Cold weather can be a cozy change of pace from increasingly-hot summers, and is often welcomed in many parts of the country. People especially look forward to blissfully snowy winters in northern states, where winter wonderlands are the norm. Unfortunately, cold weather is becoming rarer.
June was the Earth’s 13th consecutive month breaking a global heat record. In the U.S., the 2023-24 winter was the warmest ever, with many calling it the “lost winter.” Snowfall was especially rare, made worse by a strong El-Nino climate pattern. Record-breaking heat followed in the summer.
So, as temperatures rise and people begin to yearn for cool weather, we thought it would be helpful to break down the coldest states in the U.S. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or find states to avoid, this list is for you.
How do we measure the coldest states?
For our purposes of determining the “coldest” states, this list will focus on states that have the lowest average annual temperature. We will also be including a state’s average winter temperature, but won’t use it for ranking purposes.
An average annual temperature combines a state’s annual average daily high and low temperatures and averages them into one number. An average winter temperature combines a state’s average daily high and low temperatures from December-February.
Note: It’s important to remember that our rankings account for the entire state, not just one city. You may think of a state as cold because a city in that state has a reputation for low temperatures (i.e. Duluth, Missoula). However, other cities within that same state may experience much warmer weather, which brings the overall state average up.
What are the coldest states in the U.S.?
1. Alaska
- Average annual temperature: 28.0°F
- Average winter temperature: 6.8°F
- Record lowest temperature: -80°F
Unsurprisingly, Alaska is the coldest state in the U.S. The massive northern state known for spectacular natural beauty spans well into the Arctic Circle and has seen the coldest temperatures recorded in the Americas. Prospect Creek Camp, north of Fairbanks, experienced the record-lowest temperature of -80°F in January 1971.
The coldest town in Alaska is likely Utqiagvik (Barrow) on the northern tip of the state, but Fairbanks is the coldest major city. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city.
Contrary to the rest of the U.S., Alaska actually saw a cold winter in 2023/24. Anchorage recorded its second-highest ever snowfall and had weeks of near-zero temperatures. Juneau and Fairbanks fared similarly, though with less snow. Remarkably, though, it was still a warmer-than-normal winter for the state. This shouldn’t be surprising: Alaska is warming twice as fast as the rest of the U.S. The northern third of the state, in particular, has warmed by 6.0°F since 1971 – three-times faster than the global average.
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2. North Dakota
- Average annual temperature: 41.4°F
- Average winter temperature: 13.8°F
- Record lowest temperature: -60°F
North Dakota is the second-coldest state in the U.S., and the coldest in the lower 48. Even though the state is fairly cold on average, it’s especially cold because of frigid blasts of winter Arctic air (a cold front). During a cold front, temperatures can drop dangerously low, especially when factoring in wind chill.
Grand Forks is generally considered the coldest city in North Dakota, but Parshall saw the state’s record lowest temperature in February 1936. Most of the state struggles to get above zero degrees in January.
Many cities on the flat Great Plains experience large temperature differences and are very susceptible to weather fronts. Bismarck, for example, has a 159°F difference between its highest and lowest temperatures, and in the summer, North Dakota is just the 13th coldest state. However, extremely cold winters bring the statewide average temperature down significantly.
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3. Minnesota
- Average annual temperature: 41.9°F
- Average winter temperature: 14.1°F
- Record lowest temperature: -60°F
A state full of lakes, prairies, and midwest charm, Minnesota comes in as the second-coldest state in the U.S. Minnesota is full of people-first cities that value community and health. Minneapolis, the largest city in the state, is a good example of this; it’s the best place to live in Minnesota, as well as the most bikeable city in the country.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Minneapolis, the median house price is $351,000 (June 2024), below the national median. Nearby Saint Paul is even more affordable.
Along with its northern location, Minnesota is so cold largely because of bitter cold fronts from Canada. However, Minnesota’s coast along Lake Superior is also a major factor. The marine influence helps keep temperatures from getting as bitterly cold as inland cities during the winter, while also providing moisture for plenty of snow. The lake helps keep summers much cooler, too. Duluth, located on the shoreline of Lake Superior, is one of the coldest and snowiest cities in the country for this reason.
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4. Maine
- Average annual temperature: 42.1°F
- Average winter temperature: 19.6°F
- Record lowest temperature: -50°F
Maine, a notoriously cold and wet state, is fourth on our list. The Pine Tree State sees both bitterly cold winters and very mild summers, largely because of its proximity to the cold northern Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic helps moderate temperatures throughout the state, especially along the coast, keeping them cooler in the summer. Strong storms (often Nor’easters) and arctic blasts usually affect the state every fall and winter. Northern Interior Maine is often the hardest hit.
However, climate change is threatening Maine more than most other states. Heavier but more infrequent rain and snow events, <a href="https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/gulf-of-maine-water-warming/3353342/#:~:text=The%20Gulf%20of%20a warming Atlantic, and increasing drought are some of the major issues.
Maine is known for its outdoor recreation, close-knit communities, and wonderful cuisine. Lobster fishing is especially popular and makes unique local dishes like lobster rolls possible. Portland is the largest city in Maine.
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5. Wyoming
- Average annual temperature: 42.4°F
- Average winter temperature: 22.5°F
- Record lowest temperature: -66°F
Wyoming is the fifth-coldest state in the U.S. Interestingly, Wyoming is the coldest state during the summer (apart from Alaska), primarily because of its very high elevation. Temperatures rarely reach 100°F anywhere in the state. However, cold fronts generally don’t impact Wyoming as dramatically as they do states on the lower plains, leading to milder winters. Wind chill is a major factor, though.
Bondurant, near Jackson, is the coldest town in Wyoming. Big Piney is also notably cold. Cheyenne is the largest city in the state. If you’re thinking of buying a home in Cheyenne, you’ll find house prices to be $372,000 (June 2024), below the national median.
Wyoming is known for its outdoor recreation and natural beauty, particularly at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Throughout the state, massive mountain ranges make way for wide open prairies where grassland stretches for miles. There’s even deserts in central and southern Wyoming. Friendly communities and quaint towns are the cherry on top.
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6. Montana
- Average annual temperature: 42.7°F
- Average winter temperature: 22.2°F
- Record lowest temperature: -70°F
Montana isn’t called Big Sky Country for nothing. Everywhere you look, expansive plains, sprawling forests, and towering mountains give way to views of clear, beautiful skies. The state is rich with history, too. Mining, ranching, farming, and smelting were all important to Montana’s growth in the late 19th century, which was jump started by new railroad lines.
Montana’s high elevation helps keep the state cooler during the summer months, but often shields it from the worst of cold arctic air. Many areas can reach extremely low temperatures in the winter if conditions are right, though. Montana actually saw the lowest recorded temperature in the lower 48 states when Rogers Pass reached -70°F on the morning of January 1954, due to fresh snow, arctic air, and characteristically clear skies.
If you’re thinking of making the move, Missoula is the best place to live in Montana. The largest city in the state is Billings, but every city is small and has lots of character. Bozeman and Whitefish are especially popular among homebuyers.
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7. Vermont
- Average annual temperature: 43.4°F
- Average winter temperature: 21.1°F
- Record lowest temperature: -50°F
Vermont is a quintessential New England state known for its distinct seasons, colorful forested mountains, and colonial history. The many mountains define both the state’s landscape and climate – winds coming from the Gulf of Mexico, Canada, and Atlantic Ocean interact with the mountains to produce different weather. For example, in the winter, cold air from Canada and moist air from the Atlantic often leads to snowfall. Weather can change frequently day to day.
Sutton, a mountain town in northern Vermont, is the coldest town in the state. Well over 100 inches of snow falls there every year.
Fall is the best time to visit Vermont when forests turn into multicolored blankets. Crisp, cool weather and crunchy leaves under your feet makes exploring the state’s historic cities and leisurely hikes that much more enjoyable.
Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and home to breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. If you’re considering buying a home in Burlington, house prices are very high at $654,950 (June 2024).
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8. Idaho
- Average annual temperature: 44.0°F
- Average winter temperature: 26.0°F
- Record lowest temperature: -60°F
Idaho is known for its world-famous potatoes, dramatic landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreation. Its rugged mountains help create a cool landscape year-round, especially in the summer. Winters can get exceptionally cold, too, but the southern parts of the state are shielded on both sides by mountain ranges, leading to milder winters. The most extreme weather occurs in the northern and central mountain ranges.
Stanley, a small town at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in Central Idaho, is easily the coldest town in Idaho. In fact, it’s often the coldest town in the continental U.S. From 1996-2015, Stanley recorded the nation’s lowest temperature 522 times. Most of these records occurred in the summer.
The lowest temperature recorded in Idaho occurred at Island Park Dam in January 1945, when the thermometer dipped to -60°F. The largest city in Idaho, Boise, rarely gets extremely cold but can see hot summers. Southwestern Idaho in general is the warmest part of the state.
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9. New Hampshire
- Average annual temperature: 44,4°F
- Average winter temperature: 22.7°F
- Record lowest temperature: -50°F
New Hampshire comes in at number nine on our list of the coldest states. Home to the gorgeous (and windy) White Mountains, quaint colonial towns, and forests rich with color and life, New Hampshire is a natural paradise. Driving along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway provides the best views of New Hampshire’s beauty.
New Hampshire’s climate is fairly mild along the Atlantic coast and much colder further north and west. Cold fronts tend to impact the entire state and can lead to significant snowfall. Summers are warm and humid near the water and cooler in the mountains.
One of the best things to do in New Hampshire is visit its many historic European towns, most of which are along the coast. Berlin, Londonderry, and Rye are all great places to be transported to the past.
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10. Wisconsin
- Average annual temperature: 44.4°F
- Average winter temperature: 19.0°F
- Record lowest temperature: -55°F
Famous for dairy and football, Wisconsin rounds out our list of the coldest states in the U.S.
Wisconsin’s climate is similar to other north-central states, but much milder than Minnesota and North Dakota. Winters are over 5°F warmer than North Dakota, for example, largely because it’s further south. Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east also help moderate temperatures along their coasts, although they also provide plenty of moisture for snow. Blasts of arctic air can affect the entire state, but northern towns are generally hit the hardest.
Couderay, a town in the north-central region, has reached the state’s record-low of -55°F twice, both in February 1996.
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How is cold weather changing?
The earth is warming quickly, but winter temperatures have been especially off the charts. In fact, winter is the fastest-warming season in the U.S., with many cities seeing dramatically shorter seasons and decreasing snowpacks. And in especially cold places, temperatures are actually increasing the fastest. The Arctic Circle has warmed nearly four times faster than anywhere else.
One of the most extreme examples of winter heat occurred in South America in 2023. Temperatures in parts of the Chilean Andes rose to an unbelievable 102°F (38.9°C) in mid-winter, over 50°F above normal. Earlier, in 2021, rain fell on the summit of the Greenland ice cap for likely the first time in history.
This rapid warming is intensifying climate change and already causing global impacts, such as strained water supplies and food insecurity. Winter recreation and industry are also changing quickly. For example, Elfstedentocht, a famed outdoor ice skating race in the Netherlands, hasn’t happened in nearly 20 years and likely won’t again.
Unfortunately, as temperatures rise, research shows that the coldest states will get warmer.
Methodology
Data comes from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and its parent administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Average annual temperatures are a twelve-month average based on data from 1994-2024. Average winter temperatures are a three-month average based on data from December-February, 1994/95-2023/24. Record-low temperature data found here.
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