The coldest city in Russia, and one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, is Oymyakon. Located in the Sakha Republic, it holds the record for the lowest officially recorded temperature in the Northern Hemisphere, at a bone-chilling -67.7°C (-89.9°F). This region experiences extreme cold due to its high latitude, continental climate, and the surrounding mountain ranges that block warmer air masses. Despite its harsh conditions, Oymyakon is home to a small population of around 500 people who have adapted to the frigid environment with specialized clothing, housing, and livelihoods based on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting.
More Informations
Oymyakon is located in the northeastern part of Russia, in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which is known for its extreme cold temperatures. The region experiences a subarctic climate, with long, bitterly cold winters and short, cool summers. The town’s extreme cold is primarily due to its location in a deep valley, which allows cold, dense air to settle and trap the cold temperatures close to the ground.
The average temperature in January, the coldest month, hovers around -50°C (-58°F). During the winter months, temperatures can easily drop below -50°C, and it’s not uncommon for them to reach below -60°C (-76°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded in Oymyakon was a frigid -67.7°C (-89.9°F) in February 1933.
Despite the harsh climate, Oymyakon has a small population of approximately 500 people who mostly rely on subsistence hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding for their livelihoods. The town is equipped with special infrastructure to cope with the extreme cold, including heated buildings, insulated pipelines, and vehicles that are designed to withstand such low temperatures.
Oymyakon is also a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience extreme cold firsthand. Visitors can explore the town’s unique culture and lifestyle, including its traditional clothing, cuisine, and customs. The town is also home to several attractions, such as a monument marking the location of the record-low temperature and a museum showcasing the history and culture of the region.
Despite its extreme climate, Oymyakon is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the adaptability of people to even the harshest of environments.