The United States is a large and climatically diverse country, with cities that experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. Some parts of the country see sweltering summers and mild winters, while others face frigid cold for much of the year. With Alaska being the coldest state, it’s no surprise that America’s coldest cities are found there. However, even outside Alaska, certain cities in the northern Continental United States get more than their fair share of winter chills. Determining the coldest city in the U.S. requires looking at factors like average winter lows, extreme minimum temperatures, and length of cold snaps. By examining climate data from major weather stations around the country, we can pinpoint which metro areas truly endure the most freezing weather.
Key Factors for Evaluating Cold Temperatures
When deciding which cities rank as the coldest, several key temperature metrics need to be considered:
– Average winter lows – The mean daily minimum temperature for the winter months of December, January, and February gives a good sense of how cold it typically gets. Cities with average winter lows of 0°F (-18°C) or below face routine subfreezing conditions.
– Extreme minimum temperatures – The lowest temperature ever recorded indicates how frigid it can get during an Arctic cold wave. Some cities have experienced -60°F (-51°C) or colder at least once.
– Number of subzero days – Cities in the coldest climates often tally dozens of days per winter when the temperature fails to top 0°F. Prolonged stretches of subzero cold exacerbates the winter misery.
– Snowfall – Frequent snowstorms contribute to the chilly conditions by covering the ground in reflective snowpack. The cities with the most winter snowfall tend to be among the coldest as well.
– Wind chill – Strong winds can drive down the felt air temperature significantly. Cities prone to windy weather compound their cold climates with dangerous wind chills.
Looking at historical weather data for U.S. cities provides objective metrics to compare which locations withstand the most brutal winter conditions.
The 10 Coldest Major Cities in the Continental U.S.
Limiting our list to the Lower 48 states, these 10 major cities rank as the coldest based on average winter lows and extreme minimums:
1. Grand Forks, North Dakota
With an average winter low temperature of -2.3°F (-19°C) and a record low of -43°F (-42°C), Grand Forks is undoubtedly the coldest major city in the continental United States. In fact, Grand Forks has seen the mercury dip below 0°F (-18°C) in every winter month. The city’s location in the northern Great Plains gives it a true continental climate with bitter cold and heavy snowfall.
2. Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo rivals its neighbor Grand Forks for the title of coldest city. Fargo’s average winter low is -2°F (-19°C), and it has recorded a bone-chilling -46°F (-43°C). The city averages 53 subzero days per winter and gets nearly 50 inches (127 cm) of snow. Extended Arctic outbreaks drive wind chills down to -60°F (-51°C) at times.
3. Duluth, Minnesota
Situated along Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, Duluth bears the brunt of frigid polar air masses sweeping down from Canada. Its average winter low dips to 1°F (-17°C), with a record of -39°F (-39°C). Heavy lake effect snow piles up to over 80 inches (200 cm) per year.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
The largest city in northern Minnesota, Minneapolis has a winter climate only marginally warmer than nearby Duluth. Average winter lows are 2°F (-17°C), and the coldest reading on record is -34°F (-37°C). Minneapolis averages 46 subzero days per winter.
5. Rochester, Minnesota
Located about 85 miles (137 km) south of Minneapolis, Rochester manages winter lows averaging 5°F (-15°C). This area near Minnesota’s border with Iowa is prone to frigid Arctic blasts like the -42°F (-41°C) measured in 1996. Winters have over 30 subzero days and nearly 40 inches (100 cm) of snow on average.
6. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Despite its lower latitude, Sioux Falls contends with extreme cold thanks to its inland prairie location. Winter lows in Sioux Falls average 6°F (-14°C), with a record of -40°F (-40°C). Snowfall exceeds 40 inches (100 cm) in many winters.
7. Madison, Wisconsin
As the capital and second largest city in Wisconsin, Madison takes the title for that state’s coldest major city. Winters see an average low around 8°F (-13°C), while the coldest reading hit -37°F (-38°C). Madison gets nearly 50 inches (127 cm) of snow per season.
8. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff may seem like an unlikely contender, but this mountain city in northern Arizona lies at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet (2,134 m). As a result, Flagstaff gets more than 100 inches (254 cm) of snow a year and has recorded temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). Average winter minimums are around 11°F (-12°C).
9. Casper, Wyoming
The high elevation and inland location of Casper, Wyoming make it prone to subzero cold despite averaging just 8 inches (20 cm) of snow per season. Casper’s winter lows average 12°F (-11°C), with an extreme minimum of -38°F (-39°C).
10. Cheyenne, Wyoming
Rounding out the top 10 is Cheyenne, the state capital of Wyoming situated at over 6,000 feet (1,800 m) elevation. Cheyenne endures an average winter low around 12°F (-11°C) and has recorded temperatures as low as -37°F (-38°C). Windy conditions produce dangerous wind chills below -40°F (-40°C).
Table of the 10 Coldest Cities and Temperature Data
| City | State | Average Winter Low (°F) | Extreme Minimum (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks | North Dakota | -2.3 | -43 |
| Fargo | North Dakota | -2 | -46 |
| Duluth | Minnesota | 1 | -39 |
| Minneapolis | Minnesota | 2 | -34 |
| Rochester | Minnesota | 5 | -42 |
| Sioux Falls | South Dakota | 6 | -40 |
| Madison | Wisconsin | 8 | -37 |
| Flagstaff | Arizona | 11 | -30 |
| Casper | Wyoming | 12 | -38 |
| Cheyenne | Wyoming | 12 | -37 |
Coldest Major Cities in Alaska
When including Alaska in the discussion, it’s no contest – the coldest cities are all found in the Last Frontier. Here are some of the most frigid:
Fairbanks – This city in Alaska’s Interior region takes the title for coldest major city in the U.S. Fairbanks winters average a bone-chilling -8°F (-22°C) for the daily low. Temperatures have dipped as low as -65°F (-54°C). Heavy snow is also the norm, with average seasonal totals over 60 inches (152 cm).
Barrow – The northernmost town in the U.S., Barrow lies within the Arctic Circle on the coast of northern Alaska. Average winter lows are -20°F (-29°C), while the coldest reading hit -56°F (-49°C). Howling winds off the Arctic Ocean produce brutally cold wind chills.
Bethel – Located in western Alaska, Bethel still manages an average winter low of -17°F (-27°C). The record low bottomed out at -50°F (-46°C). Bethel gets over 50 inches (127 cm) of snow per winter.
Anchorage – Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage experiences winter lows averaging 11°F (-12°C). But even this major metropolitan area has recorded extremes such as -34°F (-37°C). Anchorage’s proximity to the seacoast moderates temperatures just enough to keep it out of the top five coldest cities in the state.
Table of the Coldest Cities in Alaska
| City | Average Winter Low (°F) | Extreme Minimum (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | -8 | -65 |
| Barrow | -20 | -56 |
| Bethel | -17 | -50 |
| Anchorage | 11 | -34 |
Coldest Cities by Region
To summarize, here are some of the coldest major cities by region:
Northeast – Concord, New Hampshire has average winter lows around 10°F (-12°C) and record cold reaching -37°F (-38°C). Buffalo, New York often deals with heavy lake effect snow, amplifying its cold 11°F (-12°C) average minimums.
Southeast – Even the South experiences Arctic outbreaks, as seen in record lows of -10°F (-23°C) in Atlanta and -8°F (-22°C) in Dallas. However, average winter temperatures remain above freezing.
Midwest – Besides the northern cities of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, Midwest standouts for cold include Detroit (-7°F/-22°C average) and Cincinnati (10°F/-12°C average). Chicago and Milwaukee both average below 20°F (-7°C) in winter.
Southwest – The higher elevation cities of the Southwest see freezing winters. Salt Lake City averages a low of 22°F (-6°C), while record lows have reached at least -30°F (-34°C) in Albuquerque and Las Vegas.
West Coast – The marine influence moderates winter cold along much of the coast. Exceptions are Spokane, Washington (22°F/-6°C average) and Boise, Idaho (21°F/-6°C).
What Makes Some Cities Colder Than Others?
Many factors contribute to the winter severity in America’s coldest cities:
– Latitude – Cities at higher latitudes near the Canadian border directly receive frigid air from the Arctic. Shorter winter days also limit solar warming.
– Continental climate – Inland cities far from the temperature moderating effects of the oceans experience the most extreme cold.
– Elevation – Mountainous locations at high elevations have colder winters than lower elevation places, even at the same latitude.
– Proximity to lakes – The Great Lakes and other large bodies of water produce lake effect snows that frequently blanket cities downwind.
– Urban heat island effect – Sprawling urban areas and large metro populations generate some warmth that offsets cold to a small degree.
– Wind – Cities prone to high winds confront dangerously cold wind chills, driving down the felt temperature.
While the central and eastern Dakotas see the country’s lowest typical winter temperatures, cold weather enthusiasts may still find plenty of subzero days to enjoy in northern Maine, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and other cities located in the frequent path of Arctic air masses. When the polar vortex comes calling, almost no part of the United States is truly immune from bitter cold.
Preparing for Extreme Cold and Staying Safe
Coping with the coldest winters requires proper preparation and caution:
– Layer warm clothing like parkas, hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots. Choose outerwear rated for extreme temperatures.
– Prevent hypothermia and frostbite by minimizing exposed skin to the elements. Cover your face and head.
– Check that your home’s insulation, heating system, pipes, and weather sealing can handle severe cold. Install storm windows.
– Allow extra time to travel and commute during snowstorms and cold snaps. Equip vehicles with emergency kits.
– Stock up on food, medicine, and extra supplies in case of power outages or whiteout conditions making travel impossible.
– Avoid exertion and extended time outdoors when wind chills turn dangerously low. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
– Check on elderly neighbors or relatives who may need assistance managing in cold weather.
With proper precautions, you can not only survive but even thrive in America’s icy cold winter cities. The formidable winters build character and community for those hearty enough to stick it out through the subzero days.
Conclusion
Based on weather data measurements of average winter lows and record minimums, Grand Forks, North Dakota ranks as the coldest major city in the continental United States. However, other cities in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Wyoming contend for the title with their frigid temperatures of -20°F (-29°C) or colder. Fairbanks, Alaska claims the overall U.S. crown for most extreme cold. Frigid conditions extend across many northern and interior cities thanks to the latitude, elevation, and continentality providing direct access to Arctic air. While dealing with subzero cold presents challenges, those living in these winter cities adapt with practical preparations, caution, and a stoic community spirit. The lure of warmer climates may be strong, but true lovers of winter wouldn’t trade the invigorating cold for anything.