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Coldest States in the US

Welcome to my blog about the coldest states in the US!

Although the United States is a large country with a diverse climate, some parts of the country are definitely colder than others. If you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy some cooler temperatures, here are a few places in the United States that are sure to please.

There are a few reasons why some states in the United States are colder than others. One reason is because of the latitude of the state. The further a state is from the equator, the colder it will be. This is because the sun’s rays are more direct at the equator, making it warmer. The states that are farther away from the equator, such as Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota, are thus colder. 

Another reason why some states are colder than others is because of elevation. States that are higher in elevation, such as Colorado and Wyoming, tend to be colder than states at lower elevations. This is because the air is thinner at higher elevations, which means that there is less insulation from the heat of the sun. 

Some states are colder than others because of their proximity to large bodies of water. States that are close to oceans or large lakes, such as Michigan and New York, tend to be cooler than states that are inland. This is because the water helps to regulate the temperature, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

So let’s get started and enjoy the article about the coldest states in the US!

Top 13 Coldest States in the US

The top 13 coldest states in the United States are:

1. Alaska

Alaska, US
Alaska, US

The coldest state in the United States, Alaska has an average temperature of 26.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-3.0 degrees Celsius). Alaska is one of the coldest states in the United States because it is farther north than any other state.

The northern states are generally colder than the southern states because they are closer to the North Pole. The North Pole is a very cold place, and the closer you are to it, the colder it will be.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
198Barrow-7-13
3414Bettles1-10
3018Kotzebue-1-8
3521Nome1-6
Far North Alaska – Average annual temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

2. North Dakota

North Dakota, US
North Dakota, US

There are a few reasons why North Dakota is one of the coldest states in the United States. First, the northern states are farther from the equator and thus have colder temperatures.

North Dakota is also located in the upper Midwest, known for its cold winters. The state is fairly flat, which means that cold air can more easily settle in and cause temperatures to drop.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5529Dickinson13-2
5129Kenmare10-2
5730Medora14-1
5026Powers Lake10-3
5631Pretty Rock Wildlife Refuge130
5429Williston12-2
Western North Dakota – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

3. Maine

Maine, US - Coldest States in the US
Maine, US

The third coldest state in the United States, Maine’s weather is influenced by Arctic air masses coming down from Canada. These air masses can make the temperatures in Maine very cold, even in the summer.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
4927Fort Kent9-3
5232Millinocket110
5029Moosehead Lake, Brassua Dam10-2
5232Presque Isle110
Northern Maine – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

4. Minnesota

Minnesota - Coldest States in the US
Minnesota, US

There are a few reasons why Minnesota is among the coldest states in the United States. First, the state is located in the northern hemisphere, which means it is farther from the equator and thus has cooler temperatures.

Additionally, Minnesota is home to the Great Lakes, which can help cool the state’s air. Finally, Minnesota is known for its high amount of snowfall, which can also contribute to cooler temperatures.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5130Big Sandy Lake Dam10-1
5031Duluth100
4631Grand Marais8-1
4828Grand Portage9-2
5129Grand Rapids11-2
4726Gunflint Lake8-3
4925Hibbing9-4
4926International Falls9-3
5033Two Harbors100
5431Wild River State Park12-1
Northeastern Minnesota – Average temperatures for the year (Source: Currentresults.com)

5. Wyoming

Wyoming, US - Coldest States in the US
Wyoming, US

Because of its location, Wyoming is one of the coldest states in the United States. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Wyoming is known for its cold weather. The Rocky Mountains are a mountain range that extends from the northern United States all the way to Canada. The mountains are home to some of the coldest weather in the world.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5730Buffalo14-1
5930Devils Tower15-1
5935Gillette151
6031Sheridan150
5532Sundance130
Northeast Wyoming – Annual average temperature (Source: Currentresults.com)

6. Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA - Coldest States in the US
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Montana is located in the northern part of the US and is thus farther from the equator than other states. This results in colder temperatures, as the sun’s rays are not as direct and intense. Additionally, Montana is landlocked, which means that it does not have access to moderating influences from large bodies of water.

This also contributes to colder temperatures, as water has a higher specific heat than land and thus can absorb and release heat more effectively. Finally, the state’s topography – featuring high mountains and valleys – also affects the climate, as cold air can become trapped in these areas.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5730Anaconda14-1
5632Bozeman130
5426Butte12-3
5426Deer Lodge12-3
5630Dillon13-1
5934Gardiner151
5025Hebgen Lake Dam10-4
5833Helena141
5727Sula14-3
5731Virginia City14-1
5120West Yellowstone11-7
Southwestern Montana – Average temperatures for the year (Source: Currentresults.com)

7. Vermont

Vermont, US - Coldest States in the US
Vermont, US

In the United States, the northern states are farther from the equator and thus have colder temperatures. Vermont is located in the northeastern part of the country, which is known for its cold winters. The state’s average annual temperature is only about 42.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

One reason is that Vermont is located in the path of many cold air masses coming down from Canada. These air masses can cause the temperature to drop significantly. Additionally, Vermont is a very mountainous state, and the higher elevations tend to be cooler than the lower areas. So, all of these factors contribute to why Vermont is one of the coldest states in the United States.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5739Burlington144
5637Essex Junction133
5131Island Pond11-1
4931Jay Peak10-1
4631Mount Mansfield80
5232Newport110
5638South Hero133
5336St Albans122
5635St Johnsbury142
Northern Vermont – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

8. Wisconsin

Dane County, WI, USA
Dane County, WI, USA

Wisconsin is located in the Midwest, which is known for its cold winters. The weather phenomena that contributes to the cold temperatures in Wisconsin is the jet stream. The jet stream is a high-altitude wind that flows from west to east. It is created by the difference in air pressure between the cold air in the Arctic and the warm air in the tropics.

The jet stream often brings cold air from the Arctic into the Midwest, making Wisconsin temperatures very cold.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5031Drummond100
5534Eau Claire131
5131Park Falls10-1
5129Rest Lake, Manitowish Waters10-2
5129Rhinelander11-2
5432Rice Lake120
5433River Falls121
5534St Croix Falls131
5435Stevens Point121
5334Wausau121
5031Willow Reservoir10-1
Northern Wisconsin – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

9. New Hampshire

New Hampshire, US
New Hampshire, US

With an average temperature of 43.8 degrees Fahrenheit (6.6 degrees Celsius), New Hampshire is the ninth coldest state in the United States. New Hampshire is so cold because it is located in the northern part of the United States and therefore has colder temperatures than the southern states.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5431Berlin120
5529Bethlehem13-2
5228Colebrook11-2
5028First Connecticut Lake10-2
3521Mount Washington2-6
5734North Conway141
5130Pinkham Notch11-1
5631Plymouth130
5531Tamworth130
Northern New Hampshire – Average temperatures for the year (Source: Currentresults.com)

10. Michigan

Mystical Morning - Crisp Fall morning with fog blanketed over a lake at sunrise.
Michigan, US

The tenth coldest state in the United States, Michigan has an average temperature of 44.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Michigan is located in a region known as the Great Lakes Region, which is known for its cold, snowy winters. Furthermore Michigan is home to a lot of open, rural areas, which tend to be colder than urban areas.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5534Alpena131
5435Cadillac122
5335Cheboygan121
5536East Tawas132
5132Gaylord110
5036Harrisville102
5533Houghton Lake130
5537Ludington133
5237Petoskey113
5237St James, Beaver Island113
5638Traverse City133
Northern Michigan – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

11. Idaho

Idaho, USA
Idaho, USA

Due to its location in the northern Rocky Mountains, Idaho is one of the coldest states in the United States. The state has wide variations in temperature, with cold winters and hot summers. The mountains block cold air from the north, and the state’s high elevation means that it receives less sunlight than other states.

This combination of factors makes Idaho one of the coldest states in the country.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5837Bonners Ferry153
5727Elk City14-3
5934Kellogg151
6033Moscow151
5634Mullan131
6035Porthill152
5530Powell13-1
6437Riggins183
5736Sandpoint142
5636Wallace132
Northern Idaho – Annual average temperature (Source: Currentresults.com)

12. Colorado

Bear Lake Trailhead, Estes Park, United States - Coldest States in the US
Bear Lake Trailhead, Estes Park, United States

There are a few reasons why Colorado is one of the coldest states in the United States. First, Colorado is located in the Rocky Mountains, which tend to be much colder than other parts of the country.

Additionally, Colorado has a high altitude, which also contributes to its colder temperatures. Finally, Colorado generally has a dry climate, which means that there is less moisture in the air to help keep things warm.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
6125Alamosa16-4
5328Aspen12-2
6542Colorado National Monument185
5018Crested Butte10-8
6035Dinosaur National Monument151
6332Durango170
6233Glenwood Springs171
5521Gunnison13-6
4821Leadville9-6
6238Mesa Verde National Park173
5317Silverton12-9
5625Steamboat Springs13-4
5019Taylor Park Reservoir10-7
5521Telluride13-6
5224Vail11-5
Western Colorado – Average annual temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

13. South Dakota

South Dakota, US - Coldest States in the US
South Dakota, US

There are a few reasons why South Dakota is among the coldest states in the United States. One reason is that the state is located in the northern hemisphere, meaning that it is closer to the North Pole and thus experiences colder temperatures.

Additionally, South Dakota is landlocked, meaning that there is no water nearby to help moderate the temperature. Finally, the state is relatively flat, meaning less protection from the wind can make the temperature feel even colder.

High °FLow °FPlaceHigh °CLow °C
5634Custer131
5833Deadwood150
6334Hot Springs171
5835Lead142
5833Lemmon141
5537Mt. Rushmore National Memorial133
5529Pactola Reservoir Dam13-2
6232Porcupine160
6034Rapid City151
5835Spearfish142
6134Wind Cave National Park161
Western South Dakota – Average yearly temperatures (Source: Currentresults.com)

Which state is the coldest state in US

The state of Alaska is the coldest state in the United States, with an average temperature of 26.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Alaska is also the largest state in the US and is home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, including Denali National Park and Preserve.

The state’s climate is influenced by its location – it is the northernmost state in the US, and it is bordered by Canada to the east. Alaska’s climate is also influenced by the presence of the Aleutian Islands, which extend from the state’s southwestern tip towards Japan. The Aleutian Islands act as a barrier, preventing warm air from the Pacific Ocean from reaching Alaska. This results in cooler temperatures and heavier precipitation in the state.

Which part of the USA is coldest

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Top 10 Coldest States in America

The northern states in the United States are typically colder than the southern states because they are farther from the equator. The state of Alaska is the coldest state in the US, with an average winter temperature of -15 degrees Fahrenheit. The state of Florida is the warmest state in the US, with an average winter temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Which U.S. states have the worst winters?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different people have different opinions. Some people might say that Alaska has the worst winter, as it is the northernmost state in the US and thus experiences colder temperatures. Others might say that states like Montana or North Dakota have the worst winter, as they often experience very high winds and very cold temperatures. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which state has the worst winter.

Furthermore, a few factors can contribute to how severe a winter may feel in a particular location. These can include the average temperature, the amount of snowfall, and the duration of cold weather.

It’s important to note that even within a state, there can be significant variations in winter weather from one location to another.

What state is cold all year round?

It is not accurate to say that any state in the United States is consistently cold all year round. While some states do experience cold weather for much of the year, they also have warmer seasons.

The state that most readily comes to mind when you think of consistently cold weather is Alaska, and during the winter months, it does indeed experience very cold temperatures. However, Alaska also has relatively mild summers, with average high temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit.

Hawaii has the highest average annual temperature and is known for its warm, tropical climate.

Which state in the USA has no winter?

A few states in the United States don’t have a winter season. These states are typically located in the southernmost part of the country, where the climate is warmer. The states that don’t have a winter season are Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana. The reason these states don’t have a winter season is because they are located closer to the equator.

Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida

The closer you are to the equator, the warmer the climate is. This is because the sun’s rays are more direct at the equator, and thus the temperature is warmer. So, if you’re looking to escape the cold weather this winter, you might want to consider heading to one of these states!

Summary – Coldest States in the US

StateAvg °FAvg °CRank
Alaska26.6-3.01
North Dakota40.44.72
Maine41.05.03
Minnesota41.25.14
Wyoming42.05.65
Montana42.75.96
Vermont42.96.17
Wisconsin43.16.28
New Hampshire43.86.69
Michigan44.46.910
Idaho44.46.911
Colorado45.17.312
South Dakota45.27.313
Average annual temperature for each state (Source: Currentresults)

A few states in the United States are known for being particularly cold. These states include Alaska, Minnesota, Maine, and North Dakota. If you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures, these are a few places to please.

Thank you for reading the Coldest States in the US! Here you can find more articles about the united states of America!

Also have a look at Bryce Canyon vs Yosemite: Ultimate Comparison.

Marcel Kuhn