Top Coldest States In The US In Winter Ranked: Check These Out Before Visiting!

Do you want to travel to the coldest states in the US? Considering the vastness of the United States of America in terms of its latitudinal and longitudinal extent, there is absolutely no doubt that the US experiences a lot of different climates throughout. 

Further, if you look at the US states on the map, you will find that the states farther north, upper midwest, northwest, and northeast are the ones to experience the lowest temperatures. Alaska, the coldest state in the USA, has a temperature between -1 to -15 degrees Celsius during winter months. 

On the other hand, when it comes to the average temperature range of all the coldest states in the US during winter, the number will be around -1 to -18 degrees Celsius. 

However, despite these low temperatures, snowfall, and other climatic challenges, the USA’s winter tourism industry is thriving steadily. By 2033, the market is estimated to reach USD 224.7 million. 

So, are you also planning a trip to these winter wonderlands? Do you want to know about the weather conditions of these states in winter and the must-see attractions? 

Here is a Dream and Travel guide on the coldest states in the US in winter (Top 10 Edition). We have ranked the states based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local experts back all the facts presented here. 

Let’s visit the USA in winter! 

The Coldest States In The US: Top 10 Edition!

As we all know, the United States boasts of diverse climatic conditions that cater to various preferences. From beaches to deserts, the country has it all. The Continental Zone and the Maritime Zone are the two primary climate zones that cover a considerable part of the nation, and the combination of latitude and the dominant winds is responsible for the varied temperatures in the country.

If you were searching for the coldest states in the US, then let me tell you one thing— you have reached the end of your search. So, get your jackets and blankets ready, and do not forget your hot steaming cup of tea or hot chocolate (whatever keeps you warm and cozy!)
Let us now get into the coldest states in the US that you have been searching for.  Below, you will find a list of the 10 coldest states in the US based on their average temperature.

1. Alaska

Alaska is the coldest state in the United States. It is located in the northernmost part of the States and is the nearest to the North Pole. This is the reason why it has such an extreme temperature during the winter season. The average temperature of Alaska is nearly 28.1 degrees Fahrenheit yearly. However, the temperature can go as low as -36 degree celsius during winter. In the year 1971, the state recorded its lowest ever temperature which was -62 degrees celsius.

Places To Visit In Alaska In Winter

In the heart of Alaska, winter sets in as early as October, and it continues till May. Further, it’s great that Alaska is on the verge of tourism recovery from the pandemic days, and winter tourism has a major role to play in it. 

Fairbanks is one of the major winter tourism attractions in Alaska. The Alaska Business Magazine, in its recent report, has highlighted that Fairbanks has surpassed the number of visitors in 2023-24, even in comparison to the pre-pandemic days. 

So, if you plan to visit the coldest states in the US this winter, Alaska, especially Fairbanks, will be your go-to destination. 

2. Wyoming

With an average temperature of nearly 6 degrees Celsius, Wyoming is the second coldest state in the United States. 

The minimum temperature on average in the winter ranges from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The state experiences massive snowfall in the highlands and the lowlands during winter. 

January is the coldest month in Wyoming. The temperature does not generally fall below 14 degrees.

3. North Dakota

Next on the list and coming second to Alaska in North Dakota. It is located in the Upper midwestern part of the great plains of the United States. The winters here are extremely harsh, and the state experiences blizzards. The average temperature of the state during winter is nearly -4.4 degrees celsius. The coldest month is January, with the temperature hitting as low as -8.3 degrees.

■ Grand Forks, North Dakota

North Dakota has many of the major cold cities in the United States, and among those, Grand Forks is the coldest. The minimum average temperature of the place is minus three degrees Fahrenheit. In January, the temperature rarely crosses zero degrees, as that is the coldest month of the year.

Surprisingly, Grand Forks is not close to any water bodies or mountain ranges. However, it is located in one of the northernmost states and is also one of the northernmost cities. The landscape is arid and flat, and it is more susceptible to this extreme weather and wind than any other city in North Dakota.

The lowest temperature that was recorded was minus 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though the city experiences extreme cold weather, it has its high 70s and low 80s in between June and September. If you plan to visit during April, you will receive a moderate temperature.

■ Williston, North Dakota

Williston is located directly west of Grand Forks and experiences almost the same temperature range with a minimum average temperature of somewhere around zero degrees.

January is also the coldest month in Williston, just like Grand Forks. It typically ranges from 5 to 23 degrees over a month. However, Williston experiences a wide range of weather all through the year. 

The temperature in July stays somewhere around 85 degrees, and in December and January, it rarely goes over 20 degrees. The temperature varies vastly. It stays warm and moderate from April to October and gets frigid around November.

■ Fargo, North Dakota

If you are familiar with the movie Fargo, then you know how the Coen Brothers dramatized the city of North Dakota. However, the part where they showed the snow-capped city, that part was true. 

Frago is located on the Minnesota and North Dakota border, and is exposed to the extreme cold weather aunty, and the wind gets in through the Upper Midwest in the winter months. However, Fargo has four different seasons. And the fall and summer months are beautiful here.

It is not until December that the frigid cold begins to set in and cover the entire city in snow. Even though there are four different seasons, you will find the summers most comforting. The fall and spring are also a good time to visit, but the temperatures can suddenly fall into the 20s and the 30s.

4. Montana

Next on the list, we have Montana, with a yearly average temperature of nearly 68 degrees celsius. The temperature of the place during January, however, takes a massive drop, with the temperature falling below freezing point. The average temperature in December and January is -17 degrees. The western part of the state experiences milder winters due to its proximity to the pacific coastline.

5. Idaho

It was difficult to rank Idaho and Wisconsin as they have tied a number of times in the list of coldest states in the US. But here in Idaho is the eighth-coldest state in the United States of America. The average temperature of the state is 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 6 degrees Celsius. January is generally considered to be the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of -3 degrees.

However, there are a number of sports and recreational activities that you can take part in during the winter, making it a great place for tourism. For a cozy stay, consider renting a home with a hot tub from DoneRight Vacation Rentals

6. Maine

The third state on the list of the coldest states in the US is Maine. Located in the upper rocky region of the country with a number of beaches, Maine is a beautiful place. The cold seasons last for more than three months in this state, with an average daily temperature of nearly 5 degrees celsius. In the winter, the temperature can hit as low as -11 degrees.

7. Minnesota

Want to know the fourth coldest state in the United States? It is Minnesota. The latitude of the state greatly affects the climate and temperature of the state of Minnesota. Located in the Upper Midwest region, the state is affected by the proximity to Lake Superior, which lies to its northeast. The month of January is the coldest month, with the temperature hitting nearly -35 degrees.

■ Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth is a place susceptible to the chills because of how close it is to Lake Superior. 

It is located in a place which is commonly known as the “snowbelt.” The reason behind this massive influx is geographical and known as the lake effect snow.

This happens when the cold air blows over the Great Lake’s warm waters and, in the process, collects a lot of moisture. 

Just when the air starts to rise and forms clouds, and causes an intense amount of snowfall. Because of the proximity of Duluth to Lake Superior, it is one of the snowiest cities in the entire United States.

8. Wisconsin

The eighth coldest state in the US is Wisconsin. The state is located in close proximity to the two lakes, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The two lakes, therefore, influence the climate of the state. The average temperature in Wisconsin can fall as low as 6.7 degree Celsius. In addition, the state experiences snowfall that freezes most parts of the state. January is the coldest month in Wisconsin, with temperatures becoming as low as -10 degree celsius.

9. Vermont

Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, Vermont is seventh on the list of the coldest states in the US. While it is definitely one of the most visited places in the country during the months of June to September, winters here can be pretty severe. The average temperature of the state is 14 degrees Celsius. In winter, however, the temperature falls as low as -16 degrees celsius.

Places To Visit In Vermont In Winter

The entire of Vermont gets veiled with snow during winter. However, the historic downtowns of Vermont become havens of warmth and comfort with the mercury going down. 

Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can try snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, and more throughout the state. Moreover, the winter hotspots are Greater Burlington, Champlain Islands, Upper Green Mountains, etc. 

9. Colorado

The average temperature in Colorado during winter varies between 23-53 degrees F. The state experiences winter from late November to early March. 

However, the winter temperature in Colorado differs by location. Colorado Springs, Denver, Aspen, Burlington, and all other prominent locations in Denver experience different temperatures. 

Moreover, the coldest county in Colorado is Lake County. 

Places To Visit In Colorado During Winter

Colorado has many hotspots to offer you during winter. However, Durango in southwestern Colorado is our favorite. 

This small town near the Mexico border takes you on a journey to another world. The steam train and the Narrow Gauge Railroad take you through canyons, mountains, and passes. 

Also, don’t miss visiting the Railroad Museum in the Colorado City Center. Here, a baggage car is converted into a movie theater. Close to the Railroad Museum is the Powerhouse Science Center, where you will have an interactive experience. 

10. New Hampshire

Last but definitely not least, on the list of the coldest states in the US is New Hampshire, coming at number ten. The average temperature in this state is 44.2 degrees Fahrenheit or 6.8 degrees Celsius. The coldest month in the state of New Hampshire is most definitely January, when the temperature falls below freezing point. The average temperature in January is -6 degrees celsius.

Places To Visit In New Hampshire In Winter

Bretton Woods, the largest skiing area in New Hampshire, is a must-visit during winter. Further, for an interactive experience, you can visit Ice Castles in North Woodstock.

For more skiing fun, you must be at Cranmore Mountain Resort and other skiing resorts in North Conway. 

Wrapping It Up!

While frigid weather may not be as popular as other seasons such as autumn or summer, it still has its own advantages. For instance, snow-related sports become much more enjoyable when there is actual snow on the ground. Moreover, there’s nothing like wrapping up in a blanket with a hot cup of tea and a good book when it’s chilly outside. 

If these activities are your top priorities, then perhaps you should consider relocating to one of the above-mentioned coldest states in the United States. Extreme Weather Watch utilized data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine the average temperature of each U.S. state between 1991 and 2020. World Population Review then created a convenient chart by ranking the states from coldest to hottest.

There are many places in the United States of America that can be extremely cold. But that will not stop a wanderlust traveler from visiting them, will it? The coldest places in the United States of America include some major ones, like Alaska, with an average temperature of 28.1 degrees Fahrenheit or -2.7 degrees celsius, and Minnesota, where the temperature falls as low as -34 degree celsius.

In case you were scratching for the coldest states in the US, then I hope that this article has given you all the necessary information regarding the same. However, if there are any other questions that you might be looking for related to the same, feel free to write them down in the comment section below.

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