Weather and climate are different.  Weather is a short term description of the air in an area measured by temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, and other factors. Climate is usually defined as the weather conditions in an area over a long period of time.  

    Climate is determined by 1 or more of the 5 causes of climate.  There are 12 different types of climate found on Earth.  Each of the 12 climate types are grouped into 5 categories, except 1 (Highland).  Climates in the same category share characteristics and usually are found in the same area.  Climates change over time, usually the change is very slow.  The Earth has experienced many different climates over its 4.54 billion years.  There are many different factors that cause climates to shift and change.

Climate Types (click each climate to learn more) Tropical Tropical Wet Tropical Wet and Dry Moderate Humid Subtropical Mediterranean Marine West Coast Continental Humid Continental Subarctic Polar Tundra Ice Cap Dry Arid Semiarid No Category Highland

Average Monthly Temperatures Average Monthly Precipitation