Below is a concise ranking of U.S. states with the lowest average temperatures, from the coldest to those that are relatively warmer yet still chilly.
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Alaska, situated far north of the continental United States, draws cold air from the Arctic. Its average annual temperature remains well below freezing, making it the coldest state in the nation.
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North Dakota ranks second. While the contiguous states have warmer averages, the state’s severe winters—averaging 10.9 °F (–11.7 °C) from 1895 to 2024—pull the overall mean into the sub‑freezing zone.
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Just slightly warmer than North Dakota, Minnesota shares its northern Midwest location and is known for frigid winters that keep its average temperature low.
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Maine, the easternmost state, ties closely with Minnesota. Its winters bring heavy snowfall and below‑freezing temperatures, though coastal areas benefit from the Atlantic’s moderating effect.
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Wyoming’s high, dry, semi‑arid landscape and sparse population contribute to long, cold winters. The state’s position between the Rocky Mountains and eastern prairies intensifies winter chill.
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Montana, north of Wyoming, is slightly warmer. Its varied topography and elevation create a wide temperature range, yet winter conditions remain intensely cold on average.
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Vermont, in the eastern U.S., is seventh on the list. While summer temperatures are moderate, winter lows—especially in the “Northeast Kingdom”—are exceptionally low.
