There is no single reason a country ends up among the coldest on Earth. In some cases, the explanation lies in geography, with vast territories stretching towards the Arctic. Elsewhere, towering mountain ranges keep temperatures low despite being far from the polar regions. Annual temperature averages often reveal a different picture from what travellers experience during a short visit. A nation may enjoy warm summers and still rank among the coldest because winter occupies such a large part of the year. Based on average temperature figures, these ten countries record some of the chilliest climates anywhere in the world, each shaped by its own landscape, elevation and location.According to the World Population Review, check the list of the coldest countries in the world 2026.
Top 10 coldest countries in the world 2026 based on annual temperatures
Source: World Population Review
Source: World Population Review
World’s coldest countries in 2026, ranked
1. Russia
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Average temperature: -2.50°CRussia occupies more land than any other country, and much of that territory lies in regions where winter is a dominant force. Across the immense stretches of Siberia, frozen ground, snow-covered forests and long periods of darkness are ordinary features of the colder months.The country’s size means climate conditions vary considerably, yet large northern and inland areas remain cold enough to pull the national average below zero. Those prolonged winters have a stronger influence than the relatively mild summers experienced in some western regions.2. Canada
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Average temperature: -2.14°CCanada’s position near the Arctic helps explain its place near the top of this ranking. Large areas of the country experience lengthy winters that arrive early and linger well into spring. Snowfall is common across much of the landscape.While major cities along the southern border often enjoy warmer conditions than the far north, the country’s vast northern territories remain cold throughout much of the year. These expansive frozen regions heavily influence Canada’s overall temperature average.3. Tajikistan
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Average temperature: 1.10°CMountains write Tajikistan’s climate story. Much of the country rises sharply above sea level, creating conditions noticeably cooler than those in surrounding lowland areas. High peaks and elevated valleys dominate the landscape.Even during warmer seasons, many locations retain relatively mild temperatures because of their altitude. The country’s rugged terrain has a greater effect on annual temperature than its position within Central Asia might suggest.4. Kyrgyzstan
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Average temperature: 1.54°CKyrgyzstan shares many climatic similarities with its mountainous neighbours. Snow-covered ranges stretch across much of the country, shaping weather patterns and limiting seasonal warming in many regions.Life in higher elevations often revolves around a climate that remains cool for much of the year. Although lower valleys can become warmer during summer, the extensive mountain terrain keeps the national average among the lowest in the world.5. Iceland
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Average temperature: 1.98°CDespite sitting close to the Arctic, Iceland is not quite as cold as many people imagine. The surrounding ocean softens temperature extremes, preventing conditions from becoming as severe as those found in some continental interiors.Still, warmth is rarely a defining feature of the Icelandic climate. Cool summers, regular winds and extensive glacial landscapes contribute to an annual temperature average that comfortably places the country within this ranking.6. Mongolia
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Average temperature: 2.36°CMongolia experiences a climate marked by sharp contrasts between seasons. Its landlocked position means there is little maritime influence to moderate temperature changes throughout the year.Winters can be particularly severe across the country’s open grasslands and high plateaus. Cold air moves freely across these expansive landscapes, creating conditions that persist long enough to keep the annual average relatively low.7. Norway
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Average temperature: 3.00°CNorway combines rugged mountains, deep fjords and high northern latitudes. These geographical features create a climate that varies considerably from one region to another, though cold weather remains a familiar part of life across much of the country.The coast benefits from ocean influences that temper winter extremes. Inland and northern districts, however, often experience much colder conditions, helping maintain Norway’s place among the world’s coldest nations.8. Sweden
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Average temperature: 4.55°CSweden stretches across a large section of northern Europe, extending from relatively mild southern regions into areas where winter holds a much firmer grip. This broad geographical range creates substantial climatic differences within the country.Northern Sweden regularly experiences long snowy seasons and limited daylight during winter months. Those colder regions significantly affect the national average, keeping Sweden within the top ten.9. Andorra
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Average temperature: 6.23°CSmall in size but high in elevation, Andorra owes its cool climate to its location within the Pyrenees. Mountain slopes and elevated valleys dominate the landscape, shaping weather conditions throughout the year.The country’s altitude limits how much temperatures can rise, even during summer. As a result, Andorra records a lower annual average than many larger European nations situated at comparable latitudes.10. Switzerland
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Average temperature: 6.27°CSwitzerland’s climate is closely linked to the Alps, which cover a substantial portion of the country. These mountains influence everything from snowfall patterns to seasonal temperatures.Elevation plays a major role in keeping conditions cooler than those found across much of central Europe. Although lower areas can experience pleasant summers, the extensive alpine terrain continues to exert a strong cooling effect on the national average.
