Coldest Cities in the United States: Map, Facts

The United States of America has both chilly and hot regions. In comparison to the rest of the country, Alaska, North and South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Minnesota are the coldest states in the United States. Because of the frigid weather.

Alaska is the coldest state in the United States, experiencing long, harsh winters with extreme subzero temperatures. Fairbanks, one of its major cities, is known for its frigid climate, with winter temperatures frequently dropping below -40°F. The city also offers stunning views of the Northern Lights, attracting visitors despite its extreme cold.

1. Fairbanks (-41.1°F)

Fairbanks is a city in Alaska that occupies 32.7 square miles and stands at an elevation of 446 feet. It has a population of 51,926 people, according to the census of 2010. The lowest temperature experienced by the city was -41.1°F during January, and the highest temperature recorded was 48.2 degrees in March. Therefore, the extreme changes in temperature experienced throughout the year make it one of the most unique cities. The city is also known for its stunning views of the Northern Lights, attracting visitors from around the world.

Interesting Facts:

1. Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a leading research institution in Arctic studies.
2. The city hosts the World Ice Art Championships, one of the largest ice sculpting events globally.
3. Fairbanks has nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer and long, dark winters.
4. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs through Fairbanks, playing a crucial role in the state’s economy.
5. It is one of the best places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis due to its location under the Auroral Oval.

2. Grand Forks (-32.8°F)

Grand Forks is the third-biggest city in North Dakota. According to the 2010 census, the population is 52,838. The lowest recorded temperature was -32.8°F, while the highest recorded temperature was 66.2°F. The city lies along the Red River, which is the primary cause of regional flooding events.

Interesting Facts

1. Grand Forks was nearly destroyed by a devastating flood in 1997 but has since recovered with improved flood prevention measures.
2. The city is home to the Grand Forks Air Force Base, an important military installation.
3. The University of North Dakota operates one of the nation’s top aviation programs.
4. Grand Forks has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and cultural festivals throughout the year.
5. The city experiences harsh winters but also hosts many winter sports and recreational activities.

3. Bismarck (-21.3 F)

Bismarck is the capital city of North Dakota and is located at 61,272 individuals based on a population from 2010, while having a land area at 1,686 feet from the sea. Its coldest record has a -33F record temperature; meanwhile, it is reported with its highest temperature reaching up to 21.3 degrees Fahrenheit. As the regional center of North Dakota’s economic growth, healthcare, energy and agricultural are at an elite status of prominence. The city also features a number of parks and open spaces, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.

Interesting Facts:

1. The city was named after the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to attract German investment.
2. Bismarck has one of the highest employment rates in North Dakota, thanks to its strong economy.
3. The North Dakota State Capitol, known as the “Skyscraper on the Prairie,” is the tallest building in the state.
4. The city hosts the annual United Tribes International Powwow, celebrating Native American culture.
5. Bismarck became the capital of North Dakota in 1883, before statehood was granted in 1889.

4. Fargo (-33°F)

Fargo is the largest city of North Dakota. It has 105,549 people according to the 2010 census. The coldest month is January, with the lowest temperature going down to -33°F while the warmest month is March, with its highest temperature standing at 68°F. A regional cultural, educational, and economic hub Fargo is a large city that prides itself with technology and health care. Among its institutions are North Dakota State University, and it makes a lively college-town atmosphere.

Interesting Facts:

1. Fargo is named after William Fargo, a co-founder of Wells Fargo Express Company.
2. The city hosts the Fargo Film Festival, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
3. Fargo’s economy has a strong base in healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
4. The city has an extensive greenway system along the Red River for outdoor activities.
5. Fargo was made famous by the 1996 Coen Brothers film “Fargo,” although much of the movie was not filmed there.

5. Watertown (-29.2°F)

It has a population of 21,482 people as per the census conducted in the year 2010. This city falls in a 7.9-square-mile watershed. During March, it was -29.2°F as the lowest temperature and almost 70°F as the highest temperature. In Watertown, winters are long and snowy with frequent strong winds and below zero temperatures. There is a combination of warm summers and harsh cold winters in the city.

Interesting Facts:

1. Watertown is home to the Redlin Art Center, featuring the works of wildlife artist Terry Redlin.
2. The city was founded in 1879 and named after Watertown, New York.
3. Lake Kampeska, a local recreational lake, is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
4. The city has a strong agricultural economy, with corn and soybeans as primary crops.
5. Watertown hosts an annual rodeo and outdoor festival, attracting visitors from across the region.

6. Aberdeen (-28.0°F)

Aberdeen is a city in South Dakota, United States, with a population of 26,091 people according to the 2010 census. The coldest temperature was about -28.0°F in January, while the hottest temperature was around 70°F in March. Aberdeen experiences cold, snowy winters with frequent wind chills that can make temperatures feel even lower. Summers are relatively mild, with occasional heat waves. The fact that it lies in the northern Great Plains makes the city vulnerable during winter to blizzards and strong winds.

Interesting Facts:

1. Aberdeen is home to Northern State University, known for its strong education and business programs.
2. The city hosts the annual South Dakota Film Festival, showcasing independent films from around the region.
3. Aberdeen is nicknamed “Hub City” due to its historical role as a railroad hub.
4. The Dacotah Prairie Museum preserves the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Storybook Land, a popular family attraction, is based on characters from classic children’s literature.

7. Laramie (-27.4°F)

Laramie is a city in Albany County, Wyoming, and it has approximately 30,000 people. The coldest month in Laramie was January, with a low temperature of -27.4 °F, while the warmest month here was in March when the high was 61 °F. Laramie is built on a dry climate high up at 7,165 feet above sea level and covers cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers. Rainy days often come with quick changes, and wind speed varies constantly throughout the year.

Interesting Facts:

1. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming, the state’s only four-year university.
2. The city played a significant role in the expansion of the transcontinental railroad.
3. Laramie was one of the first places in the U.S. where women were allowed to vote.
4. The Wyoming Territorial Prison, now a museum, once housed infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy.
5. Medicine Bow National Forest, located nearby, offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.

8. Sioux Falls (-29.9°F)

The city is the largest in South Dakota with a population of approximately 153,000. Sioux Falls is also among America’s top tourist attractions. The average temperature in January is around -29.9°F. In Sioux Falls, winters are extremely long and freezing, and most of them involve snowstorms with icy roads. However, summer is warm; the high goes up into the 80s and 90s. The city experiences all four seasons distinctly, making it a diverse climate for residents and visitors alike.

Interesting Facts:

1. Sioux Falls is named after the waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, a major local attraction.
2. The city has a growing economy, with healthcare and finance as major industries.
3. Falls Park, located in the city center, features scenic waterfalls and walking trails.
4. Sioux Falls has a vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous festivals throughout the year.
5. The city is home to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial, honoring the state’s naval history.

9. Duluth (-23.0°F)

Duluth is one of the largest cities in Minnesota, with a population of 86,265 according to the 2010 census. The lowest temperature in January is around -23.0°F. Because it is located along Lake Superior, Duluth has lake-effect snow, which contributes to heavy winter snowfall. The climate is characterized by long, frigid winters and cool summers, with foggy conditions often present because of the lake.

Interesting Facts:

1. Duluth is one of the largest freshwater ports in the world.
2. The city is home to the Aerial Lift Bridge, a well-known landmark.
3. Duluth is a gateway to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior.
4. It has one of the steepest street inclines in the United States, at 720 feet.
5. The city is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and sailing.

10. Butte-Silver Bow (-25.0°F)

Butte is a city in the state of Montana, United States. In population, it is ranked as Montana’s fifth-largest city, with 34,200 residents. The coldest month in a year is December, with temperatures below -25.0°F. Butte is a town that has a semi-arid climate with very cold winters with normal snowfall and warm summers. Because of its 5,538 feet elevation, temperatures plummet and can become quite hazardous, especially during the winter seasons with strong winds and icy conditions.

Interesting Facts:

1. Butte was once one of the largest copper mining cities in the world.
2. The city has a rich Irish heritage and hosts a large St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
3. Butte is home to the Berkeley Pit, a former copper mine that is now a flooded, toxic lake.
4. The city’s historic Uptown Butte district is filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
5. Butte is known for its v