Russia

The UK’s recent cold snap may have had most people rugging up and turning up the heating. However, there’s always the odd one out, who insists that it’s just not cold enough, and then laughs at you for piling on the scarves. For these masochists, a trip to some of the coldest places on earth may be just the thing. Don’t forget to pack those mittens!

Oymyakon, Russia – The little village of Oymyakon has the dubious honour of recording the coldest air temperature in the Northern hemisphere. The mercury fell to a lowly -71^o Celsius back in 1926, and global warming hasn’t driven it much higher these days. The area is so cold that the surrounding water is completely frozen, and usable water has to be brought into the town by tankers.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – This bustling Mongolian capital city lies 1300 metres above sea level, with temperatures in winter hovering around the -20^oC mark. Set in a valley on the Mongolian steppe, the temperature rises to a pleasant high of around 25^oC in July, before plunging back down to freezing temperatures again. Warm up with a mug of suutei tsai – tea with salt and milk – or a huge glass of Mongolian vodka.

Denali, USA – Also known as Mount McKinley, the loftiest peak in North America boast winter temperatures around -40^oC. You’d have to be a hardy mountaineer to scale the 6,194 metre peak and brave wind speeds of over 18 miles per hour while doing so. For a warmer – and less rugged – view of the peak, pay a visit to Denali National Park.