Quick Fact: As of 2026, the coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. is -80°F in Prospect Creek, Alaska (66.8147°N, 150.6458°W). In the Lower 48 states, Rogers Pass, Montana (47.4206°N, 112.5819°W), holds the record at -69.7°F since 1954.
What shapes extreme cold in the U.S.?
Alaska’s interior and Montana’s Rocky Mountain passes regularly see subzero temperatures, while Hawaii’s tropical climate keeps its lowest recorded temperature at a mild 15°F. Rogers Pass, sitting 5,610 feet up on the Continental Divide, shows how high elevation cranks up the cold in the Lower 48. (Honestly, this is the best example of how geography controls weather patterns.)
Where can I find the coldest recorded temperatures by state?
| State | Coldest Temperature | Location | Elevation | Record Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | -80°F | Prospect Creek | ~500 ft | 1971 |
| Montana | -69.7°F | Rogers Pass | 5,610 ft | 1954 |
| North Dakota | -60°F | Parshall | ~1,900 ft | 1936 |
| Minnesota | -60°F | Tower | ~1,450 ft | 1996 |
| Colorado | -61°F | Maybell | ~5,900 ft | 1962 |
| Hawaii | 15°F | Mauna Kea summit | 13,803 ft | 1979 |
Why did Prospect Creek hit -80°F in 1971?
That year marked part of a decade-long stretch when Alaska’s interior frequently dropped below -60°F. The extreme cold got logged during a particularly nasty Arctic blast that parked itself over the region for weeks. (You wouldn’t want to be outside during that one.)
How does Rogers Pass stay so cold?
Its position on the Continental Divide at 5,610 feet creates a perfect channel for icy blasts from the north. NOAA has tracked this phenomenon since the 1940s, and it’s no surprise the spot holds the Lower 48’s record NOAA. (If you’ve ever driven through there in winter, you know what I mean.)
Can Hawaii really get below freezing?
At 13,803 feet, the elevation overrides the tropical climate. Snow has even fallen there as recently as 2021 USGS. (Who knew a tropical state could get that chilly?)
What should I know before visiting Rogers Pass in winter?
Temperatures often sit near -30°F, and blizzards can drop visibility to zero in minutes. Always pack emergency supplies and check Montana DOT road conditions before heading out. (Trust me, you don’t want to get stuck there unprepared.)
How dangerous is Prospect Creek’s cold?
Layered clothing isn’t optional—it’s essential. Frostbite can set in within minutes when wind chills hit those levels NWS. (If you’re not dressed properly, you’re playing Russian roulette with frostbite.)
Why does Mauna Kea get so cold despite being in Hawaii?
At nearly 14,000 feet, the summit sits well above the cloud layer where warm air hangs out. That’s why it can snow there even when beaches below are baking in the sun. (Elevation trumps latitude every time.)
What’s the coldest temperature in the Lower 48?
That record has stood since 1954, and it’s unlikely to fall anytime soon. The combination of high elevation and Arctic air drainage makes this spot uniquely brutal in winter. (Montana doesn’t mess around with cold.)
How often do places like Rogers Pass hit extreme lows?
Rogers Pass typically sees temperatures below zero for weeks at a time during winter, but hitting -70°F? That’s a once-in-a-generation event. Most winters bring consistent cold, just not that level of brutality. (Thankfully.)
What’s the coldest temperature ever recorded in Alaska?
That record has stood since 1971, and it’s the lowest ever recorded in the U.S. The combination of interior location and Arctic air masses creates perfect conditions for extreme cold. (Alaska doesn’t just dabble in cold—it dominates it.)
How do I stay safe in places like Prospect Creek?
Layer up with thermal underwear, insulated boots, and a windproof shell. Carry hand warmers, extra food, and a way to call for help—cell service is spotty at best. (If you’re not prepared, you’re gambling with your life.)
Does elevation always mean colder temperatures?
That’s why Mauna Kea’s summit can hit 15°F while beaches below are in the 80s. The rule isn’t absolute, but it holds true in most cases. (There are exceptions, but elevation is the biggest factor.)
