What is recognized as the coldest place on Earth?

The Antarctic is recognized as the coldest place on Earth due to its extreme climate characteristics and geographical features. The continent experiences consistently low temperatures because it is largely covered by a thick ice sheet that reflects solar radiation, and it is positioned at the southernmost part of the globe, resulting in prolonged periods of darkness during winter months. The interior of Antarctica, particularly at locations such as Vostok Station, has recorded some of the lowest temperatures ever measured on the planet, including a staggering -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius).

In contrast, Greenland, while cold, generally has milder average temperatures than Antarctica because it is influenced by ocean currents and has a shorter duration of extreme cold. The Arctic, which includes various landmasses and seas (including the North Pole), also does experience severe cold, but the overall average temperatures there are higher than those found in Antarctica. Mount Everest, being the highest point on Earth, experiences extremely cold conditions at its peak; however, it does not maintain the record for the coldest overall temperatures, which are consistently found within the Antarctic interior.