Coldest Cities in United States

Top 100 cities ranked by coldest cities

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All Countries · United States

Coldest Cities — United States

1 Anchorage AK 26°F

2 Steele Creek AK 27°F

3 Badger AK 27°F

4 Chena Ridge AK 27°F

5 College AK 29°F

6 Fairbanks AK 29°F

7 Bethel AK 31°F

8 Breckenridge CO 32°F

9 Knik-Fairview AK 33°F

10 Meadow Lakes AK 33°F

11 Kalifornsky AK 34°F

12 Salida CO 35°F

13 Fishhook AK 36°F

14 Kenai AK 36°F

15 Sterling AK 36°F

16 South Lakes AK 37°F

17 Gateway AK 37°F

18 Hibbing MN 37°F

19 Wasilla AK 37°F

20 Tanaina AK 37°F

21 North Lakes AK 37°F

22 Palmer AK 37°F

23 Homer AK 37°F

24 International Falls MN 37°F

25 Gunnison CO 38°F

26 Edwards CO 38°F

27 Avon CO 38°F

28 Virginia MN 38°F

29 Jackson WY 38°F

30 Presque Isle ME 39°F

31 Caribou ME 39°F

32 Eagle CO 39°F

33 Woodland Park CO 39°F

34 Juneau AK 39°F

35 Grand Rapids MN 40°F

36 Big Lake MN 40°F

37 Cloquet MN 40°F

38 Hermantown MN 40°F

39 Ishpeming MI 40°F

40 Thief River Falls MN 40°F

41 Bemidji MN 40°F

42 Saranac Lake NY 40°F

43 Butte-Silver Bow MT 40°F

44 Detroit Lakes MN 40°F

45 Crookston MN 40°F

46 Ironwood MI 40°F

47 Hailey ID 40°F

48 Devils Lake ND 40°F

49 Helena Valley West Central MT 40°F

50 Helena Valley Northwest MT 40°F

51 Helena MT 40°F

52 East Grand Forks MN 41°F

53 Grand Forks ND 41°F

54 Valley City ND 41°F

55 Aspen CO 41°F

56 Laramie WY 41°F

57 Houghton MI 41°F

58 Steamboat Springs CO 41°F

59 Baxter MN 41°F

60 Brainerd MN 41°F

61 Ashland WI 41°F

62 Jamestown ND 41°F

63 Rhinelander WI 41°F

64 West Fargo ND 41°F

65 Antigo WI 41°F

66 Johnstown NY 42°F

67 Gloversville NY 42°F

68 Little Falls MN 42°F

69 Livingston MT 42°F

70 Williston ND 42°F

71 Kingsford MI 42°F

72 Iron Mountain MI 42°F

73 Fergus Falls MN 42°F

74 Kodiak AK 42°F

75 Evanston WY 42°F

76 Dickinson ND 42°F

77 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County MT 42°F

78 Ammon ID 42°F

79 Watford City ND 42°F

80 Merrill WI 42°F

81 Wahpeton ND 42°F

82 Moorhead MN 42°F

83 Escanaba MI 42°F

84 Litchfield MN 42°F

85 Morris MN 42°F

86 Bismarck ND 42°F

87 Sault Ste. Marie MI 42°F

88 Mandan ND 42°F

89 Berlin NH 43°F

90 Whitefish MT 43°F

91 Alexandria MN 43°F

92 North Branch MN 43°F

93 Alamosa CO 43°F

94 Barre VT 43°F

95 Marquette MI 43°F

96 Malone NY 43°F

97 Aberdeen SD 43°F

98 Craig CO 43°F

99 Mount Hood Villages OR 43°F

100 Sauk Rapids MN 43°F

The coldest cities in United States experience low average annual temperatures, with long winters and significant snowfall. Anchorage has an average annual temperature of just 26°F.

Cold-climate cities often feature distinct four-season lifestyles with winter sports, fall foliage, and summer outdoor recreation. Many residents value the seasonal changes and outdoor activities that come with colder climates, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Living in cold-climate cities typically means higher heating costs, the need for winter-ready vehicles and clothing, and seasonal challenges like snow removal. However, these cities often compensate with lower costs of living, less crowding, and strong community bonds forged through shared seasonal experiences.

Did You Know?

1. At 26°F average, Anchorage experiences temperatures well below freezing for months each year.
2. Cold-climate cities often have underground walkway systems, enclosed skyways, or heated bus shelters to help residents navigate harsh winters.
3. Despite the cold, many of these cities rank high in quality of life due to strong economies, good schools, and vibrant cultural scenes.

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