The Mediterranean climate is a temperate climate characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. All the provinces in the Mediterranean region have this climate, but it is also present in other parts of the world, such as California (United States).
The rains are very scarce, to the point that 3 to 6 months can go by without a major storm. Drought is, therefore, a very worrying problem, since in many places it does not fall more than 100-150mm. Discover what the Mediterranean climate is like.
Mediterranean climate types
Climograph of AlmerÃa (Spain)
Four types of Mediterranean climate are distinguished, which are:
Typical
This climate is found along much of the Mediterranean coast, except for Egypt and parts of Libya and Tunisia. The average temperature is above 18°C , with wet and rainy winters and very dry and hot summers (reaching up to 38°C during a heat wave).
In Spain, specifically in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and a good part of the Valencian Community, they have this climate.
Continentalized
This climate occurs in areas far from the coast, where humidity is lower. Temperature variations are more pronounced. Winters can be cold with frost and mild summers, or vice versa.
Countries like Italy, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon or in the interior of Spain, this climate occurs.
Mediterranean with oceanic influence
This climate occurs on Mediterranean coasts, as it is located on the western coast of a continental landmass. In this area, summers are milder (30ºC or less) and drier than in typical Mediterranean climates, and winters are rainier.
The south of Galicia, the coast of California, the areas of Perth and Adelaide in Australia, are some of the places that have this climate.
Dry
This climate is a transitional zone between Mediterranean and desert climates. It is characterized by average temperatures above 20°C , which can exceed 45°C during a heat wave. Rainfall is very scarce, ranging between 200 and 400 mm.
In Spain it occurs in Alicante, AlmerÃa and a good part of Murcia. It also occurs in Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Israel, Tunisia, Australia, Portugal, Jordan, Chile, Syria, and Mexico.
Life in the mediterranean
In the places where the Mediterranean climate occurs, life is not easy. Both plants and animals must be able to withstand the high summer temperatures, as well as the lack of rainfall.
Some examples of life that we can find are the following:
- Flora: Olea, Protea, Pinus, Araucaria, Podocarpus, Tamarix, Ceratonia.
- Fauna: wolf, lynx, hedgehog, toad, lizard, Mediterranean tortoise, imperial eagle.
We hope you have learned many things about this curious climate  .