As winter deepens across the Northern Hemisphere, the city of Yakutsk, Russia – built on a foundation of permafrost – is once again facing some of the most extreme temperatures on Earth. Despite recent lows reaching -45 degrees Celsius as of December 17, 2025, the city of over 350,000 continues to function as a key regional hub on the Lena River [[1]]. This report examines how life persists in this uniquely challenging surroundings, and the adaptations made by residents to withstand the brutal Siberian cold.
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Despite temperatures plummeting to -45 degrees Celsius, life continues in Yakutsk, Russia, one of the coldest cities on Earth.
Yakutsk – Temperatures in Yakutsk, Russia, reached as low as -45 degrees Celsius in mid-December. Despite the extreme cold, daily life for residents of the world’s coldest city remains largely uninterrupted.
The frigid temperatures in Yakutsk, Russia, are a stark reminder of the harsh winters experienced in parts of Siberia. As of December 17, 2025, the city recorded a low of -45 degrees Celsius, yet residents continue with their normal routines.
Located in the Russian Far East, Yakutsk is known for its extreme continental climate, characterized by long, brutally cold winters and short, warm summers. The low temperatures are attributed to the city’s high latitude and its location in a vast, flat plain that allows cold air to accumulate.
Despite the challenging conditions, Yakutsk remains a functioning city with a population of over 350,000 people. The development highlights the resilience of communities in extreme climates and the adaptations necessary for survival in such environments.
