5 Major Types of Climates in the World: Understand Climate Zones

When it comes to types of weather, they should be sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, snowy, and more. But when it comes to different types of climates in the world, they should be tropical, temperate, and others. As a general rule, scientists need to look at the average weather conditions there for at least 30 years to identify a location's climate. Of course, different parts of the planet have different climates. According to the Koppen Climate Classification System, there are five primary types of climates on Earth. Let’s see what they are right now!

How many types of climates in the world?

Tropical Climates

Tropical climates, also known as constant warm temperatures, characterize Megathermal climates. A tropical climate zone usually has average temperatures of 64°F (18°C) and above all year round and receives 59 inches (1,500 mm) of rainfall annually. 

This region may have the world's highest biodiversity of plants and animals. Hundreds of tree species receive 12 hours of sunshine, and small mammals, insects, and birds are examples of animals.

Constant warm temperatures characterize tropical climate

Areas that have tropical climate

The tropical climate zone can be found around the Equator, southern portions of Asia, parts of Australia, South America, the Pacific Ocean islands, and more. 

Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon are among the countries well-known for their tropical climates. 

In this climate zone, we can find various tropical rainforests, savannas, and chaparrals. 

Subtypes of tropical climates

If subdivided, tropical climates include 3 different type: 

• Tropical wet climate (rainforest): Hot and muggy year-round

• Tropical monsoon climate: Characterized by three main seasons: the cool dry season, hot & dry season, and rainy season, with uneven precipitation throughout the year.

• Tropical wet and dry climate (savanna): Features wet summers and dry winters

Borneo tropical rainforest, Asia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Belem, Brazil are good examples of places with a tropical rainforest climate, whereas Conakry, Guinea, and Chittagong, Bangladesh, have a tropical monsoon climate. 

Tropical wet and dry climates can also be found in Mumbai, India, Jakarta, Indonesia, or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,…

► See also: Forecast weather: Elements of weather and how to measure them

Dry Climates

The second one among 5 types of climates around the world is dry climate. 

As its name suggests, there’s very little moisture and humidity since moisture quickly evaporates from the air. The chances of precipitation are always lower than the chances of evaporation. 

Dry climates also have large daily temperature ranges. Day temperatures can reach over 120°F (49°C), while night temperatures may drop to less than 100°F (37°C). 

There is very little humidity in dry climate

Areas that have dry climate

Did you know that 32.2% of the land on Earth is covered in dry climates? If a place has dry climates, it’s usually a desert! This climate zone can be found in northern Mexico, central Australia, and many other areas.

► See also: What is the weather like in the desert?

Subtypes of dry climates

There are arid and semi-arid zones

Dry climates are divided into arid and semi-arid zones. Arid climates are drier than semi-arid climates. 

While semi-arid regions receive 10-20 inches (25-50 millimeters) of precipitation annually, arid regions see less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall. 

Temperate Climates

Another one of the climate types of the world is the temperate or mesothermal climates. The term “temperate climates” describes the typical weather conditions in areas with mild winters and warm, humid summers. 

The four seasons of the temperate climate are characterized by large temperature differences and moderate to heavy rainfall. Summers are humid and can be either warm or chilly. 

Although thunderstorms and tornadoes may occur at this time, there is not much rainfall. Snow and high winds are typical features of chilly, rainy winters.

The temperate climate zones can be found in Europe and North America

Areas that have temperate climates

These climate zones have average temperatures of at least 50°F (10°C) in their warmest months and between 26.6 and 64°F (3 and 18°C) in the coldest months. 

Temperate climate zones can also be found in the northern parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Common biomes of temperate climates include deciduous forests and grasslands. 

Subtypes of temperate climates

Mediterranean climates, humid subtropical climates, and marine climates are three subtypes of temperate climates. 

Mediterranean climates occur on the west side of continents between 30 - 45 degrees latitude and have warm to hot, dry summers and rainy, mild winters. 

Mediterranean climates

Humid subtropical climates feature warm to hot summers and cool winters with sometimes snowfall. These climate zones lie on the southeast side of continents between 25 degrees and 40 degrees latitude.

Marine climates are characterized by warm summers and cool to mild winters, with moderate yearly rainfall. They are found on the western sides of continents, where the prevailing winds blow from the sea to land.

Continental Climates

The continental or microthermal climates feature warm summers and frigid winters. People living in these climate zones can experience snowstorms and very low temperatures of less than -22°F (-30°C) in winter. 

In these areas, frontal cyclones and regular showers provide the most precipitation throughout the warmer months.

Humid continental climates

Areas that have continental climates

Continental climates are found mainly in the Northern Hemisphere's mid-latitude zones, on large landmasses where the dominant winds blow above, and nearby bodies of water do not change the temperature. 

With erratic weather patterns and notable temperature swings, these areas experience scorching summers and chilly winters.  

Subtypes of continental climates

Humid continental climates and continental subarctic (boreal) climates are two main subtypes of continental climates. 

While continental subarctic climates have long, bitterly cold winters and short, cool summers, humid continental climates are characterized by mild to warm summers and cold winters. 

Continental subarctic climates

The most significant difference between these two subtypes is in the length and temperatures of summers. Generally speaking, the humid continental climate has warmer and longer summers than the subarctic climate.

Polar Climates

The last one of the major types of climates in the world is polar climates, which lack a true summer. The temperatures in these climate zones never rise above 50°F (10°C).

Tundra and massive blocks of permanent ice make the regions with polar climates so distinctive.

It is especially well-known for having permafrost, or perpetual snow and ice, and for being freezing and dry for most of the year.

5 to 15 inches of precipitation fall during the brief, chilly summer. Because of its low humidity and precipitation, the Arctic environment is sometimes called a polar desert. The severe, protracted winters frequently drop below freezing.

Polar climates

Areas that have polar climates

As their name indicates, these climate zones can be found near both poles of the planet. According to Blue Planet Biomes, the areas with pole climates usually have only four months of temperatures above freezing. 

Subtypes of polar climates

There are 2 subtypes of polar climates, including tundra and ice cap climates. Ice cap climates are the coldest on Earth. Even in summers, temperatures rarely rise above the freezing point. 

Tundra climates are dry, with a short, chilly summer and, of course, a bitterly cold winter. The continuous permafrost lies under many treeless tundra regions.

Ice cap climate

Conclusion

That’s 5 types of climates in the world and their characteristics, as well as their subtypes. As you can see, each one has unique characteristics that differentiate it from the others. Knowing about those things is so interesting. We hope you enjoyed it.