Climate Zones by description

Ice Cap

Very cold year-round, ice-covered, minimal precipitation

Tundra

Cold with short summers, permafrost, low vegetation

Highlands / uplands

Climate changes with altitude, cooler at higher elevations, variable precipitation

Continental (temperate)

Distinct four seasons, hot-warm summers, cold winters

Arid

very low rainfall, hot days and cool nights, sparse vegetation

Semi-Arid

low rainfall but more deserts, grasslands common

Tropical Wet

Hot and humid year-round, heavy rainfall, rainforest vegetation

Tropical dry

wet and dry seasons, grasslands/savannas

Humid subtropical

hot humid summers, mild winters, frequent rain

Mediterranean

warm dry summers, mild wet winters

Marine west coast

mild temperatures year-round, frequent rain, coastal influence