Russia is home to some of the coldest places on Earth, where winters are long, icy, and harsh, with temperatures plummeting to unbearable lows. These cities are located in some of the most extreme climates imaginable, seemingly as if nature has set the ultimate survival test for humanity.
Verkhoyansk
Yakutia is one of Russia’s coldest regions, with winter temperatures frequently dropping to -40°C (-40°F) or even lower, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Among these, Verkhoyansk, situated north of the Arctic Circle, is notorious for its extreme low temperatures. It once recorded a staggering -67.7°C (-89.9°F), one of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in an inhabited area. The average annual temperature here is around -15°C (4.9°F).
While Verkhoyansk is known for its cold, it has also experienced extreme temperature swings. In 2020, for example, a rare heatwave saw the temperature soar to 38°C (100.4°F), a striking example of how global climate change is affecting polar regions. Despite these occasional warm spells, Verkhoyansk is a small city, with fewer than 800 permanent residents. 
Norilsk
Norilsk is one of the northernmost cities in the world and the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, with a population of over 175,000. Living and working here means enduring an extreme climate and tough natural conditions. The city experiences long, snowy winters, and strong winds make the cold even more unbearable.
The average annual temperature in Norilsk is -9.6°C (14.7°F), with a historical low of -53.1°C (-63.6°F). These extreme temperatures challenge daily life. Even in summer, the weather remains cool, with only two to three weeks of warm temperatures. Nevertheless, this brief summer offers a much-needed break from the frigid winters and harsh conditions.
Pevek
Pevek is Russia’s northernmost city, located on the shores of the Pevek Strait in Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. Though small, it plays an important role in the Arctic region, with a population of about 4,500. Pevek experiences an extremely harsh climate, similar to Norilsk, with long, cold winters and temperatures frequently plunging to extreme lows.
In addition to the intense cold, residents must also contend with the strong “Yuzhak” wind. This particularly fierce wind, common during winter, is accompanied by low temperatures and snow, further exacerbating the already harsh living conditions in Pevek.
Dudinka
Dudinka is a small town located on the Yenisei River, with a population of around 20,000. It is the northernmost international seaport in Russia. Due to its strategic location, the port operates year-round, providing essential support for transportation and trade in Russia’s Arctic regions. Dudinka is just 90 kilometers away from Norilsk, making it a key neighboring city and transportation hub.
Dudinka has an extremely harsh climate, with long, cold winters. Its record low temperature reached a staggering -56.1°C (-69°F).
Yakutsk
The capital of Yakutia, Yakutsk, is situated on permafrost, making it a unique and vibrant city. Despite its freezing temperatures, more than 380,000 people call it home, and the city continues to grow. The climate in Yakutsk is typically continental, with clear seasonal changes. Winters are long and cold, with temperatures often dropping to -50°C (-58°F) or even lower, making it one of the most challenging seasons. In summer, temperatures can rise sharply, reaching up to 30°C (86°F), creating a massive temperature difference.
One notable feature of Yakutsk in winter is the dense fog, which often envelops the city, significantly reducing visibility and causing difficulties for daily life and transportation. Despite the harsh climate, Yakutsk continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, serving as a crucial center in the Russian Arctic region.
Salekhard
Salekhard is a unique city with the Arctic Circle (66°32′ N) passing directly through its center, giving it special geographical significance. Winters here are long, occupying almost the entire year, with around 200 days of snowfall. Snow-covered landscapes are a norm. Temperatures often drop to -30°C (-22°F) and can reach -50°C (-58°F) in extreme cases.
The living environment in Salekhard is relatively safe, with no dangerous industrial facilities. The overall atmosphere is calm, and most residents work in regular office jobs, schools, and stores. Daily life is stable. The city is actively promoting tourism, hoping to boost its economy by attracting visitors. Thanks to its unique location and natural landscapes, Salekhard is gradually becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Vorkuta
Vorkuta is the easternmost city in Europe and the fourth-largest city north of the Arctic Circle, with a population of over 50,000. Known for its rich coal reserves and coal mining industry, it has developed under extreme climatic conditions, showcasing humanity’s resilience in harsh environments.
Winters in Vorkuta are long, usually lasting about eight months. The short summers are cool and may even experience frost. While the average annual temperature is -5.3°C (22.5°F), it has dropped to -50°C (-58°F) during extreme weather. These harsh conditions place high demands on daily life and work, especially in the coal mining industry, where bad weather makes the work even harder. Nonetheless, Vorkuta remains an important industrial city, and its coal resources provide crucial energy support for Russia and beyond.
