The 10 Coldest States in the U.S., Ranked

by Redfin

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.  Alaska homes for sale | Alaska houses for rent | Alaska apartments for rent 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. North Dakota homes for sale | North Dakota houses for rent | North Dakota apartments for rent 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. Minnesota homes for sale | Minnesota houses for rent | Minnesota apartments for rent 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 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. Maine homes for sale | Maine houses for rent | Maine apartments for rent 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.  Wyoming homes for sale | Wyoming houses for rent | Wyoming apartments for rent  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.  Montana homes for sale | Montana houses for rent | Montana apartments for rent
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