Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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Major Climate Types and How to Identify Them from Climate Stations Step 1: What to Look for in a Climate Station Temperature Ask: Is it hot all year?, Is there a hot summer and cold winter? - How large is the annual temperature range? Annual Temperature Range: Highest Monthly Temperature - Lowest Monthly Temperature Range Interpretation 0–5°C Very small 5–15°C Moderate >15°C Large Rainfall Ask: Is rain present throughout the year?, Is there a wet season and a dry season? - Is rainfall very low or very high? Summary Table of Major Climate Types Climate Type Köppen Code Temp. Characteristics Rainfall Characteristics Key Feature Equatorial Af Hot all year (25–28°C) Rain all year (>2000 mm) No dry season Monsoon Am Hot all year V. wet sum, short dry season Seasonal wind reversal Savanna Aw/As Hot all year Distinct wet and dry seasons Long dry season Desert/Arid BWh/BWk Very hot or cold Very low (<250 mm) Extreme dryness Steppe/Semi-arid BSh/BSk Warm to hot 250–500 mm More rain than desert Mediterranean Csa/Csb Hot sum, mild win Dry summer, wet winter Opposite rainfall pattern Maritime/Oceanic Cfb/Cfc Mild sum, mild win Rain all year Small temperature range Continental Dfa/Dfb/Dwa/Dwb Warm-hot sum, cold win Moderate rainfall Large temperature range Tundra ET Short cool summer Low precipitation Warmest month below 10°C Ice Cap EF Below 0°C all year Very little precipitation Permanent ice Highland/Mountain H Depends on altitude Varies Temp decreases with height 1. Equatorial Climate (Af) Characteristics: Near the Equator. Hot throughout the year. V. small annual temperature range. Temperature Feature Value Mean annual temperature 25–28°C Annual range 1–3°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 2000–4000 mm Dry season None Climate Station Clue: Every month above 25°C, Every month receives rain ✓ Rainfall never drops below about 60 mm Example: Singapore, Kisangani Unique Feature: Hot and wet all year. 2. Monsoon Climate (Am) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year.Very wet summer. Short dry season. Temperature Feature Value Mean temperature 24–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 1500–4000 mm Wet season Very intense Climate Station Clue: Heavy rainfall concentrated in summer, One or more dry months Northern Hemisphere Example: Mumbai Wet season: June–September Southern Hemisphere Example: Darwin Wet season: November–March Unique Feature: Extremely wet summer caused by seasonal wind reversal. 3. Savanna Climate (Aw/As) Characteristics: Hot throughout the year. Distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature Feature Value Average temperature 20–30°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 500–1500 mm Climate Station Clue: Several months almost rainless, Clear wet season and dry season Example: Kampala, Khartoum (dry savanna margin) Unique Feature: Longer dry season than monsoon climate. 4. Desert Climate (Arid) (BWh/BWk) Characteristics: Driest climate on Earth. Temperature Type Temperature Hot Desert (BWh) Often >35°C summer Cold Desert (BWk) Cold winters Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Less than 250 mm Climate Station Clue: Rainfall extremely low every month Example: Cairo, Riyadh Unique Feature: Persistent lack of rainfall. 5. Steppe Climate (Semi-Arid) (BSh/BSk) Characteristics: Transition between desert and humid climates. Temperature: Warm to hot. Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall 250–500 mm Climate Station Clue: More rain than deserts, Still dry most of the year Example: Niamey, Ulaanbaatar Unique Feature: Enough rainfall for grasses but not forests. 6. Mediterranean Climate (Csa/Csb) Characteristics: Hot dry summers. Mild wet winters. Temperature Season Temperature Summer 25–35°C Winter 5–15°C Rainfall: Winter maximum, Summer minimum Climate Station Clue: Rain falls mainly in winter. Northern Hemisphere Example: Athens Wet season: November–March Southern Hemisphere Example: Cape Town Wet season: May–August Unique Feature: Dry summer and wet winter. 7. Maritime (Oceanic) Climate (Cfb/Cfc) Characteristics: Strong ocean influence. Temperature Feature Value Summer Mild (15–22°C) Winter Mild (0–10°C) Range Small Rainfall: Rain throughout year Climate Station Clue: No very hot summer, No severe winter, Rain all year Example: London, Wellington Unique Feature: Small annual temperature range. 8. Continental Climate (D) Characteristics: Far from oceans. Temperature Feature Value Summer 20–30°C Winter Below 0°C Rainfall: Moderate, Often summer maximum Climate Station Clue: Large annual temperature range Often: Summer = 25°C, Winter = –10°C, Range = 35°C Example: Moscow, Winnipeg Unique Feature: Hot summers and very cold winters. 9. Polar Tundra Climate (ET) Characteristics: Extremely cold. Temperature Feature Value Warmest month 0–10°C Rainfall Feature Value Annual rainfall Usually <250 mm Climate Station Clue: Warmest month below 10°C Example: Utqiagvik, Longyearbyen Unique Feature: No true summer. 10. Ice Cap Climate (EF) Characteristics: Permanent ice and snow. Temperature Feature Value Every month Below 0°C Rainfall: Very low. Example: Antarctica, Greenland Ice Sheet Unique Feature: No month above freezing. 11. Highland/Mountain Climate (H) Characteristics: Controlled mainly by altitude. Temperature Rule of thumb: Temperature decreases about 6.5°C per 1000 m increase in elevation. Rainfall: Windward slopes = wetter. Leeward slopes = drier. Example: Addis Ababa, Quito Unique Feature: Altitude matters more than latitude. Hemisphere Guide for Students When identifying climates from climate stations, always check which hemisphere the station is in. Climate Northern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Southern Hemisphere Wet/Hot Season Monsoon Jun–Sep Nov–Mar Savanna May–Oct Nov–Apr Mediterranean Wet Season Nov–Mar May–Aug Continental Summer Jun–Aug Dec–Feb Continental Winter Dec–Feb Jun–Aug Quick Identification Key If the Climate Station Shows... Climate Type Hot and wet all year Equatorial (Af) Hot all year + very wet summer Monsoon (Am) Hot all year + long dry season Savanna (Aw) Rainfall below 250 mm Desert (BW) 250–500 mm rainfall Steppe (BS) Dry summer, wet winter Mediterranean (Cs) Mild temperatures + rain all year Maritime (Cfb) Hot summer, cold winter Continental (D) Warmest month below 10°C Tundra (ET) Every month below 0°C Ice Cap (EF) Climate controlled by altitude Highland (H) This identification key is often enough for secondary-school students to classify most climate stations correctly from monthly temperature and rainfall data.
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