10 of the world’s coldest countries and their winter landscapes

Canada is the second-largest country in the world and records an average yearly temperature of approximately -2.89 °C. Travelers can explore snowy mountain ranges in the Rockies, frozen lakes in Nunavut, and Arctic tundra across northern Canada. In parts of Canada, winter conditions regularly drop below -30 °C.

Best Season to Visit: December to March for winter experiences

Ideal Visiting Hours: Afternoon for slightly warmer temperatures during sightseeing

Traveler Tip: Layered winter clothing is essential in most regions during winter

Must-Know: Northern Canada experiences extended periods of darkness during the winter months

Russia spans 11 time zones and has an average yearly temperature of around -2.82 °C. Visitors can explore snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and settlements such as Oymyakon, where winter temperatures frequently fall below -40 °C.

Best Season to Visit: June to September for milder conditions or winter for snow scenery

Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for city tours and winter activities

Traveler Tip: Moscow and St Petersburg are more accessible during winter than remote Siberian regions

Must-Know: Oymyakon in Siberia is considered one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth

Iceland has an average annual temperature of approximately 1.77 °C and is home to glaciers, volcanic terrain, and geothermal activity. Guests can visit Gullfoss waterfall, explore black-sand beaches like Reynisfjara, and venture into ice caves while experiencing one of Europe’s coldest climates.

Best Season to Visit: November to March for northern lights or summer for road trips

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening for aurora viewing opportunities

Traveler Tip: Weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day

Must-Know: Geothermal energy heats most homes and public pools across the country

Mongolia has an average yearly temperature of around 1.82 °C and is known for its harsh continental climate. Travelers can discover vast grasslands, snowy mountains, and traditional nomadic culture across one of Asia’s coldest nations.

Best Season to Visit: June to August for milder travel conditions

Ideal Visiting Hours: Afternoon for warmer daytime temperatures

Traveler Tip: Ulaanbaatar becomes extremely cold during the winter months

Must-Know: Mongolia’s capital is considered the coldest national capital in the world

Finland records an average yearly temperature of approximately 2.87 °C and experiences long winters with heavy snowfall in northern regions. Visitors can discover frozen lakes, reindeer farms, and northern lights throughout Finnish Lapland.

Best Season to Visit: December to March for winter scenery and snow activities

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening for northern lights viewing

Traveler Tip: Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture during winter

Must-Know: Parts of northern Finland experience polar night during the winter months

Norway has an average yearly temperature of about 2.28 °C and stretches into the Arctic Circle with regions such as Svalbard. Guests can discover snowy mountains, frozen plateaus, and dramatic fjords throughout Scandinavia.

Best Season to Visit: December to February for Arctic experiences

Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for winter excursions and sightseeing

Traveler Tip: Coastal regions are milder than inland mountain areas

Must-Know: Northern Norway experiences the midnight sun during summer and the polar night during winter

Sweden records an average yearly temperature of approximately 3.38 °C and experiences long winters across much of the country. Travelers can discover Arctic forests, frozen rivers, and winter festivals throughout Sweden’s northern regions.

Best Season to Visit: January to March for snow activities and winter landscapes

Ideal Visiting Hours: Afternoon for outdoor sightseeing

Traveler Tip: Stockholm remains more moderate than northern Swedish regions

Must-Know: Ice hotels and winter markets attract visitors during colder months

Kyrgyzstan has an average yearly temperature of around 4.28 °C and is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range. Visitors can discover glaciers, alpine lakes, and snow-covered valleys across one of Central Asia’s highest countries.

Best Season to Visit: June to September for mountain travel

Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for hiking and photography

Traveler Tip: Altitude conditions can affect travelers in mountain regions

Must-Know: Much of the country sits above 2,500 meters in elevation

Estonia records an average yearly temperature of approximately 6.94 °C and experiences snowy winters influenced by the Baltic Sea. Guests can discover medieval architecture, frozen coastlines, and winter markets throughout the country.

Best Season to Visit: December for winter festivals and snow scenery

Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening for holiday lights and city walks

Traveler Tip: Tallinn’s old town is especially popular during the winter months

Must-Know: Daylight hours become very limited during December and January

Tajikistan has an average yearly temperature of approximately 5.71 °C and is dominated by the Pamir Mountains. Travelers can discover remote valleys, glaciers, and alpine landscapes shaped by extreme elevation and cold weather.

Best Season to Visit: May to September for road travel and mountain access

Ideal Visiting Hours: Morning for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Traveler Tip: Mountain roads may close during winter because of snow conditions

Must-Know: More than 90 percent of the country is mountainous terrain