Best Cannabis Strains for Cold Weather

Once you’ve tasted some incredible buds, there’s no going back from it. 

Almost everyone who has tried high-quality cannabis wants to grow this magical plant in their backyard, but they often don’t act on it thinking their conditions are not suitable for the plant. This is especially true for people in colder regions with short summers and long winters. Makes sense — cannabis grows in warm conditions, right, so it can’t survive in cold weather. 

That is true for some strains but not all. Some strains can withstand cold without any issues and can be a terrific option for you if you want to grow cannabis in cold weather. In this article, we take a look at how difficult it is to grow cannabis in cold weather and some of the best cannabis strains you can consider choosing. 

Can You Grow Cannabis in Cold Weather?

Before we take a look at the best strains for cold weather, let’s answer the big question — can you grow cannabis in cold weather? The answer is not black and white, it depends on several factors like how cold it is, the setup you use, the precautions you take, your skills, the choice of strains, and much more.

But if you play your cards right, you can grow cannabis in cold weather with ease. It may not be the ideal environment for your plant, though. Cannabis prefers warm climates with decent humidity levels and a lot of light. 

But for the best results, it is advisable to grow cannabis indoors during colder months of the year, especially in regions that experience freezing temperatures. But in other colder regions, you can get away with polytunnels, greenhouses, or insulating mulches. 

On the other hand, you will find growers in Scandinavian regions who grow autoflowering cannabis outdoors, even in the coldest temperatures. But they do this smartly — they time their harvests so their cannabis plants are ready for harvest before peak frost arrives in their region. 

You must figure out which method works best for you. If you are careful, you can germinate the seeds indoors and transplant your cannabis outdoors safely without building a greenhouse, too. But never germinate your seeds outdoors if your region experiences cold weather — cold is never good for seedlings. 

Are Cold Temperatures Good for Cannabis Plants?

Different cannabis strains behave differently in cold weather, but every one of them is at a risk of death when the temperature dips below 50°F or 10°C. This is because, below this threshold, the plant’s metabolic processes take a massive hit, which can significantly hinder its development.

Once your plant’s metabolism begins to slow down, all the other processes of the plant also slow down. For example, under such conditions, the enzymatic and biochemical processes fail to occur, the vegetative vigor may also fail, and the roots may not function properly. The result is a weak plant that grows slowly and produces poor yields. 

Roots are especially at risk below 50°F because cold can make it difficult for the roots to absorb adequate nutrients, especially magnesium. This mineral is a micronutrient but is still crucial for the healthy growth of the plant. Even if you feed your plant magnesium during every irrigation cycle, the roots will fail to absorb it when the temperatures are too low. 

This is why you must be wary when growing cannabis in the cold. Such a climate makes growing cannabis an unforgiving task, and even minor mistakes can cascade into major problems. 

Can You Take Advantage of Cold Temperatures When Growing Cannabis?

Cold weather can be dangerous for your cannabis plants, especially if your plant is in its early stages of growth. For example, seedlings grow best in warm temperatures above 68°F. But things are a bit different as your plant matures in the late flowering stage. 

If you are growing cannabis in an ideal environment, like a controlled grow room, the phenotype of the strain will express itself properly, leading to gorgeous cannabis buds that are resinous and potent. 

But here’s the thing — the resin gland on your cannabis buds exists to protect the plant from environmental risks like cold weather, pests, and harsh UV rays. So, you can take advantage of the cold to boost resin production in the plant. 

Low temperatures induce a lot of stress on the plant, which forces your plant to react in a certain way. One such reaction is that your plant will start developing more resin on the buds to protect itself from the cold during the last weeks of bloom. As a result, your yield can be of much higher quality, more flavorful, and more potent. 

Best Photoperiod Cannabis Strains for Cold Weather

Most cannabis growers prefer growing photoperiod cannabis because it offers many benefits that autoflowering strains do not. For instance, photoperiod strains offer control over the plant’s growth, grow a lot bigger than their autoflowering siblings, and produce a much bigger yield. 

So, if you live in a cold region and still want to benefit from all that photoperiod strains have to offer, you can choose strains with excellent cold resistance. These strains can withstand cold more than others, making them ideal for your situation. Here are some of the best photoperiod cannabis strains for cold weather. 

1. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the most popular cannabis strains, thanks to its high that is deep yet keeps your head clear. It is a perfect companion for when you are going for a trek or camping or indulging in other soothing activities. It has an 18% THC concentration, which may not be too much (or a lot, depending on how you look at it), but it is more than enough for having a good time. This is one of those strains that every cannabis lover must experience at least once in their life. 

The lady can grow up to 220 cm with a canopy that is usually flush with buds, and the yield is usually up to 625 grams per plant — that’s more than enough for most hobby growers! You’ll see that the plant develops super strong branches, sturdy stems, and dense foliage. The buds look like they were dipped in a pot of resin, if you know what we mean.  

Northern Lights is known particularly for her incredible performance even in cold temperatures, whether you grow her indoors or outdoors. She hails from a line of robust genetics that are known to produce some lip-smacking buds. 

Oh, and she’s super easy to grow. So, if you’re a beginner who lives in a cold climate, this one’s for you. What makes her great even in cold temperatures is that she’s been bred and refined for a long time to develop resilience against the cold, thanks to breeders. 

2. Critical 

Critical is another popular cannabis strain that descends from Afghan and Skunk strains. This strain is known for its heavy physical high that soothes your muscles, and thanks to its 19% THC content and high myrcene levels, the soothing high is also euphoric. 

Even though this strain comes from relatively shorter strains, this one can grow as high as 220 cm. However, you can keep its size manageable using training methods like mainlining or topping. If you’re growing this strain, ensure your soil is rich and organic, and it is advisable to add a layer of mulch to insulate the roots. If you do everything right and play by the rules, you can expect a yield of up to 650 grams per plant. 

3. Royal Cheese

Royal Cheese is a cannabis strain that will surprise you with its flowering stage — it grows fast during bloom and develops a deep purple hue. This strain is a result of Afghan and Old School Skunk and is known for its complex terpene profile that tastes a bit like cheese, fruit, candy, and pepper. Kinda wild flavor, huh?

If you live in a cold region and want to keep your cannabis cultivation a secret, this strain makes sense for you. This strain can be kept well under 130 cm with the help of some basic training methods. If not, you can still hide it with some companion plants. Expect a yield of 600 grams per plant with Royal Cheese.

4. Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush is known for its good looks and delicious flavor and is a mix between Pineapple and OG Kush. This strain’s buds are colorful, with hues of green, purple, and pink, and they smell of fruit, diesel, and pineapple. Although popular as a classic tropical strain, it can easily bear the brunt of the cold without complaint. 

Pineapple Kush has a flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks and generally reaches harvest by September end. But with the help of a polytunnel or a greenhouse, you can boost this plant’s growth during its vegetative stage so that it can mature a bit sooner. The yield of this strain is also respectable at up to 550 grams per plant. 

5. Legendary OG Punch

If you are looking for a cannabis strain with a punch, look no further than the Legendary OG Punch. As the name implies, it packs a punch and sends you reeling, all thanks to its THC content easily exceeding 19%.  

Famous for its gorgeous purple buds, this strain is the offspring of none other than Purple Punch and Legend OG. The terpene profile is simply delicious, reminding you of zesty fruits. What's more, the strain is tasty to smoke and produces a relaxing, clear-headed high. 

Perhaps the best part of this strain is that it can grow no matter where you are due to its ability to resist the cold and fast flowering cycle. Typically, this strain rewards the grower with up to 500 grams per plant of yield by early October. 

6. Super Skunk

Super Skunk has won many awards, such as the High Times Cannabis Cup (twice in 1990 and 1992) and the HighLife Cup (in 2025), and for good reasons. Growing this strain in cold weather may not be the easiest process, but it is rewarding. Super Skunk is known for its potent and large yields, although it doesn’t grow all that big. 

Growing cannabis in colder temperatures might be a bit of a challenge, but Super Skunk has the ability to pull through harsh conditions due to its unique adaptability. Firstly, the strain boasts strong genetics as a cross between Skunk 1 and Afghani Hashplant. It displays a natural resilience against the cold and can survive even when the nights make your teeth chatter. 

Secondly, the reason it can stand cold temperatures has a lot to do with its short life cycle. You can expect it to flower anywhere from 7 to 9 weeks, allowing you to harvest the buds before the onset of frost. As you can understand, Super Skunk is a must-have if you’re from a region with short growing seasons. 

Last but not least, another reason why Super Skunk can brave the cold lies in how it grows. The plant grows like a bush, with a compact structure that appears like the foliage shields the plant from external stressors. You may find this hard to believe, but its structure offers a major advantage for the plant. 

7. Durban Poison

A hardy strain from South Africa, Durban Poison is the strain to choose if you live in a region that experiences many temperature fluctuations. This winter cannabis strain is tall and can produce a yield of 480 grams per plant in an outdoor environment. Durban Poison is also a low-maintenance plant, so even new growers can manage it well. Simply put, it will not only survive but also flourish despite the cold. 

As for flavor and potency, Durban Poison can be potent. Depending on the methods you use, this strain can produce THC levels ranging between 15% to 25%. And it offers a complex flavor profile that is spicy and hard to resist, with undertones of clove, lemon, and aniseed. 

8. Bubble Kush

Known as one of the most flavorful cannabis strains on the market, Bubble Kush is a surprising contender when it comes to the best cannabis strains for cold weather. This strain produces plump, sticky buds with a complex flavor profile of pine, pepper, fruit, and earth. And with a 19% THC content, Bubble Kush is also potent enough, but its high is quite relaxing and known to clear the mind. 

Expect this strain to grow up to 200 cm outdoors — it is tall — but you can use training methods like topping to keep its stature short. One tip is to use low tunnels made of fleece if your region experiences late frosts. Grow it well, and it will reward you with a yield of up to 650 grams per plant by the end of September. 

9. Blue Cheese

A child of Original Cheese and Oregon Blueberry Blend, Blue Cheese is an exciting strain in all rights. This delicious strain is ideal for regions with short summers, and thanks to its 19% THC content, it offers a relaxing high. But its flavor is completely opposite to its mellow high — it tastes like cheese and candy. 

Blue Cheese is a stout strain that gets through the flowering stage in 8 to 9 weeks and generally yields up to 550 grams per plant. However, if you live in particularly cold regions, it is recommended to sow the seeds during February in your home and transplant them outdoors once the frost passes.

Best Autoflowering Cannabis Strains for Cold Weather

If you are looking for cannabis strains that are easy to grow and don’t require much effort on your plant but still produce excellent buds, you can never go wrong with autoflowering strains. This is because they grow fast and flower faster, and you can harvest them in the blink of an eye before the weather casts a spell on them. Plus, autoflowers originally evolved from the northern regions, away from the equator, so they are naturally good at resisting cold temperatures. 

Here are some of the best autoflowering cannabis strains that you can grow easily in cold weather.

1. Mazar Auto

Mazar Auto is a unique autoflowering strain that looks like a small Christmas tree with bushy cannabis buds. Since this is an autoflowering strain, this plant will grow from a seedling to harvest-ready within 11 weeks. Thanks to this short life cycle, this strain is excellent for cold regions with short summers. 

Plus, it’s a great choice for beginners since it has terrific cold resistance and does not need much maintenance once transplanted in healthy soil. And expect a potent yield sporting a delightful combination of earthy and spicy undertones with a hint of lemon. 

2. White Widow Auto

White Widow is a classic cannabis strain, and White Widow Auto is its autoflowering sibling. Ask any experienced grower, and she’ll sing praises of how awesome the strain is. The buds have 20% THC levels with a pine fragrance and herbal notes with a citrus hint. 

Amsterdam’s most popular strain, White Widow Auto is a compact plant that is easy to grow for beginners and is one of the best autoflowering cannabis strains for winter. This strain takes around ten weeks to mature and produces buds coated in white trichomes.

3. Purple Lemonade Auto

Most autoflowering cannabis plants are small and cute, but Purple Lemonade Auto is not — this giant strain produces purple buds that taste citrus, hence the name. Despite its stature, Purple Lemonade Auto will take around 10 weeks to mature and will grow as tall as 130 cm. 

With THC levels of 25% and sweet citrusy flavor profiles, Purple Lemonade Auto is an excellent strain for beginners who want to experience a potent strain without losing their minds. 

4. Gelato Auto

Gelato Auto is a terrific autoflowering strain with excellent potency, yield, and cold resistance. It is a well-balanced strain popular among the younger generation for its flavor profile of citrus, vanilla, and cookies. Expect Gelato Auto to mature within 9 weeks and grow up to 100 cm, but for best results, don’t forget to use training methods like topping or tying down to boost its performance. 

5. Gorilla Cookies Auto

Gorilla Cookies Auto is one of the best cannabis strains for cold weather. As a blend of two old-school strains, Gorilla Glue and Girl Scout Cookies, it combines the best of both strains, one of which is its ability to thrive in cold conditions. This autoflowering strain blooms fast and matures within 10 weeks, and is easy to maintain. 

For beginners, Gorilla Cookies is a rewarding strain because it’s easy to grow and can easily reach a height of up to 150 cm while having a bushy canopy. It is the ultimate autoflowering cannabis for cold weather and, might we say, an absolutely terrific strain to experience. 

What are Some Tips for Growing Cannabis in the Winter?

Growing cannabis in cold conditions is a bit challenging, but with the right strategy and knowledge, you can achieve terrific results despite the cold weather. In fact, if you use the right methods, the cold weather even improves your plant’s yield! Let’s look at some tips to help you get there and maximize your plant’s potential.

1. Select the Right Strain

As with anything, the first step in growing a healthy plant is choosing the right cannabis strain. In this case, you need to choose cold-resistant strains and, preferably, have a shorter flowering time so they mature before the harvest. 

We have mentioned several strains above that you can choose from, but there are many more you can pick if you do some research. Remember, despite having high cold tolerance, some strains may not grow well in your specific conditions, so you need to account for that, too.

And always purchase seeds from high-quality seed banks that are transparent with their seeds’ characteristics and maintain high standards. Lab analysis is also a must with each bag of seeds!

Lastly, figure out whether you want to grow photoperiod cannabis or an autoflowering one. The latter is easier to grow and matures faster, but its growth cycle can’t be controlled, and the yield is relatively low compared to photoperiod strains. Most cannabis strains are available in both varieties, so choosing among them shouldn’t be a problem. 

2. Maintain Consistent Temperatures

You cannot control the weather, but you can still try to control the temperature to some extent. Ideally, your plant needs a temperature ranging between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), and it should not dip below 50°F or 10°C — that’s fatal for cannabis. 

For this, you need to first take note of the average date of the last spring frost in your area and plant your plant’s growth accordingly. You should also germinate the seeds indoors until the frost passes. 

You can control the temperature even in an outdoor garden with a polytunnel or a greenhouse or by simply placing a tarp over your plant. Mulch also works great since it insulates the roots, protecting them from cold temperatures. 

3. And Don’t Forget the Humidity

Humidity is crucial for your plant, too, so you must not overlook it. Thanks to humidity, your plant can absorb nutrients from the roots, transport them around, and breathe. For this, you need to place your plant in a location that receives a lot of sunlight to minimize dew formation on the plant’s surface.

Also, remember that cold air holds little moisture, so the environment inside the grow room could get very dry if you’re not paying attention. Check your grow room consistently, even if it seems overkill at first! Some growers try to wing it without additional equipment, but you must get a hygrometer if you don’t have one already. It’s not that expensive, and an accurate reading will put your mind at ease. 

Ideally, you should maintain a relative humidity of around 40-60%. Sure, it’s not possible to get to 40% for everyone, but at least 50 to 60% should be good enough. However, if the humidity is dipping below this range, you should get a humidifier. If you don’t want to spend extra, just place some trays in the grow room for extra humidity. But try not to overdo it, as you’ll be battling mold and fungal diseases before you know it. 

4. Give the Right Nutrients

During cold weather, your cannabis plant consumes more water and nutrients. So, you need to be mindful of nutrient burns and lockouts and only give your plant the nutrients that it requires, not more. Giving it more nutrients than required can affect your plant negatively. 

5. Monitor Your Plants Constantly

You should also pay attention to your plant’s health, especially the roots. Plants are more susceptible to cold stress, and if the roots get too cold, they may stop absorbing nutrients. So, you need to monitor your plant regularly and fix any issue that arises immediately. Some of the warning signs of cold stress include curling leaf edges, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. 

6. Time Your Grow Well

Timing is everything when growing cannabis outdoors in a cold region. So, consider your local climate and temperature conditions to figure out the best time for growing cannabis. You can use polytunnels and greenhouses to protect your plant from early and late-season weather extremes, too, so consider those options. 

7. Insulate the grow room

Insulating the grow room is a great idea to reduce heat loss and provide a stable environment for your precious plants. You can use various materials, including reflective sheets like mylar to make sure the plants are warm. Although it won't reduce the temperature drastically, it will help keep a little bit of the heat inside the grow room. Moreover, this will improve light distribution, making it a win-win situation for you and your plants.

8. Use Supplemental Heating

Just like you use an air conditioner to maintain optimal temperatures in the grow room, you can use a small heater to make sure the plants are warm. From heaters to heat mats, you can experiment with various equipment to induce some heat. 

Some growers even reduce the distance between the plants and the grow light and bring the lights closer to the plants for additional warmth but be careful as this can cause heat stress and burn your plants, especially if they are young. If you do decide to use a heater or any other equipment to keep the grow room warm, make sure you monitor the temperatures constantly so the plants don't get uncomfortable.

9. Experiment with the Lighting Schedules

One easy way to add heat to the grow room is to play around with the lighting schedules. If the temperature is very cold, you can extend the light hours to make the plants feel warmer. For instance, if the plants are getting about 12 to 16 hours of light per day, you can increase it to 18 hours to increase the growth and prevent stunted growth. Of course, most growers start with 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness in the vegetative stage anyway, so this point is moot if you're doing it already.

Summary: Best Cannabis Strains for Cold Weather

Cannabis is a hardy plant, and you shouldn't underestimate it. If you take the right steps, you can grow cannabis even in Scandinavian regions with ease! And the first step in doing so is choosing the right kind of seeds. 

Choose between the photoperiod and autoflowering varieties and pick a strain that suits your conditions, preferences, and style. Then, take care of the peripherals — try to maintain a healthy environment for your plant, time your cultivation, and regularly inspect your plant. Nature will take care of the rest, and you will be rewarded with bushy buds that may even turn purple if the temperatures are in your favor!