The United States is a vast country with numerous climates. While the majority of the country is warm, there are a few states that are significantly colder. This blog post will look at the top ten coldest states in the United States. These states can get rather cold during the winter months, so bring warm clothes if you plan ongoing!
It is well known that the United States experiences a wide range of weather conditions. Beaches? Yes, there are a lot of them in this area. Deserts? You still have those! The occurrence of two major climate zones in the United States results in a wide range of temperatures: the Maritime Zone, which covers the east coast, and the Continental Zone, which spans a large chunk of the country. The interaction of latitude and dominating winds causes this zone difference.
It’s natural to wonder which states are the coldest in the country when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop. Each state, from Alaska to Maine, has its own distinct climate and combination of weather circumstances that can make winter exceptionally cold. If you’re looking for a spot to go away from the cold this winter, or if you’re just interested about which states are the coldest, this list of the ten coldest states in the United States is for you.
The Coldest States In The US
The ten coldest states in the United States are listed below in order of average temperature.
1. Alaska (28.1°F)
When it comes to frigid weather, Alaska is unsurprisingly the coldest state in the United States. Because of its location in the extreme northwest of North America, Alaska has the advantage of being relatively close to the North Pole. Winters in Alaska are lengthy, icy, snowy, and partly cloudy, and summers are freezing and largely cloudy. The warm season lasts 3.7 months, with July being the hottest month of the year in the state, with an average high of 67°F and a low of 55°F. The cold season lasts 4.0 months, with January having the lowest average low of 13°F and highest average high of 24°F.
Extreme weather patterns in Alaska are heavily influenced by ocean currents. The Alaska Current affects the state’s western shore, while a cold ocean current flowing west affects the state’s northern coast. Extreme cold winds from Siberia and northern Canada affect the continental climate in Alaska’s interior, leading these areas to experience exceptionally low temperatures.
2. Minnesota (33.8% °F)
With an average temperature of 33.8°F, Minnesota is the second coldest state in the United States. The state has a continental climate, meaning it has hot summers and freezing winters. The warm season lasts 3.4 months, with July being the hottest month of the year in Minnesota, with an average high of 83°F and a low of 63°F. The cold season lasts 8.6 months, with January being the coldest month of the year in Minnesota, with an average low of 3°F and high of 22°F.
Minnesota lies in the Midwestern region of the United States, which is noted for its harsh weather. The state is also in the path of several significant weather systems, including Arctic air masses from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Extreme temperatures and severe weather are frequently brought to Minnesota by these weather systems.
3. Wyoming (35.6°F)
Wyoming is the third coldest state in the United States, with an average temperature of 35.6°F. Wyoming has a continental climate, which means it experiences hot summers and cold winters. Wyoming has a 3.5-month warm season, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 85°F and a low temperature of 65°F. Wyoming’s cold season lasts 8.5 months, with January being the coldest month of the year, with an average low of 5°F and a high of 23°F.
Wyoming is in the Western United States, a region known for its harsh weather. The state is also on the path of several significant weather systems, including Arctic air masses from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Extreme temperatures and severe weather are frequently brought to Wyoming by these weather systems.
4. Montana (37.0°F)
With an average temperature of 37.0°F, Montana is the fourth coldest state in the United States. Montana has a continental climate, meaning it has hot summers and frigid winters. The warm season in Montana lasts 3.6 months, with July being the hottest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 86°F and a low temperature of 66°F. The cold season lasts 8.4 months, with January having the lowest average low temperature of 6°F and the highest average high temperature of 24°F.
Montana is in the Western United States, a region known for its harsh weather. The state is also on the path of several significant weather systems, including Arctic air masses from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Extreme temperatures and severe weather are frequently brought to Montana by these weather systems.
5. North Dakota (37.9°F)
With an average temperature of 37.9°F, North Dakota is the seventh coldest state in the United States. North Dakota has a continental climate, meaning it has hot summers and chilly winters. The warm season lasts 3.7 months, with July being the hottest month of the year in North Dakota, with an average high of 87°F and a low of 67°F. The cold season lasts 8.3 months, with January being the coldest month of the year in North Dakota, with an average low of 7°F and a high of 25°F.
North Dakota lies in the United States’ Midwestern region, which is noted for its severe weather. The state is also on the path of several significant weather systems, including Arctic air masses from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Extreme temperatures and severe weather are frequently brought to North Dakota by these weather systems.
6. South Dakota (38.3°F)
With an average temperature of 38.3°F, South Dakota is the sixth coldest state in the United States. South Dakota has a continental climate, meaning it has hot summers and frigid winters. The warm season lasts 3.8 months, with July being the hottest month of the year in South Dakota, with an average high of 88°F and a low of 68°F. The cold season lasts 8.2 months, with January having the lowest average low temperature of 8°F and the highest average high temperature of 26°F.
South Dakota lies in the United States’ Midwestern region, which is noted for its severe weather. The state is also on the path of several significant weather systems, including Arctic air masses from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Extreme temperatures and severe weather are frequently brought to South Dakota by these weather systems.