Russia 

Our country encompasses Arctic, temperate and subtropical zones alike. For example, did you know that in the town of Oymyakon the temperature drops below -55°C in winter, making it the coldest inhabited place on earth? Russia's climate is varied and extreme – at one end of our homeland lie icy polar mountains, and at the other – subtropical beaches and a warm sea.

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USA

Hawaii, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, California… The United States has a total of three climate zones within its borders. On the very same day, in different parts of the country, you can ski, walk through a mountain forest or surf on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. 

Australia

The largest island in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia has a varied climate that changes dramatically from north to south. Besides the country's frightening biodiversity (many joke that here literally every creature is trying to kill you), Australia has almost every type of climate. The country spans three of the four main climate zones. In the north, a tropical climate brings cyclones and monsoon rains, while the central part is characterized by a milder subtropical climate. The southernmost island, Tasmania, provides Australia with a temperate climate.

The 10 countries on the planet with the most extreme and varied climates
India. Photo: Freepik

India

India has at least six climate subtypes, from arid desert in the west to alpine tundra in the north. This country also includes a subclimate zone of alpine tundra because of the altitude of the Himalayas in the northeast. As the only country in the world that is home to both lions and tigers, India's climate is truly unique. Mountains, beaches, forests and deserts – it has everything.

Brazil

Depending on which part of Brazil you are in, you can experience all the delights and drawbacks of a humid equatorial, a hot semi-arid or a wonderful coastal climate. According to The World Factbook, the vast majority of Brazil's population lives in the southeastern regions of the country or near the Atlantic Ocean, and for good reason. The northern and central-western regions are covered by the Amazon rainforest, and although this is a thrilling place for extreme experiences, everyday life there is practically impossible.

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Haiti

Tropical storms and hurricanes are frequent visitors to this small island nation, so Haiti deserves a place on the list of countries with extreme climates. Even though Haiti lies in just one zone, the tropical one, this country constantly faces extreme weather because of its climate. Natural disasters, including devastating earthquakes, are not rare here.

Ethiopia

It deserves a place on our list for its extreme climate in terms of temperatures. With an average annual temperature of 35°C and an average summer temperature of 47°C, unprepared people are ready to flee at the first opportunity. 

The 10 countries on the planet with the most extreme and varied climates
Myanmar. Photo: Freepik

Myanmar

According to The Times of India, Myanmar holds the world record for the number of average annual weather-related deaths. Because of weather-related natural disasters, an average of 7,098 people die here each year. So beautiful tropical scenery is not as wonderful as it might seem. The monsoon climate is very treacherous.

China

Because of its size, China is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world, both culturally and in terms of climate. From the Arctic northern province of Heilongjiang and the temperate region of Hebei to the subtropical capital of Hong Kong and the tropical province of Hainan – without ever leaving China, you can visit all the climate zones that exist on our planet.

Honduras

Despite being washed by both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there is no typical coastal climate to speak of here. In the mountainous areas the average annual temperature is 16—24°C, and there is practically no precipitation. On the Caribbean coast, on the other hand, it rains almost every day. As a result, Honduras made it into the top three countries most at risk of extreme weather events. Its companions, incidentally, were Myanmar and Haiti, which are also on our list.