Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott, this station endures six months of daylight followed by six months of darkness each year.
The coldest temperature recorded here was -82.8°C in June 1982, with the highest recorded temperature being -12.3°C on Christmas Day in 2011. The station supports an average of 150 researchers in the summer, which drops to about 50 in the winter. The station’s research focuses on areas such as biomedical work, neutrino studies, and cosmic microwave background observations.
4. Denali, Alaska
Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, is North America’s highest peak, rising to 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). The coldest recorded temperature in the United States, -100°F (-73°C), was measured at the 15,000-foot (4,600 m) level between 1950 and 1969. Wind chills can reach -83.4°C.
Denali, meaning “The Great One” in the Athabaskan language, is culturally significant to the Koyukon people and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The park encompasses six million acres of pristine wilderness. Climbing Denali is challenging and requires technical skill and exceptional fitness; only about half of climbers reach the summit.
5. Klinck Research Station, Greenland
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is home to Klinck Research Station, a record-holder for cold temperatures. In December 1991, temperatures at Klinck Station dropped to -93.3°F (-69.6°C). This data was captured by an automatic weather station and publicly shared about 30 years later.
Established in 2003 by the Greenland Climate Research Center, Klinck Research Station sits at 10,187 feet (3,105 m) near Gunnbjørn Mountain, Greenland’s highest point. Scientists traverse harsh snowy terrains with snowmobiles, studying the rapidly melting ice that contributes to global sea-level rise.
6. Verkhoyansk, Russia
Verkhoyansk, located in northeastern Siberia, Russia, holds the record for the lowest temperatures recorded in the northern hemisphere. Known as the northern “Pole of Cold,” Verkhoyansk is one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, with over 1,000 residents.
Just north of the Arctic Circle, Verkhoyansk experiences mild summers and brutally cold winters. The lowest recorded temperature here was -90°F (-67.8°C) in 1892. Despite the severe conditions, residents have developed unique methods to stay warm, including special clothing and heated infrastructure. The town’s climate features significantly more precipitation in summer than in winter.
7. North Ice, Greenland
North Ice was a collaborative research station operated by the United States and Denmark, primarily focused on meteorology, glaciology, and atmospheric sciences. It was part of the British North Greenland Expedition (1952-1954) and recorded the lowest temperature in North America of -66.1°C in 1954.
Though abandoned, North Ice faced numerous challenges due to its extreme environment. Supplies were initially transported by dog sleds, later supplemented by military aircraft. The station’s remote location on a vast ice sheet made it difficult to access and maintain.
Other Notable Cold Locations
Several other places also experience extremely low temperatures, including:
- Yakutsk, Russia (-64.4°C)
- Snag, Yukon (-62.8°C)
- Prospect Creek, Alaska (-62.2°C)
Interestingly, some of the coldest spots on Earth are found in unexpected places, even parts of Africa.
Summing It Up
The coldest places on Earth present formidable challenges for survival and require specialized clothing and equipment to visit. These regions are crucial for scientific research, offering insights into climate change, ice dynamics, and the adaptability of life in extreme conditions. Whether you’re braving the frost yourself or admiring from afar, these icy landscapes inspire awe and respect for the power of nature.