Determining which place has the “worst” weather on Earth is not a straightforward task, as the definition of bad weather is largely subjective. However, there are some locations that consistently experience extreme and inhospitable weather conditions that most would consider unpleasant. In examining major climate factors like temperature, precipitation, storms and natural disasters, a few places stand out as strong contenders for the title of “worst weather on Earth.”
Key Factors in Defining “Bad Weather”
When deciding which places have the most unpleasant or “worst” weather, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Extreme temperatures – Locations with very high or low average temperatures, making it difficult to comfortably spend time outdoors.
- Frequency of severe storms – Places that consistently get hit with storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, etc. These can cause damage and threaten safety.
- Amount of precipitation – Regions that get very high rainfall/snowfall totals, creating risks of flooding, landslides, etc.
- Unpredictable weather shifts – Locations where the weather changes drastically and suddenly, making it hard to plan outdoor activities.
- Lack of sunny days – Areas that have prolonged overcast and gloomy conditions, which many find depressing.
- Natural weather disasters – Places with high risk of catastrophic events like droughts, heat waves, and monsoons that can be deadly.
Based on these criteria, the places that experience the most consistent patterns of difficult weather conditions are considered strong contenders for “worst weather.”
Worst Weather Contenders
Here are some of the places around the world that could be considered as having the most unpleasant weather conditions:
Northern Canada
The northernmost regions of Canada have brutally cold winters and short, cool summers. Towns like Alert, Nunavut hold the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in North America at -63°C (-81°F). They experience winter for 8-9 months of the year, with average January highs around -30°C (-22°F). Summers barely reach 10°C (50°F) even in July. The cold is intense and leaves few opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
North Slope of Alaska
Alaska’s North Slope along the Arctic Ocean is comparable to Northern Canada for its extreme winters. The average high in Barrow, Alaska in February is -28°C (-18°F), with around two months where temperatures do not even rise above -17°C (0°F). Like Northern Canada, outdoor activities are very limited for most of the year. The North Slope also gets very minimal sunlight in the winter, with 67+ days of polar night from November to January.
Siberia, Russia
Siberia has infamously harsh winters and permafrost covering most of its vast territory. Oymyakon, Russia has registered record lows of -67°C (-89°F) in winter. Even in “warm” months like July, Oymyakon only reaches average highs of 16°C (61°F). Winter in Siberia last 7-8 months with bitter cold, howling winds, and heavy snow, making it difficult to enjoy the outdoors.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
With frequent subzero temperatures year-round and the highest recorded wind gusts on Earth (up to 231 mph), the summit of Mount Washington has a reputation as home to the world’s worst weather. Its extreme winds, ice, snow and cold year-round makes it quite inhospitable.
Northwest India/Bangladesh
This region has a long, unbearably hot and humid summer with temperatures frequently exceeding 43°C (110°F). It also receives torrential rainfall of 2+ meters annually, primarily in the June-October monsoon season, which causes major flooding each year. Devastating cyclones also strike the Bay of Bengal here. The humid heat makes outdoor activities difficult for much of the year.
Northern Australia
The northern parts of Australia, including Darwin and Cairns, experience extremely hot and humid weather year-round, with almost unending sunshine. Average highs are 30-33°C (86-91°F) even in July. Paired with moisture-laden tropical air, heat indices routinely exceed 40°C (104°F). The area gets hit by tropical cyclones and monsoons as well, bringing torrential rains. The oppressive heat leaves little opportunity for enjoying the outdoors.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest, including Seattle and Portland, is known for overcast, persistently wet weather, especially throughout the fall and winter. Seattle gets rain 150+ days per year. The area also gets cold, gloomy weather in winter without much snow. The frequent rain and clouds can seem depressing to some accustomed to more sun. The damp chill makes it difficult to enjoy being outside.
Northern Scotland
Northern Scotland has very long winters with months of dark, dreary weather. Cities like Stornoway average only 58 sunny days per year. Even in summer, the warmest months only average highs of 20°C (68°F). Wind and rain are frequent. The persistently overcast skies, high winds, and damp cold make Scotland less than ideal for outdoor activities much of the year.
Far South Chile
Southern Chile experiences almost constant overcast skies, rain, and winds, even in summer. Glaciers and snowy peaks dominate the landscape. Cities like Punta Arenas have average winter lows below freezing but summer highs rarely exceed 13°C (55°F). Moisture laden winds make it feel colder. Outdoor recreation is quite limited due to the near constant cold wet weather.
And the Winner Is…
Based on all these factors, the place that likely has the strongest claim to the title of “worst weather” is northern Canada, especially the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Reasons include:
- Temperatures are extreme, with average winter highs below -30°C (-22°F) and lows dropping below -40°C (-40°F).
- Summer is very short and cool, with average highs in the single digits °C (40s °F).
- The long, brutally cold winter lasts over 8 months of the year.
- Sunshine is very minimal in winter, with weeks of darkness.
- Storms, winds, ice and snow are frequent.
- Permafrost restricts agriculture and makes infrastructure difficult.
- The harsh conditions severely limit opportunities for outdoor recreation or enjoyment.
So in summary, based on having the coldest temperatures, the longest winter, minimal sunshine and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, northern Canada can reasonably be considered the place with the worst overall weather on Earth.
Weather Data Comparisons
Here is some objective weather data for the places considered the worst weather contenders. This helps quantify exactly how unpleasant the climate is in these regions.
| Location | Avg. July High Temp (°C) | Avg. January Low Temp (°C) | Days Below 0°C | Days Above 30°C | Avg. Annual Rainfall (mm) | Sunny Days Annually |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alert, Nunavut | 10°C | -45°C | 300 | 0 | 164mm | 0 |
| Barrow, Alaska | 7°C | -40°C | 280 | 0 | 105mm | 0 |
| Oymyakon, Russia | 16°C | -58°C | 285 | 0 | 260mm | 55 |
| Mt. Washington, NH | 12°C | -38°C | 250 | 0 | 1760mm | 75 |
| Darwin, Australia | 31°C | 24°C | 0 | 243 | 1713mm | 322 |
| Seattle, WA | 23°C | 0°C | 25 | 4 | 950mm | 152 |
| Punta Arenas, Chile | 13°C | -3°C | 61 | 0 | 360mm | 44 |
This data illustrates the temperature extremes in northern Canada, and confirms that places like Alert and Barrow have the coldest winters combined with very minimal warm or sunny days compared to the other locations.
Impacts on Society and Culture
The extremely harsh weather and long winters in the northernmost settled regions of Canada significantly impacts the societies that call this climate home. Here are some of the effects:
Small, Tough Population
Few people choose to permanently settle in these frigid, remote locations. Those that do need to be able to handle the cold, darkness and isolation. The population is small but resilient.
Indoor Activities
With outdoor time limited by the cold much of the year, many activities center around indoor spaces. Visiting other people’s homes is an important social activity.
Inuit Traditions
For the native Inuit, cultural activities like ice fishing, dog sledding, igloo building and wearing handmade clothing called atigi are important for survival and retaining heritage.
Communal Living
Shared community spaces help residents come together and support each other during the long winters. Community centers, churches, schools and event spaces provide social hubs.
Focus on Practicality
Fashion and architecture focus more on practicality and functionality than style. Buildings are sturdily constructed with small windows to retain heat, and clothing utilizes thick insulating fabrics.
Celebrating Summer
The short summer is a treasured time for enjoying the outdoors. Locals make the most of the warmer temperatures with activities like hiking, fishing, camping and community festivals.
Challenges with Infrastructure
Permafrost and frequent snow/ice create major engineering challenges. Roads and pipes need to be designed to withstand freezing and thawing cycles.
Accessibility Issues
Remoteness and winter weather conditions can periodically make transportation difficult. Accessing supplies and medical care may require expensive air transport.
Seasonal Business Adaptations
Many businesses rely more heavily on summer tourists and adjust operating hours or staffing based on season. Construction and transportation operate mostly in summer.
Conclusion
In summary, while defining “worst weather” is somewhat subjective, the frigid extremes and long, dark winters of the Canadian Arctic make it arguably the most unpleasant climate to reside in. Although a challenging place to live permanently, the resilient local communities have adapted their lifestyles, culture and infrastructure to thrive amid the harsh conditions. For those who love winter, this region provides opportunities for unparalleled Arctic adventures. But for most, the thought of contending with average winter temperatures below -30°C (-22°F) for over eight months of the year makes northern Canada seem like the place with the worst weather on Earth.