In the vast and remote corners of our planet, there exist places where winter is not just a season, but a way of life. Among them, a few stand out for their extreme temperatures and the resilience of the people who live there. The second coldest inhabited place in the world is one such settlement, where daily life unfolds under subzero conditions for much of the year. This location isn’t only a meteorological marvel but also a testament to human adaptation and endurance. Understanding this place means diving into a world of harsh climates, unique traditions, and survival strategies that few can imagine.
Location and Context
Where Is the Second Coldest Inhabited Place?
The second coldest inhabited place in the world is Verkhoyansk, located in the Sakha Republic (also known as Yakutia), in northeastern Siberia, Russia. While Oymyakon is often credited as the coldest, Verkhoyansk closely follows and, in some records, has even tied or surpassed its rival in recorded temperatures. Situated within the Arctic Circle, Verkhoyansk is surrounded by rugged terrain and taiga forests, making access difficult and life challenging year-round.
Geographical Features
Verkhoyansk lies along the Yana River and is encircled by the Verkhoyansk mountain range. This isolation contributes to the region’s extreme temperature swings. The continental climate means summers can be surprisingly warm, while winters drop to unimaginably low temperatures. The permafrost underlies the land, keeping it frozen several meters deep throughout the year.
Temperature Records and Climate
Historic Lows
Verkhoyansk holds one of the lowest officially recorded temperatures for any inhabited place on Earth −67.8°C (−90°F), which occurred in February 1892. This figure is only marginally higher than the coldest ever recorded in Oymyakon. The average winter temperature in Verkhoyansk is often below −45°C (−49°F), lasting from late October to early April.
Seasonal Variations
What makes Verkhoyansk’s climate unique is the extreme variation between winter and summer. Despite its bitterly cold winters, summer temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), producing one of the widest annual temperature ranges recorded anywhere on Earth. This sharp contrast is a result of the inland location and lack of moderating ocean influence.
Life in Extreme Cold
Adaptation and Survival
Living in Verkhoyansk requires extraordinary resilience and preparation. Residents must insulate homes thoroughly, store food in frozen ground cellars, and wear specially made clothing to protect against frostbite. Transportation is heavily reliant on snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and, during the warm months, boats on thawed rivers.
Daily Challenges
- Fuel dependenceHeating is a constant need; homes are powered by wood, coal, or diesel generators.
- Frozen infrastructurePipes freeze, so indoor plumbing is rare; outhouses are standard.
- Limited daylightWinter days are extremely short, with limited sun exposure.
- Food scarcityFresh produce is rare, with diets based on preserved meat and fish.
Population and Culture
Small but Enduring Community
Verkhoyansk has a population of fewer than 1,500 people. Despite the challenges, many residents have strong family roots in the area and continue to practice traditional lifestyles. The Yakut people, an indigenous ethnic group, form a significant part of the population and have centuries of knowledge passed down for surviving the cold.
Customs and Traditions
Festivals and cultural events continue to thrive, even in the coldest months. One notable celebration is Ysyakh, a summer solstice festival that marks the arrival of warmth and rebirth. Local crafts, storytelling, and music are integral to preserving identity in such an isolated environment.
Wildlife and Natural Environment
Flora and Fauna
The region surrounding Verkhoyansk supports a surprising array of life. Hardy coniferous trees dominate the forests, and tundra landscapes stretch across the horizon. Wildlife such as reindeer, Arctic foxes, wolves, and even bears inhabit the area. These species have evolved to cope with severe cold and low food availability during winter months.
Environmental Conditions
The permafrost plays a key role in shaping the ecosystem. Any thawing caused by climate change threatens not only the foundations of buildings but also the fragile balance of the surrounding environment. Seasonal rivers, ice roads, and snow-covered passes dictate the rhythm of life.
Scientific Significance
Climate Studies
Verkhoyansk is a valuable location for climate scientists studying the impact of extreme cold, permafrost behavior, and climate change. Data from the region helps researchers understand how Arctic regions are warming at faster rates than the global average. In recent years, unusually high summer temperatures have also raised concerns about accelerated melting and ecosystem disruption.
Permafrost Research
Because the ground remains frozen most of the year, Verkhoyansk offers unique opportunities to study permafrost dynamics. Thawing layers may release trapped greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate shifts. Researchers visit the region to observe these long-term patterns and their consequences.
Travel and Accessibility
Getting There
Reaching Verkhoyansk is not simple. The nearest major city is Yakutsk, the regional capital, which itself is often considered the coldest large city in the world. From Yakutsk, travel continues via smaller aircraft, boat (during the thawed months), or ice roads when rivers freeze. There are no paved highways directly connecting Verkhoyansk to the rest of Russia.
What to Expect as a Visitor
- Extreme weather gearVisitors must prepare with insulated boots, coats, and gloves.
- Limited accommodationLodging is basic, often in local guesthouses.
- Language barrierRussian and Yakut are commonly spoken, and English is rare.
- Cultural etiquetteHospitality is important, and respecting local customs is expected.
Comparison with Other Cold Places
Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk
Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon often compete for the title of coldest inhabited place. Both have recorded similarly low temperatures, and both are in the Sakha Republic. However, Verkhoyansk experiences greater temperature variation, while Oymyakon maintains colder average winter temperatures. For many scientists, the distinction is minor; both locations reflect the extremes of cold on Earth.
Coldest Cities in the World
Yakutsk deserves a mention as the coldest city with a substantial population. Unlike Verkhoyansk, Yakutsk has modern infrastructure and is accessible by air year-round. Nonetheless, it shares the same brutal winter temperatures, often dipping below −40°C in January.
Verkhoyansk, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, symbolizes humanity’s ability to survive and thrive under the harshest natural conditions. Despite record-breaking lows, isolation, and extreme living challenges, its small population continues to embrace their homeland with pride. The settlement offers more than meteorological records it tells a story of endurance, tradition, and adaptation. As climate change brings new uncertainties to even the coldest parts of the globe, Verkhoyansk stands as both a scientific benchmark and a human triumph in the face of relentless cold.