The 10 Coldest Cities in the U.S. by Temperature [2025]

If you’re considering a move to a cold-weather city, temperature is only part of the story. The real question is what winter changes about day-to-day renting: heating costs, drafty units, snow logistics, and how comfortable your home feels when it’s below freezing for weeks at a time. Below are 10 of the coldest U.S. cities by average annual temperature, plus some quick things that renters should know before signing a lease in a cold city.

The coldest cities in the U.S. range from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Aberdeen, South Dakota, with plenty of cold-weather communities in between. Here are the 10 coldest U.S. cities by average annual temperature.

How We Determined the Coldest Cities in the U.S.

We ranked U.S. cities based on average annual temperature, using data from Sperling’s BestPlaces. To provide context, we also included each city’s average winter temperature; however, this did not impact the ranking. This approach highlights cities that stay cold year-round rather than just experiencing temporary winter freezes.

Ranking note: Cities are ranked by average annual temperature. Winter averages and record lows are included for context, but they do not affect the order. If two cities have similar annual averages, ties are broken using average winter temperature, then record low.

What Are the 10 Coldest Cities in the U.S. by Average Annual Temperature?

1. Fairbanks, Alaska

• Average winter temperature: -14.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 27.8 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -66 F in 1934

Fairbanks is a cold, dark city in winter, but residents continue to live their lives even when temperatures drop below 20 F. Schools remain open during extreme cold, and the district notes that temperatures between -15 F and -25 F are within the norm. Even temperatures as low as -40 F or -50 F are not uncommon.

Each year, the city gets around 61 inches of snow, and with 155 sunny days per year, there’s plenty of time to enjoy snow activities. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of -14.9 F. There are a shocking 230 days each year when nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.

2. Anchorage, Alaska

• Average winter temperature: 4.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 36.6 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -34 F in 1975

Like most cities situated in Alaska, Anchorage is freezing. Arctic air makes the region cold, but the nearby mountains and ocean mitigate some of the extreme weather. Anchorage receives an average of 79 inches of snow each year, and there’s plenty of time for outdoor activities.

While the average winter temperature is 4 F, the January low is typically 9 F, but every night drops below freezing during this month.

3. Grand Forks, North Dakota

• Average winter temperature: 9.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 40.3 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -43 F

Prepare for a long, cold winter in Grand Forks, which usually sees a winter average of 9 F. Cold air flowing down from Canada ensures the city stays cold throughout the winter, and it averages around 42 inches of snow in the winter. According to BestPlaces, the winter low usually sits at -3 F, meaning you’ll need to bundle up in this icebox.

4. Duluth, Minnesota

• Average winter temperature: 15.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 40.3 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -41 in 1885

Duluth experiences many nights with temperatures below freezing, and at least seven months of the year have snowfall. With around 70 inches of snow per year and 178 sunny days, it’s an excellent spot for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and skiing.

The city remains cool year-round, with even the warmest summer months only reaching a daytime high of 77 F, and lows of 48 F persist throughout the warmest months.

5. Butte, Montana

• Average winter temperature: 22.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 40.8 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -52 F in 1983

Butte, Montana, is a mountain town with cold weather throughout the year. Each year, it averages 54 inches of snow and has about 186 sunny days. January’s usual low is around 10 F, and the average annual temperature is around 40.8 F year-round. In the summer, the city really warms up because it’s one mile above sea level in the Northern Rockies.

6. Marquette, Michigan

• Average winter temperature: 19.3 F
• Average annual temperature: 41.2 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -33 F in 1861

Michigan is an ideal state for nature lovers, and Marquette is the perfect hub for those seeking a variety of activities throughout the four seasons. Fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and boating are a way of life and an ideal way to spend the 189 days of sun.

January can get as cold as 10 F with highs of 24 F during the day. Combine that with the snow, which the city receives an average of 155 inches per year, and you’re in for a snowy treat.

7. Fargo, North Dakota

• Average winter temperature: 12.5 F
• Average annual temperature: 42.3 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -48 F in 1887

Fargo experiences long, cold winters and receives approximately 49 inches of snow annually. With 200 sunny days, Fargo residents can enjoy all four seasons. Winter temperatures typically drop as low as 0 F, and in the summer, temperatures can reach as high as 80 F.

Overall, Fargo maintains an average annual temperature of around 42.3 F, giving residents a true four-season experience. The city is also considered “more comfortable” than most other areas in North Dakota and earned a 9.3 in the BestPlaces Comfort Index.

8. Williston, North Dakota

• Average winter temperature: 15.3 F
• Average annual temperature: 42.5 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -50 F in 1936

Williston experiences extreme temperature swings over short periods. The city and its surrounding areas are flat, with no large bodies of water. This results in exposure to freezing Arctic air that affects the area.

Williston has an average of 207 sunny days and an average of 44 inches of snow each year. Winter events make the long, cold nights more bearable. Activities like ice fishing, the Holiday Lights Drive in Spring Lake Park, ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing around Blacktail Dam are always something to look forward to.

9. St. Cloud, Minnesota

• Average winter temperature: 15.0 F
• Average annual temperature: 43.0 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -43 F in 1977

St. Cloud, Minnesota, is a popular destination in the state. Settled among the Great Plains, it sees extreme heat and extreme cold throughout the year. While July temperatures can really warm up and reach as high as 82 F, January often sees a low of 1 F.

The city is home to all the standard winter activities in cold, snowy locales, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Residents also get an average of 196 days of sunshine per year and around 48 inches of snow per year.

10. Aberdeen, South Dakota

• Average winter temperature: 15.2 F
• Average annual temperature: 43.1 F
• Lowest temperature on record: -46 F in 1912

While Aberdeen has a low average snowfall, at only 38 inches per year, the winter months can get as cold as -1 F. Residents can cozy up during the winter months and sit by the fire, or they can participate in the many outdoor recreation activities.

During one of the 199 sunny days (hopefully some are in winter), residents can enjoy ice skating at indoor or outdoor rinks, cross-country skiing, curling, sledding, and snowshoeing around local nature such as Richmond or Mina Lake.

What Cold Means for Renters

Cold-weather cities can be a great fit for some renters, but cold weather changes what you’ll pay, what you should ask before signing, and what “a good apartment” actually looks like when it’s below freezing.

• Budget for winter reality: Utilities often spike in older or drafty buildings, and your heating system matters more than you’d think (electric baseboard can get pricey; some central/radiator setups are steadier). Cold air is also drier, so you may want to plan for comfort items like a humidifier. Add in winter gear, snow logistics (parking, plowing, car supplies), and small home upgrades like draft stoppers or thicker curtains.
• Ask these lease questions upfront: Is heat included, and is it capped? What type of heat is it, and do you control the thermostat? What’s the emergency process and response time for “no heat” or frozen pipes? Who handles snow and ice removal, and is it written into the lease? What’s the winter parking situation (off-street options, snow-emergency rules, plowing schedules)?
• Spot unit quality fast on a tour: Look for double-pane windows and check for drafts or visible gaps around doors. Confirm the heat can keep the unit evenly warm, and test hot water reliability. Laundry access matters more in winter (bulky layers add up), and even a small entry area for wet boots and coats can make day-to-day living much easier.

Ready to Rent in a Cold City in the U.S.? Make the Apartment Do Dome Work, Too

Cold weather can be a great trade if you love four-season living, but it pays to rent with your eyes open. As you compare these cities, focus on what will shape your day-to-day comfort: heating costs, insulation and windows, snow logistics, and how quickly maintenance responds when something goes wrong.

When you’re ready to find a place that actually fits your cold weather aspirations, take the Apartment List quiz to get personalized rental matches based on your budget, must-haves, and move timeline. In just five minutes, you can save 50 hours of searching and feel confident you’re choosing an apartment built for the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which U.S. cities have the worst winters?

Winters in Anchorage, Alaska, are long, harsh, and below freezing. Temperatures between -15 F and -25 F are something residents don’t bat an eye at, and students still go to school at these temperatures.

What is the coldest city in the U.S.?

Fairbanks, Alaska, is the coldest city in the U.S. on this list, with an average annual temperature of 27.8°F.

What are the top five coldest states in the United States?

Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana are the coldest five states in the United States.

Which U.S. state has the harshest winters?

Alaska has the harshest winters because of its high latitudes. The state has lower average temperatures, higher snowfall, and less daylight during the winter.