Idahoans are used to freezing cold winters. It’s just a fact of life when it comes to Idaho living. Our summers are super hot and our winters are just as cold. Like, really cold. In fact, one of the coldest places in the entire continental United States is located right here in Idaho! This place remains a relatively cool temperature all year long and has some of the coldest temperatures in the West during winter. Keep reading to learn more about one of the coldest places in Idaho.

Stanley is known for being a recreational paradise in central Idaho. The town has a permanent population of fewer than 100 residents, but the area sees hundreds of visitors all year long due to the town's close proximity to some of the finest wilderness areas.
Nicholas D/Flickr
However, many people are unaware that Stanley is considered one of the coldest places in the entire country outside of Alaska!
Stanley, Idaho/Facebook
Year after year, Stanley's low temperatures rank the town as one of the coldest locations in the U.S.
Stanley maintains consistently cool temperatures all year long, even in summer. Temperatures in the summer months are extremely mild compared to the rest of the state.
Stanley, Idaho/Facebook
Night temperatures are known to get down to somewhere in the 30s. However, these cool summer temperatures mean the town experiences almost unimaginably cold winter temperatures.

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Stanley also experiences a high number of days each year with freezing temperatures. The town consistently experiences more than 270 days a year where temperatures plummet below freezing.
Stanley, Idaho/Facebook
During the most intense parts of winter, it's common for the temperature to drop to an incredibly frigid -30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the town has experienced record-breaking low temperatures of -50 degrees Fahrenheit!
The reason this small mountain town experiences such cold temperatures is simply due to its location.
Stanley, Idaho/Facebook
Stanley is located in a bowl-shaped basin surrounded by the White Cloud, Boulder, and Sawtooth mountain ranges. Cold air drops to the floor of the basin since it is heavier than warm air.
Stanley's status as one of the coldest places in the country doesn't affect the love the residents have for their town. In fact, the people who live in this small mountain town have an intense appreciation for Stanley as one of the greatest places to live in Idaho. With views like this, who could disagree?
Stanley, Idaho/Facebook

Do you love the cold temperatures in Idaho? What are some of your favorite winter destinations to visit in the Gem State? Let us know in the comments! Feel free to share images of your favorite winter destinations in Idaho as well.

Idahoans are no stranger to frigid winter weather. Did you know about this terrifying, deadly storm that struck Idaho in 1949? However, if you are longing for summer, yet the weather outside is cold, we have you covered. Check out our list of unique places in Idaho where it is summer all year long.

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Winter in Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | December 16, 2022

What are some of the best winter activities in Idaho?

Even when the temperatures are cold outside, it doesn’t mean that you must stay cooped up indoors. In fact, this is the perfect time to bundle up and enjoy some of Mother Nature’s beauty. A few of our favorite outdoor winter activities include:

 

What are some of the best places to visit in Idaho during winter?

We love exploring the Gem State during the wintertime. This time of year is not only beautiful but there are destinations all around the state that are absolutely beautiful. If you are searching for some of the best places to visit in Idaho during the winter, consider the following:

 

What are some things I can do in Stanley?

Stanley is a small town that deserves to be on every Idahoan's bucket list. Not only is this town picturesque, but it is home to more outdoor recreational activities than any other in Idaho. If you are searching for some things you can do in this small town, consider the following:

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Stanley, ID 83278, USA