View source for Mediterranean climate

{{Short description|Type of climate}}
{{About||the influence of Mediterranean climates on viticulture|Climate categories in viticulture#Mediterranean climates{{!}}Mediterranean climate (wine)|the climate specifically of the Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean Sea#Climate{{!}}Climate of the Mediterranean Sea}}
{{Original research|date=May 2022}}

[[File:Cs climate.png|upright=1.5|thumb|Regions with Mediterranean climates
{{legend|#FFFF00|Hot-summer Mediterranean climate (''Csa'')}}
{{legend|#C6C700|Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (''Csb'')}}]]

A '''Mediterranean climate''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|m|ɛ|d|ɪ|t|ə|ˈ|r|eɪ|n|i|ən}} {{respell|MED|ih|tə|RAY|nee|ən}}), also called a '''dry summer climate''', described by [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] and [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha]] as '''''Cs''''', is a [[temperate climate]] type that occurs in the lower mid-latitudes (normally 30 to 44 north and south latitude). Such climates typically have dry summers and wet winters, with summer conditions being hot and winter conditions typically being mild. These weather conditions are typically experienced in the majority of Mediterranean-climate regions and countries, but remain highly dependent on proximity to the ocean, elevation, and geographical location.

The dry summer climate is found throughout the warmer [[middle latitudes]], affecting almost exclusively the western portions of continents in relative proximity to the coast. The [[climate]] type's name is in reference to the coastal regions of the [[Mediterranean Sea]], which mostly share this type of climate, but it can also be found in the Atlantic portions of [[Iberia]] and Northwest Africa, the Pacific portions of the United States and [[Chile]], extreme west areas of Argentina, the southwest tip of South Africa, parts of [[Southwest Australia|Southwest]] and [[South Australia]], and parts of [[Central Asia]]. They tend to be found in proximity (both poleward and near the coast) of [[desert climate|desert]] and [[semi-arid climate]]s, and equatorward of [[oceanic climate]]s.

Mediterranean [[Köppen climate classification|climate zones]] are typically located along the western coasts of landmasses, between roughly 30 and 45 degrees north or south of the [[equator]]. The main cause of Mediterranean, or dry summer, climate is the [[Horse latitudes|subtropical ridge]], which extends towards the pole of the hemisphere in question during the summer and migrates towards the equator during the winter. This is due to the seasonal poleward-equatorward variations of temperatures.<ref name=":0" />

The resulting [[vegetation]] of Mediterranean climates are the [[garrigue]] or [[maquis shrubland|maquis]] in the European Mediterranean Basin, the [[chaparral]] in California, the [[fynbos]] in [[South Africa]], the [[Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands|mallee]] in Australia, and the [[matorral]] in [[Chile]]. Areas with this climate are also where the so-called "Mediterranean trinity" of major agricultural crops have traditionally been successfully grown ([[wheat]], [[grape]]s and [[olive]]s). As a result, these regions are notable for their high-quality wines, grapeseed/olive oils, and bread products.<ref name=":1" />

==Köppen climate classification==
[[File:Portugal Köppen.svg|thumb|Continental Portugal has a clear contrast between the cool to warm (''[[#Warm-summer Mediterranean climate|Csb]]'') and hot (''[[#Hot-summer Mediterranean climate|Csa]]'') summers.]]

Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], "hot dry-summer" climates (classified as ''Csa'') and "cool dry-summer" climates (classified as ''Csb'') are often referred to as just "Mediterranean". Under the Köppen climate system, the first letter indicates the climate group (in this case temperate climates). Temperate climates or "''C''" zones average temperature above {{convert|0|C|F}} (or {{convert|-3|C|F}}), but below {{convert|18|C|F}}, in their coolest months. The second letter indicates the precipitation pattern ("''s''" represents dry summers). Köppen has defined a dry summer month as a month with less than {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation and as a month within the high-sun months of April to September, in the case of the Northern Hemisphere and October to March, in the case of the Southern Hemisphere, and it also must contain exactly or less than one-third that of the wettest winter month. Some, however, use a {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}} level.<ref name=Kottek>{{cite journal |url=http://www.schweizerbart.de/resources/downloads/paper_free/55034.pdf |first1=Markus |last1=Kottek |first2=Jürgen |last2=Grieser |first3=Christoph |last3=Beck |first4=Bruno |last4=Rudolf |first5=Franz |last5=Rube |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated |journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift |date=June 2006 |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=259–263 |access-date=27 February 2011 |doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130 |bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412021016/http://www.schweizerbart.de/resources/downloads/paper_free/55034.pdf |archive-date=12 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Peel>{{cite journal |url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/4/439/2007/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf |first1=M. C. |last1=Peel |first2=B. L. |last2=Finlayson |first3=T. A. |last3=McMahon |title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |year=2007 |volume=4 |pages=439–473 |access-date=27 February 2011 |doi=10.5194/hessd-4-439-2007 |issue=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828045342/https://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci-discuss.net/4/439/2007/hessd-4-439-2007.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2019 |url-status=live |doi-access=free }}</ref> The third letter indicates the degree of summer heat: "''a''" represents an average temperature in the warmest month above {{convert|22|C|F}}, while "''b''" indicates the average temperature in the warmest month below {{convert|22|C}}. There is a "c" with 3 or less months' average temperature above {{convert|10|C}}, but this climate is rare and is very isolated.<ref name=Kottek/>

Under the Köppen classification, dry-summer climates (''Csa'', ''Csb'') usually occur on the western sides of continents. ''Csb'' zones in the Köppen system include areas normally not associated with Mediterranean climates but with [[Oceanic climate|Oceanic]] climates, such as much of the [[Pacific Northwest]], much of southern [[Chile]], parts of west-central [[Argentina]], and parts of [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html |first1=M. C. |last1=Peel |first2=B. L. |last2=Finlayson |first3=T. A. |last3=McMahon |title=Updated world map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |year=2007 |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |access-date=27 February 2011 |doi=10.5194/hess-11-1633-2007 |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |doi-access=free |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210144308/http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.html |archive-date=10 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional highland areas in the subtropics also meet ''Cs'' requirements, though they, too, are not normally associated with Mediterranean climates. The same goes for a number of [[oceanic island]]s such as [[Madeira]], the [[Juan Fernández Islands]], the western part of the [[Canary Islands]], and the eastern part of the [[Azores]].<ref name=Kottek/>

Under [[Trewartha climate classification|Trewartha]]'s modified Köppen climate classification, the two major requirements for a ''Cs'' climate are revised. Under Trewartha's system, at least eight months must have average temperatures of {{convert|10|C}} or higher ([[subtropical]]), and the average annual precipitation must not exceed {{convert|900|mm|in|abbr=on}}, as well as satisfying Köppen's precipitation requirements.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

==Precipitation==
{{More citations needed|Section|date=August 2023}}
{{confusing|Section|date=April 2025}}

{{rquote|right|[Chile] has four months of winter, no more, and in them, except when there is a quarter moon, when it rains one or two days, all the other days have such a beautiful sunshine that it is not necessary to resort to fire. The summer is so temperate, with delicious airs, that man can go all day under the sun.|[[First relation letter from Pedro de Valdivia to emperor Charles V|Pedro de Valdivia to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor]]}}
Poleward extension and expansion of the subtropical [[anticyclone]] over the [[ocean]]s bring [[atmospheric subsidence|subsiding air]] to the region in summer, with clear skies and high temperatures. When the anticyclone moves Equator-ward in winter, it is replaced by traveling, [[frontal cyclone]]s with their attendant precipitation.<ref name=Britannica>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/science/Mediterranean-climate |title=Medittranean climate Definition, Region, Map, & Facts |access-date=2023-08-01 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>

During summer, regions of the Mediterranean climate are strongly influenced by the subtropical ridge which keeps atmospheric conditions very dry with minimal cloud coverage. In some areas, such as [[coastal California]], the cold [[California Current|ocean current]] has a stabilizing effect on the surrounding air, further reducing the chances for rain, but often causing thick layers of marine [[fog]] that usually [[evaporation|evaporate]]{{void|Fabrickator|comment|note the plural subject "layers"}} by mid-day. Similar to [[desert climate]]s, in many Mediterranean climates there is a strong [[diurnal temperature variation|diurnal]] character to daily temperatures in the warm summer months due to strong solar heating during the day from sunlight and rapid cooling at night.

In winter, the [[subtropical ridge]] migrates towards the equator and leaves the area, making rainfall much more likely. As a result, areas with this climate receive almost all of their precipitation during their winter and spring seasons, and may go anywhere from four to six months during the summer and early fall without having any significant [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]]. In the lower latitudes, precipitation typically decreases during both the winter and summer months. Toward the polar latitudes, total moisture levels generally increase; for example, the Mediterranean climate in [[Southern Europe]] tends to experience more rainfall. Rainfall in [[Southern Europe]] is also more evenly distributed throughout the year, while in places such as [[Southern California]], the summer is nearly or completely dry. In areas where [[steppe climate|steppe climates]] are found, the overall precipitation pattern may still resemble that of Mediterranean climates, though with drier conditions.

Irregularity of the rainfall, which can vary considerably from year to year, accentuates the droughts of the Mediterranean climate. [[Rain]] does not fall evenly, nor does the rain arrive at the same time or within the same intervals. In [[Gibraltar]], for instance, rain starts falling nearly half a season earlier than at the [[Dead Sea]]. In [[Israel]] no rain at all falls in summer but early rains may come in autumn.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/climate.html |title=What is a medittranean climate? |access-date=2023-08-01 |publisher=Mediterranean Garden Society |last=Gildemeister |first=Heidi}}</ref>

== Temperature ==
{{more citations needed section|date=May 2024}}
[[File:Blue_Lagoon_-_2014.10_-_panoramio.jpg|thumb|Aegean Sea of [[Ölüdeniz]], Turkey]]

The majority of the regions with Mediterranean climates have relatively mild winters and very warm summers. However, winter and summer temperatures can vary greatly between different regions with a Mediterranean climate. For instance, in the case of winters, [[Funchal]] experiences mild to warm temperatures in the winter, with frost and snowfall almost unknown,<ref name="Funchal data">{{cite web |title=World Weather Information Service – Funchal(monthly averages for the 30-year period 1961-1990) |url=https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=5 |website=worldweather.wmo.int |publisher=WMO |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> whereas [[Tashkent]] has cold winters with annual frosts and snowfall;<ref name="Tashkent data">{{cite web |title=Климатические таблицы. Данные для Ташкента |url=http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate.php?id=38457 |website=Pogodaikclimat |publisher=Weather and Climate |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=Russian}}</ref> or, to consider summer, [[Seville]] experiences rather high temperatures in that season.<ref name="Seville Climate data">{{cite web |title=Valores climatológicos normales. Sevilla Aeropuerto |url=https://www.aemet.es/es/serviciosclimaticos/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos?l=5783&k=and |publisher=AEMET |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> In contrast, [[San Francisco]] has cool summers with daily highs around {{convert|21|C|F}}<ref name="San Francisco data">{{cite web |title=World Weather Information Service – San Francisco (monthly averages for the 30-year period 1981-2010) |url=https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=272 |website=worldweather.wmo.int |publisher=WMO |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> due to the continuous [[upwelling]] of cold subsurface waters along the coast.

Because most regions with a Mediterranean climate are near large bodies of water, [[temperature]]s are generally moderate, with a comparatively small range of temperatures between the winter low and summer high unlike (the relatively rare) dry-summer [[humid continental climate]]s (although the daily diurnal range of temperature during the summer is large due to dry and clear conditions, except along the immediate coastlines). Temperatures during winter only occasionally fall below the freezing point and [[snow]] is generally seldom seen. Summer temperatures can be cool to very hot, depending on the distance from a large body of water, elevation, and latitude, among other factors. Strong winds from inland desert regions can sometimes boost summer temperatures up, quickly increasing the risk of [[wildfires]]. Notable exceptions to the usual proximity from bodies of water, thus featuring extremely high summer temperatures and cooler winters, include south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq ([[Urfa]], [[Erbil]]), surrounded by hot deserts to the south and mountains to the north. Those places routinely experience summer daily means of over {{convert|30|C|F}} and daily highs above {{convert|40|C|F}}, while receiving enough rainfall in winter not to fall into [[arid]] or [[Semi-arid climate|semi-arid]] classifications.<ref name="Sanliurfa">{{cite web |title=İllerimize Ait Genel İstatistik Verileri: Sanliurfa |url=https://www.mgm.gov.tr/veridegerlendirme/il-ve-ilceler-istatistik.aspx?k=A&m=SANLIURFA |website=mgm.gov |publisher=Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=Turkish}}</ref>

As in every [[Climatology|climatologic]] domain, the highland locations of the Mediterranean domain can present cooler temperatures in the summer and winter than the lowland areas, temperatures which can sometimes prohibit the growth of typical cold-sensitive Mediterranean plants. Some Spanish authors opt to use the term 'continental Mediterranean climate' ({{lang|es|Clima Mediterráneo Continentalizado}}) for some regions with lower temperatures in winter than the coastal areas,<ref>{{cite web |title=España a Través de los Mapas |url=http://www.ign.es/espmap/graficos_clima_bach/Clima_Graf_05.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826022801/http://www.ign.es/espmap/graficos_clima_bach/Clima_Graf_05.htm |archive-date=26 August 2010 |access-date=6 October 2010 |website=ign.es}}</ref> but Köppen's ''Cs'' zones show no distinction as long as winter temperature means stay above freezing.

Additionally, the temperature and rainfall pattern for a ''Csa'' or even a ''Csb'' climate can exist as a [[microclimate]] in some high-elevation locations adjacent to a rare tropical ''As'' ([[tropical savanna climate]] with dry summers, typically in a [[Rain shadow|rainshadow]] region, as in Hawaii).
These have a favourable climate, with mild wet winters and fairly warm, dry summers.

==Mediterranean biome==
[[File:Ionian sea islands, pic8.JPG|thumb|The Ionian Sea, view from the island [[Lefkada]], Greece]]
[[File:Makarska riviera.jpg|thumb|[[Makarska Riviera]] in [[Dalmatia]], Croatia]]
[[File:Tossa de Mar View.jpg|thumb|The coastal Mediterranean region of [[Costa Brava]], Catalonia, Spain]]
The [[Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub]] [[biome]] is closely associated with Mediterranean climate zones, as are unique freshwater communities, though vegetation native to the Mediterranean climate zone can also be found in the approximate nearby climate zones, which usually tend to be the [[humid subtropical]], [[oceanic climate|oceanic]] and/or [[semi-arid]] zones, depending on the region and location. Particularly distinctive of the climate are [[sclerophyll]] shrublands, called [[Maquis shrubland|maquis]] in the Mediterranean Basin, [[chaparral]] in California, [[Chilean Matorral|matorral]] in Chile, [[fynbos]] in South Africa, and [[mallee Woodlands and Shrublands|mallee]] and [[kwongan]] shrublands in Australia.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Mediterranean vegetation shows a number of adaptations to [[drought]], [[grazing]], and frequent fire regimes. The small sclerophyllous leaves that characterize many of the [[perennial]] shrubs of this biome, help conserve water and prevent nutrient loss. The soils generally are of [[Soil fertility|low fertility]], and many plants have [[Mutualism (biology)|mutualistic]] relationships with [[nitrogen-fixing bacteria]].{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Aquatic communities in Mediterranean climate regions are adapted to a yearly cycle in which [[abiotic]] (environmental) controls of stream populations and community structure dominate during floods, [[biotic components]] (e.g. competition and predation) controls become increasingly important as the flood discharge declines, and environmental controls regain dominance as environmental conditions become very harsh (i.e. hot and dry); as a result, these communities are well suited to recover from [[droughts]], [[floods]], and [[fires]].<ref name=":3">{{cite journal |author=Gasith, A. and V.H. Resh|title=Streams in Mediterranean Climate Regions: Abiotic Influences and Biotic Responses to Predictable Seasonal Events |journal=Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst. |year=1999 |volume=30 |issue=1 |pages=51–81|doi=10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.30.1.51|bibcode=1999AnRES..30...51G }}</ref> Aquatic organisms in these regions show distinct long-term patterns in their structure and function,<ref name=":2">{{cite journal | last =Resh | first =V.H. |author2=L.A. Bêche |author3=J.E. Lawrence |author4=R.D. Mazor |author5=E.P. McElravy |author6=A.H. Purcell |author7=S.M. Carlson | title = Long-term Population and Community Patterns of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fishes in Northern California Mediterranean-climate Streams | journal = Journal of the North American Benthological Society | volume =719 | pages =93–118 | year = 2013| issue =1 | doi= 10.1007/s10750-012-1373-9 | bibcode =2013HyBio.719...93R | s2cid =186919 }}</ref> and are also highly sensitive to the recent [[effects of global warming|effects of climate change]].<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last=Lawrence |first=J.E. |author2=K.B. Lunde |author3=R.D. Mazor |author4=L.A. Bêche |author5=E.P. McElravy |author6=V.H. Resh |title=Long-Term Macroinvertebrate Responses to Climate Change: Implications for Biological Assessment in Mediterranean-Climate Streams |journal=Journal of the North American Benthological Society |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=1424–1440 |year=2010 |doi=10.1899/09-178.1 |s2cid=84679634 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite journal | last =Filipe | first =A.F. |author2=J.E. Lawrence |author3=N. Bonada | title = Vulnerability of Biota in Mediterranean Streams to Climate Change: A Synthesis of Ecological Responses and Conservation Challenges | journal =Hydrobiologia | volume =719 | pages =331–351 | date =November 2013| doi= 10.1007/s10750-012-1244-4 | hdl =2445/48186 | s2cid =17658477 | hdl-access =free }}</ref>

===Natural vegetation===
The native vegetation of Mediterranean climate lands must be adapted to survive long, hot summer droughts in summer and prolonged wet periods in winter. Mediterranean vegetation examples include the following:<ref>{{cite book|last=Dallman|first=Peter|title=Plant Life in the World's Mediterranean Climates|year=1998|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley, CA|isbn=978-0-520-20809-4|url=http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520208094|access-date=26 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528232703/http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520208094|archive-date=28 May 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Evergreen trees: [[casuarina]], [[melaleuca]], [[pine]], and [[cypress]]
* Deciduous trees: [[Platanus racemosa|sycamore]] and some types of [[oak]]
* Fruit trees: [[olive]], [[Common Fig|figs]], [[Juglans californica|walnuts]] and [[grapes]]
* Shrubs: [[rosemary]], ''[[Erica (plant)|Erica]]'', ''[[Banksia]]'', [[Aesculus californica|buckeyes]], [[Adenostoma fasciculatum|chamise]], [[Laurus nobilis|Bay laurel]] and some [[Quercus calliprinos|oaks]].
* Sub-shrubs: [[lavender]], ''[[Halimium]]'', [[grevillea]] and [[California sagebrush|sagebrush]]
* Grasses: [[Grasslands#Temperate|grassland types]], ''[[Themeda triandra]]'', [[California native grasses|bunchgrasses]]; [[Carex|sedges]], and [[Juncaceae|rushes]]
* Herbs: [[Achillea]], [[Dietes]], [[Helichrysum]] and [[Penstemon]]

Many native vegetations in Mediterranean climate area valleys have been cleared for [[agriculture]] and farming. In places such as the [[Sacramento Valley]] and [[Oxnard Plain]] in [[California]], draining marshes and estuaries combined with supplemental irrigation has led to a century of intensive agriculture. Much of the [[Overberg]] in the southern Cape of [[South Africa]], was once covered with [[renosterveld]], but has likewise been largely converted to agriculture, mainly for [[wheat]]. In hillside and mountainous areas, away from the [[urban sprawl]]s, ecosystems and habitats of native vegetation are more sustained and undisturbed.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

The [[fynbos]] vegetation in the South-western Cape in South Africa is famed for its high floral [[Biodiversity|diversity]], and includes such plant types as members of the [[Restionaceae]], [[Erica (plant)|Erica]]s (Heaths) and [[Protea]]s. Representatives of the [[Proteaceae]] also grow in Australia, such as [[Banksia]]s. The palette of [[California native plants]] is also renowned for its [[species]] and [[cultivar]] diversity.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

=={{anchor|Hot-summer_mediterranean_climate}}Hot-summer Mediterranean climate==

[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map Csa present.svg|thumb|{{legend|#FFFF00|Hot-summer mediterranean climate (''Csa'')}}]]
This subtype of the Mediterranean climate (''Csa'') is the most common form of the Mediterranean climate, therefore it is also known as a "typical Mediterranean climate". As stated earlier, regions with this form of a Mediterranean climate experience average monthly temperatures in excess of {{convert|22.0|C|F}} during its warmest month and an average in the coldest month between {{convert|18|and|−3|C|F}} or,<ref name=Kottek/> in some applications, between {{convert|18|and|0|C|F}}.<ref name=Peel/> Regions with this form of the Mediterranean climate typically experience hot, sometimes very hot and dry summers. Winters can be mild, cool or chilly, and some cities in this region receive somewhat regular snowfall (e.g. [[Kermanshah]]),<ref>{{cite web |title=No. of days with snow or sleet in Kermanshah by Month 1951–2010 |url=http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/keh/KERMANSH/32.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414131810/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/stat/archive/iran/keh/KERMANSH/32.asp |archive-date=April 14, 2015 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |publisher=Iran Meteorological Organization |df=mdy-all}}</ref> while others do not receive any (e.g. [[Casablanca]]).

''Csa'' climates are mainly found around the [[Mediterranean Sea]], southern Australia, southwestern [[South Africa]], sections of [[Central Asia]], northern sections of [[Iran]] and [[Iraq]], the [[Central_Valley_(California)|California Central Valley]] and [[Southern California]], and [[Central Chile]].<ref name=Kottek/> Southern California's coasts also experience hot summers due to the shielding effect of the [[Channel Islands (California)|Channel Islands]]. However, unshielded areas of that coastline can have warm-summer Mediterranean climates with hot-summer areas just a few kilometres inland.

{{climate chart
| [[Rome]], [[Italy]]
|  3.4 | 12.0 | 65.6
|  3.4 | 13.0 | 62.8
|  5.9 | 15.8 | 58.6
|  8.6 | 18.8 | 68.6
| 12.6 | 22.3 | 56.9
| 16.7 | 28.1 | 30.1
| 19.3 | 31.0 | 19.8
| 19.8 | 31.6 | 30.2
| 16.0 | 26.7 | 64.9
| 12.4 | 22.2 | 88.1
|  8.5 | 16.9 | 108.2
|  4.7 | 12.7 | 98.3
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831035310/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Italy/CSV/RomaCiampino_16239.csv | title=Monte Cimone Climate Normals 1991-2020 |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |access-date=2025-06-30 }}</ref>}}
{{climate chart
| [[Marseille]], [[France]]
|  3.6 | 11.8 | 47.1
| 3.7 | 12.8 | 29.8
| 6.5 | 16.4 | 29.5
| 9.4 | 19.3 | 51.6
| 13.3 | 23.5 |  37.7
| 17.2 | 27.9 |  27.9
| 19.7 | 30.7  |  10.8
| 19.4 | 30.5 |  25.8
| 15.9 | 25.9 |  82.0
| 12.6 | 21.3 |  73.3
| 7.7 | 15.7 | 75.9
|  4.4 | 12.4 | 40.9
|float = left
|clear = none
|source = [[Metéo France]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_13054001.pdf
| title = Normal Values for Marseille
| publisher = Metéo France
| access-date = April 26, 2024}}</ref>
}}
{{climate chart
| [[Lisbon]], [[Portugal]]
|  8.3 | 14.8 | 99.9
|  9.1 | 16.2 | 84.9
| 11.0 | 18.8 | 53.2
| 11.9 | 19.8 | 68.1
| 13.9 | 22.1 | 53.6
| 16.6 | 25.7 | 15.9
| 18.2 | 27.9 | 4.2
| 18.6 | 28.3 | 6.2
| 17.6 | 26.5 | 32.9
| 15.1 | 22.5 | 100.8
| 11.8 | 18.2 | 127.6
|  9.4 | 15.3 | 126.7
|float=left
|source=[[Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera|Instituto de Meteorologia]]<ref name="IPMA">{{cite web |url=http://www.meteo.pt/pt/oclima/normais.clima/1981-2010/012/ |title=Monthly Averages for Lisbon, Portugal (1981–2010)|publisher=Instituto de Meteorologia |accessdate=2012-08-10}}</ref> }}
{{climate chart
| [[Perth]], [[Australia]]
| 17.8 | 30.8 |   9.5
| 18.0 | 31.3 |  12.8
| 16.4 | 29.5 |  19.4
| 13.5 | 25.5 |  44.2
| 10.6 | 22.4 | 117.7
|  8.5 | 19.3 | 176.7
|  7.8 | 18.4 | 169.9
|  8.0 | 18.8 | 134.1
|  9.5 | 20.1 |  80.9
| 11.2 | 22.8 |  52.4
| 14.1 | 26.2 |  22.2
| 16.1 | 28.7 |  12.8
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[Bureau of Meteorology|BoM]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_009034.shtml |title=Perth Monthly climate statistics |publisher=Australia Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=2 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310214516/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_009034.shtml |archive-date=10 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{{clear}}

=={{anchor|Warm-summer_mediterranean_climate}}Warm-summer Mediterranean climate==
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map Csb present.svg|thumb|{{legend|#c7c700|Warm-summer mediterranean climate (''Csb'')}}]]
Occasionally also termed the "cool-summer Mediterranean climate", this subtype of the Mediterranean climate (''Csb'') is less common and involves warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above {{convert|22|C|F}} during its warmest month and as usual an average in the coldest month between {{convert|18|and|−3|C|F}} or,<ref name=Kottek/> in some applications, between {{convert|18|and|0|C|F}}.<ref name=Peel/>

Also, at least four months must average above {{convert|10|C|F}}.<ref name=Kottek/>

Cool ocean currents, upwelling and higher [[latitude]]s are often the reason for this cooler type of Mediterranean climate.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

The other main reason for this cooler type is the [[elevation]]. For instance, [[Menton]] on the French coast has a Csa climate while [[Castellar, Alpes-Maritimes]], the adjacent town just north of Menton, with an elevation between {{cvt|100.|and|1,382.|m}}, has a Csb climate instead.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://fr.climate-data.org/europe/france/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/castellar-325714 |title=Climat Castellar: Température de l'EAU à, Température moyenne Castellar, Pluviométrie, diagramme ombrothermique pour Castellar - Climate-Data.org |access-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328151940/https://fr.climate-data.org/europe/france/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/castellar-325714/ |archive-date=28 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The village of [[Siah Bisheh, Chalus|Siah Bisheh]] in [[Northern Iran]] also has a Csb climate because of its location inside the [[Alborz|Alborz mountains]].<ref>{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217102629/http://www.chaharmahalmet.ir/iranarchive.asp|date=February 17, 2016}}</ref>

Winters in this zone are rainy and can be mild to chilly. Some locales in this zone experience some amount of snowfall, while others do not.

''Csb'' climates are found in northwestern [[Iberian Peninsula]] (namely [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]] and the [[Northern Portugal|Norte region]] and west coast of [[Portugal]]), in coastal [[Northern California]], in the [[Pacific Northwest]] (namely western [[Washington (state)|Washington]], western [[Oregon]] and southern portions of [[Vancouver Island]] in [[British Columbia]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/the-warm-land-5-must-do-activities-at-this-hidden-bc-gem/74443|title=The Warm Land: 5 must-do activities at this hidden B.C. gem|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221165642/https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/the-warm-land-5-must-do-activities-at-this-hidden-bc-gem/74443|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://vancouversun.com/travel/southern-vancouver-islands-small-communities|title= Explore Southern Vancouver Island's small communities|work= vancouversun|date= 8 July 2016|access-date= 21 February 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224114/https://vancouversun.com/travel/southern-vancouver-islands-small-communities|archive-date= 21 February 2019|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QuBJAAAAYAAJ&q=victoria+canada+"mediterranean+climate"|title = Nature Canada|year = 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xLQcAAAAMAAJ&q=victoria+canada+"mediterranean+climate"|title = Transactions of the Royal Canadian Institute|year = 1949| last1=Institute | first1=Royal Canadian }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pR0DAAAAMBAJ&q=victoria+canada+"mediterranean+climate"&pg=PA36|title = Cincinnati Magazine|date = June 1980}}</ref> in central [[Chile]], in parts of southern [[Australia]] and in sections of southwestern [[South Africa]].<ref name=Peel/> A few locations close to the south coast of [[England]] such as [[Weymouth and Portland]] just scrape into this climate classification due to very low rainfall in July. A trend towards slightly drier summers during the 1971–2000 climate average period, meant that this classification previously extended slightly further to include a few other weather stations in southern England, such as [[Bognor Regis]] and [[Teignmouth]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages | title=UK climate averages }}</ref> Rarer instances of this climate can be found in relatively small and isolated high elevation areas of the [[Andes]] in Northern [[Ecuador]], [[Peru]], [[Colombia]], and western [[Venezuela]].

{{climate chart
| [[Porto, Portugal]]
| 5.2 |13.8 |157.6
| 5.9 |15.0 |139.7
| 7.8 |17.4 |89.9
| 9.1 |18.1 |115.6
|11.6 |20.1 |97.6
|14.5 |23.5 |46
|15.9 |25.3 |18.3
|15.9 |25.7 |26.7
|14.7 |24.1 |71
|12.2 |20.7 |138
| 8.9 |17.1 |158.4
| 6.9 |14.4 |194.7
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera|Instituto de Meteorologia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meteo.pt/pt/oclima/normais/index.html?page=normais_pto.xml|title=Monthly Averages for Porto, Portugal|publisher=Instituto de Meteorologia|access-date=2 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226203513/http://www.meteo.pt/pt/oclima/normais/index.html?page=normais_pto.xml|archive-date=26 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> }}

{{climate chart
| [[Victoria, Canada]]
| 3.0 | 7.0 | 94.3
| 3.7 | 8.6 | 71.7
| 4.5 | 10.6 | 46.5
| 6.0 | 13.1 | 28.5
| 8.2 | 15.9 | 25.8
| 10.0 | 17.9 | 20.7
| 11.3 | 19.8 | 14.0
| 11.7 | 20.1 | 19.7
| 10.7 | 18.5 | 27.4
| 7.9 | 13.8 | 51.2
| 5.0 | 9.4 | 98.9
| 3.2 | 7.1 | 108.9
| float = left
| clear = none
| source = [[Environment Canada]]<ref name="CCN">{{cite web | url = http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=113&lang=e&dCode=0&province=BC&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12 | title = Victoria Gonzales HTS, British Columbia | work = Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000 | publisher = Environment Canada | language = en, fr | access-date = 15 February 2013 | date = 19 January 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130517080751/http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=113&lang=e&dCode=0&province=BC&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12 | archive-date = 17 May 2013 | url-status = live }}</ref>}}

{{climate chart
| [[Cape Town, South Africa]]
|15.7 |26.1 |15
|15.6 |26.5 |17
|14.2 |25.4 |20
|11.9 |23 |41
| 9.4 |20.3 |69
| 7.8 |18.1 |93
| 7 |17.5 |82
| 7.5 |17.8 |77
| 8.7 |19.2 |40
|10.6 |21.3 |30
|13.2 |23.5 |14
|14.9 |24.9 |17
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[World Meteorological Organization|WMO]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldweather.org/035/c00138.htm |title=Weather Information for Cape Town |publisher=World Weather Information Service |access-date=2 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426062632/http://www.worldweather.org/035/c00138.htm |archive-date=26 April 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> }}

{{clear}}

==Cold-summer Mediterranean climate==
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map Csc present.svg|thumb|{{legend|#969600|Cold-summer mediterranean climate (''Csc'')}}]]
[[File:Köppen Csc US West Coast.png|thumb|Distribution of the relatively rare cold-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen type ''Csc'') in Washington, Oregon and California]]

The cold-summer subtype of the Mediterranean climate (''Csc'') is rare and predominantly found at scattered high-elevation locations along the west coasts of North and South America having a similar climate.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} This type is characterized by cool, dry summers, with less than four months with a mean temperature at or above {{convert|10|C}}, as well as with cool, wet winters, with no winter month having a mean temperature below {{convert|0|C}} (or {{convert|-3|C|disp=sqbr}}, depending on the isotherm used).<ref name=Kottek/> Regions in the Americas with this climate are influenced by the dry-summer trend (though briefly) that extends considerably poleward along the west coast, as well as the moderating influences of high and relative proximity to the Pacific Ocean. These conditions maintain an unusually narrow temperature range throughout the year for climate zones at such distances from coasts.

In North America, areas with ''Csc'' climate can be found in the [[Olympic Mountains|Olympic]], [[Cascade Range|Cascade]], [[Klamath Mountains|Klamath]], and [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] ranges in Washington, Oregon and California. These locations are found at high elevation nearby lower elevation regions characterized by a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (''Csb'') or hot-summer Mediterranean climate (''Csa''). A rare instance of this climate occurs in the tropics, on [[Haleakalā|Haleakalā Summit]] in Hawaii.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

In South America, ''Csc'' regions can be found along the [[Andes]] in Chile and Argentina. The town of [[Balmaceda, Chile]] is one of the few towns confirmed to have this climate.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Small areas with a ''Csc'' climate can be found at high elevations in [[Corsica]].<ref name="CorseCsc">{{cite journal |first1=Andrés |last1=Navarro |first2=Eduardo |last2=García-Ortega |first3=Andrés |last3=Merino |first4=José Luis |last4=Sánchez |first5=Christian |last5=Kummerow |first6=Francisco J. |last6=Tapiador |title=Assessment of IMERG Precipitation Estimates over Europe |journal=Remote Sens. |year=2019 |volume=11 |issue=21 |pages=2470 |doi=10.3390/rs11212470 |bibcode=2019RemS...11.2470N |doi-access=free }}</ref>

In Norway, the small fishing village of [[Røstlandet (village)|Røstlandet]], in [[Røst Municipality]], above the [[Arctic Circle]] has a climate bordering on ''Csc'' and is known as a "climatic anomaly" due to abnormally warm temperatures despite its latitude located above 67°N latitude.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Observations and weather statistics |url=https://seklima.met.no/observations/ |access-date=2021-07-05 |publisher=[[Norwegian Meteorological Institute]]}}</ref>
{{climate chart
| [[Balmaceda, Chile]]
|6.7 |17.5 |28.1
|6.0 |17.7 |20.4
|4.5 |15.7 |37.5
|2.6 |11.9 |53.6
|0.6 |7.8 |92.5
|-2.0 |4.3 |85.2
|-2.7 |3.6 |83.5
|-1.0 |6.1 |72.2
|0.1 |9.4 |49.0
|2.1 |12.6 |29.6
|4.3 |14.7 |28.3
|5.8 |16.4 |31.7
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[Dirección Meteorológica de Chile|DMC]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://164.77.222.61/climatologia/publicaciones/Estadistica_ClimatologicaIII.pdf |title=Estadistica Climatologica Tomo III (pg 319-343) |publisher=Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil |access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417142500/http://164.77.222.61/climatologia/publicaciones/Estadistica_ClimatologicaIII.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Información climatológica de estaciones chilenas|infochile]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atmosfera.cl/HTML/climatologia/DATOS/CHILESUR.HTM |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209044738/http://www.atmosfera.cl/HTML/climatologia/DATOS/CHILESUR.HTM |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 December 2012 |title=Datos climatológicos Chile Sur |publisher=Atmosfera.cl}}</ref>}}

{{climate chart
| [[Haleakalā|Haleakala Summit, United States]]
|0.9 |7.3 |203.2
|2.3 |9.9 |90.7
|2.5 |10.5 |77.5
|3.0 |11.2 |101.6
|3.9 |12.6 |34.3
|5.6 |14.6 |9.4
|5.4 |14.3 |11.9
|5.7 |14.7 |28.2
|5.6 |14.2 |40.4
|5.2 |13.8 |33.5
|3.1 |10.3 |103.9
|-0.1 |6 |118.6
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=The Western Regional Climate Center<ref name="Western Regional Climate Center">{{cite web | url =http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi1008 | title =Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Information | access-date =3 November 2013 | publisher =Western Regional Climate Center | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161104024146/http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?hi1008 | archive-date =4 November 2016 | url-status =live }}</ref>|date=November 2013}}

{{climate chart
| [[Liawenee]], [[Australia]]
|5.4 |19.1 |48.9
|5.2 |18.4 |37.4
|3.8 |16.1 |64.5
|1.8 |12.4 |65.9
|0.2 |9.0  |89.4
|-1.0 |6.6 |104.3
|-1.6 |5.6 |119.7
|-1.3 |6.5 |128.8
|-0.5 |9.0 |110.5
|0.7 |12.0 |69.2
|2.8 |15.0 |63.5
|3.9 |16.6 |59.1
|float=left
|clear=none
|source=[[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_096033_All.shtml |title  = Climate statistics for Australian locations |publisher=Australian Government – Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=20 July 2022}}</ref>
}}
{{Clear|both}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commons-inline}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090805040919/http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/mediterranean.html Explanation of Mediterranean Climate (University of Wisconsin)]

{{Koppen}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Environment of the Mediterranean|Climate]]
[[Category:Köppen climate types]]
[[Category:Subtropics]]
[[Category:Climate of Europe]]