Table : TABLE A.1 Köppen Climate Types

FIRST LETTERS

CHARACTERISTICS

A

  • Tropical climates

  • Average monthly temperature above 18°C (64°F)

    • B

  • Dry climates

  • Average annual precipitation below 76 cm (30 in)

    • C

  • Mild midlatitude climates

  • The warmest month is above 10°C (50°F); the coldest month is between –3°C and 18°C (26°F and 64°F)

    • D

  • Severe midlatitude climates

  • Average temperature is above 10°C (50°F) in the warmest month; average temperature is below 0°C (32°F) in the coldest month

    • E

  • Polar climates

  • Warmest month is below 10°C (50°F)

    • H

  • Highlands

  • Variable cold highland climates

    • SECOND LETTERS

    CHARACTERISTICS

    F

  • Precipitation in all months

    • M

  • Monsoon

    •  

  • Short winter dry season

    • S

  • Summer dry

    •  

  • At least 70% of precipitation in winter

    • T

  • Tundra

    •  

  • Warmest month 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)

    • W

  • Winter drought

    • THIRD LETTERS

    CHARACTERISTICS

    A

  • Hot summer

  • Warmest month above 22°C (72°F)

    • B

  • Mild summer

  • Warmest month below 22°C (72°F)

    • C

  • One to four months above 10°C (50°F)

    • D

  • Bitter cold winter

  • Coldest month below –38°C (–36°F)

    • H

  • Average yearly temperature above 18°C (64°F)

    • K

  • Average yearly temperature below 18°C (64°F)