The coldest place on Earth is Antarctica, specifically a high ridge on the East Antarctic Plateau. A record low temperature of -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius) was recorded at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station on July 21, 1983. Antarctica is characterized by its vast ice sheets, extreme weather conditions, and isolation. The continent's harsh climate is largely due to its high altitude and position at the South Pole, where the sun shines for 24 hours in summer and remains absent in winter. This unique environment contributes to its distinction as the coldest natural place on the planet.