The 10 coldest countries in the world 2026: Russia, Canada, Iceland and others

There is no single reason why a country should be among the coldest countries on Earth. In some cases, the explanation lies in geography, as vast areas extend toward the North Pole. Elsewhere, towering mountain ranges maintain low temperatures despite their distance from the polar regions.

Annual temperature averages often reveal a different picture than what travelers experience during a short visit. A country may have warm summers and still be among the coldest because winter occupies a large portion of the year. Based on average temperature figures, these 10 countries record some of the coldest climates anywhere in the world, each shaped by its own landscape, altitude and location.According to World Population Review, learn about the list of the coldest countries in the world 2026.

The 10 coldest countries in the world in 2026 according to annual temperatures

Source: World Population Review

The coldest countries in the world in 2026, ranked

1. Russia

Average temperature: -2.50°CRussia occupies a larger area than any other country, and much of that territory is located in regions where winter is the dominant force. Across the vast expanses of Siberia, frozen terrain, snow-covered forests and long periods of darkness are common features of the cold months.The country’s size means that climatic conditions vary widely, but the large northern and inland areas remain cold enough to drop the national average below zero.

Long winters have a stronger impact than the relatively mild summers experienced in some western regions.2. Canada

Average temperature: -2.14°CCanada’s location near the North Pole helps explain its place near the top of this ranking. Large areas of the country experience long winters that arrive early and last into spring. Snowfall is common across most parts of the landscape.While the major cities along the southern border often enjoy warmer conditions than farther north, the vast northern regions of the country remain cold throughout most of the year.

These broad frozen areas greatly influence the overall average temperature in Canada.3. Tajikistan

Average temperature: 1.10°CMountains write Tajikistan’s climate story Much of the country rises steeply above sea level, creating conditions that are noticeably cooler than those in the surrounding lowlands. High peaks and soaring valleys dominate the landscape.Even during the warmer seasons, many sites maintain relatively moderate temperatures due to their elevation.

The country’s rugged terrain has a greater impact on annual temperature than its location within Central Asia might suggest.4. Kyrgyzstan

Average temperature: 1.54°CKyrgyzstan shares many climatic similarities with its mountainous neighbours. Snow-covered ranges extend across much of the country, shaping weather patterns and limiting seasonal warming in many areas.Life in the highlands often revolves around a climate that remains cold for most of the year.

Although the lower valleys can get warmer during the summer, the extensive mountainous terrain makes the national average among the lowest in the world.5. Iceland

Average temperature: 1.98°CDespite its proximity to the North Pole, Iceland is not quite as cold as many people think. The surrounding oceans moderate extreme temperatures, preventing conditions from becoming as harsh as those found in some continental interiors.However, warmth is rarely a characteristic of the Icelandic climate.

Cool summers, regular winds, and expansive icy landscapes contribute to an average annual temperature that places the country comfortably within this classification.6. Mongolia

Average temperature: 2.36°CMongolia experiences a climate characterized by sharp contrasts between seasons. Its landlocked location means there is little marine influence and moderate temperature variations throughout the year.Winters can be particularly harsh throughout the open grasslands and high plateaus of the country.

Cold air moves freely across these vast landscapes, creating conditions that last long enough to keep the annual average relatively low.7. Norway

Average temperature: 3.00°CNorway combines rugged mountains, deep fjords and high northern latitudes. These geographic features create a climate that varies greatly from region to region, although cold weather remains a familiar part of life in most parts of the country.The coast benefits from the ocean’s influences, which moderate winter fluctuations. However, the inland and northern regions often experience cooler conditions, which helps maintain Norway’s place among the coldest countries in the world.8. Sweden

Average temperature: 4.55°CSweden extends across much of northern Europe, extending from relatively temperate southern regions to more winter-dominated areas. This wide geographic range creates large climatic variations within the country.Northern Sweden regularly experiences long snow seasons and limited daylight during the winter months. These cold regions greatly influence the national average, placing Sweden in the top ten.9. Andorra

Average temperature: 6.23°CSmall in size but high in altitude, Andorra owes its cool climate to its location within the Pyrenees. Mountain slopes and high valleys dominate the landscape, shaping weather conditions throughout the year.The country’s elevation limits how high temperatures can get, even during the summer. As a result, Andorra has a lower annual average than many major European countries at similar latitudes.10. Switzerland

Average temperature: 6.27°CSwitzerland’s climate is closely linked to the Alps, which cover a large part of the country. These mountains influence everything from snowfall patterns to seasonal temperatures.Altitude plays a major role in keeping conditions cooler than those found in most parts of Central Europe. Although the lower regions can experience pleasant summers, the extensive alpine terrain continues to exert a strong cooling influence on the national average.