Temperate climate

"Temperate" and "Temperateness" redirect here. For the usage of the term in virology, see Temperateness (virology).
For the history of the term, see geographical zone.

A Köppen–Geiger climate map showing temperate climates for 1991-2020
The different geographical zones of the world. The temperate zones, in the sense of geographical regions defined by latitude, span from either north or south of the subtropics (north or south of the orange dotted lines, at 35 degrees north or south) to the polar circles.
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In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (approximately 23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth.[1] These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout the year and more distinct seasonal changes compared to tropical climates, where such variations are often small; they usually differ only in the amount of precipitation.[2]

In temperate climates, not only do latitudinal positions influence temperature changes, but various sea currents, prevailing wind direction, continentality (how large a landmass is) and altitude also shape temperate climates.[3]

The Köppen climate classification defines a climate as "temperate" C, when the mean temperature is above −3 °C (26.6 °F) but below 18 °C (64.4 °F) in the coldest month to account for the persistence of frost. However, some adaptations of Köppen set the minimum at 0 °C (32.0 °F). Continental climates are classified as D and considered to be varieties of temperate climates, having more extreme temperatures, with mean temperatures in the coldest month usually being below −3 °C (26.6 °F).

  1. ^ "Weather & Climate Change: Climates around the world". Education Scotland. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016.
  2. ^ Society, National Geographic (21 January 2011). "tropics". National Geographic Society. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  3. ^ "What Are the Forty Factors That Influence OurWeather?". Education – Seattle PI. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2022.