Mediterranean climate: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

A mediterranean climate is one that resembles those of lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Areas with this climate receive almost all their rain during the winter months, and may go 4-5 months during the summer without having any precipitation.

Because of the proximity to large bodies of water, temperatures are generally moderate with a comparatively small range of temperatures between the winter low and summer high. Temperatures during winter will rarely reach freezing, and snow is almost unheard of. In the summer, the temperatures, while warm, don't reach the high levels of inland desert areas.

The subtropical western coasts of continental landmasses typically experience such climates. Examples include Coastal California, Western Australia, Cape Province, and central Chile.

Explanation of Mediterranean Climate