Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a highly valued fruit crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, its susceptibility to cold stress possess a significant challenge to cultivation in certain regions, particularly in North India. Low temperatures adversely affect papaya growth and productivity, leading to considerable crop losses. In this review, we explore various breeding strategies aimed at enhancing low temperature tolerance in papaya, focusing on mechanisms of cold stress adaptation, genetic factors influencing cold tolerance, and emerging techniques for improving cold stress resilience.