Köppen climate classification

{{Short description|Climate classification system}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}

The Köppen climate classification divides Earth climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (arid), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). Each group and subgroup is represented by a letter. All climates are assigned a main group (the first letter). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation subgroup (the second letter). For example, Af indicates a tropical rainforest climate. The system assigns a temperature subgroup for all groups other than those in the A group, indicated by the third letter for climates in B, C, D, and the second letter for climates in E. Other examples include: Cfb indicating an oceanic climate with warm summers as indicated by the ending b., while Dwb indicates a semi-monsoonal continental climate, also with warm summers. Climates are classified based on specific criteria unique to each climate type.{{Cite journal |last=Kottek |first=Markus |last2=Grieser |first2=Jürgen |last3=Beck |first3=Christoph |last4=Rudolf |first4=Bruno |last5=Rubel |first5=Franz |date=2006 |title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated |url=https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/files/40083/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf |journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=259–263 |bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K |doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130}}

The Köppen climate classification is the most widely used climate classification scheme.{{cite web |title=EnergyPlus™ Version 24.2.0 Documentation: Auxiliary Programs |url=https://energyplus.net/assets/nrel_custom/pdfs/pdfs_v24.2.0/AuxiliaryPrograms.pdf |website=EnergyPlus |access-date=22 January 2025 |page=52 |date=4 October 2024}} It was first published by German-Russian climatologist Wladimir Köppen (1846–1940) in 1884,{{Cite journal |last=Köppen |first=Wladimir |date=1884 |title=Die Wärmezonen der Erde, nach der Dauer der heissen, gemässigten und kalten Zeit und nach der Wirkung der Wärme auf die organische Welt betrachtet |trans-title=The thermal zones of the earth according to the duration of hot, moderate and cold periods and to the impact of heat on the organic world) |url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/koeppen.htm |url-status=live |journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift |publication-date=2011 |volume=20 |issue=3 |pages=351–360 |bibcode=2011MetZe..20..351K |doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2011/105 |s2cid=209855204 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908130507/http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/koeppen.htm |archive-date=8 September 2016 |access-date=2 September 2016 |translator1-first=E. |translator1-last=Volken |translator2-first=S |translator2-last=Brönnimann}}{{Cite journal |last=Rubel |first=F. |last2=Kottek |first2=M |date=2011 |title=Comments on: 'The thermal zones of the Earth' by Wladimir Köppen (1884) |journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift |volume=20 |issue=3 |pages=361–365 |bibcode=2011MetZe..20..361R |doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2011/0285}} with several later modifications by Köppen, notably in 1918 and 1936.{{Cite encyclopedia |year=1918 |title=Klassification der Klimate nach Temperatur, Niederschlag and Jahreslauf |encyclopedia=Petermanns Geographische Mitteilungen |last=Köppen |first=Wladimir |volume=64 |pages=193–203, 243–248 |via=koeppen-geiger.Vu-Wien.ac.at/Koeppen.htm}}{{Cite encyclopedia |year=1936 |title=Das geographische System der Klimate |publisher=Borntraeger |location=Berlin |url=http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/pdf/Koppen_1936.pdf |access-date=2 September 2016 |last=Köppen |first=Wladimir |editor-last=Köppen |editor-first=Wladimir |volume=1 |trans-title=The geographic system of climates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135236/http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/pdf/Koppen_1936.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |section=C |editor2-first=Rudolf |editor2-last=Geiger (publisher)}} Later, German climatologist Rudolf Geiger (1894–1981) introduced some changes to the classification system in 1954 and 1961, which is thus sometimes called the Köppen–Geiger climate classification.{{Citation |last=Geiger |first=Rudolf |title=Klassifikation der Klimate nach W. Köppen |date=1954 |work=Landolt-Börnstein – Zahlenwerte und Funktionen aus Physik, Chemie, Astronomie, Geophysik und Technik, alte Serie |volume=3 |pages=603–607 |trans-title=Classification of climates after W. Köppen |place=Berlin |publisher=Springer |mode=cs1}}{{Citation |last=Geiger |first=Rudolf |title=Überarbeitete Neuausgabe von Geiger, R.: Köppen-Geiger / Klima der Erde |date=1961 |mode=cs1}} (Wandkarte 1:16 Mill.) – Klett-Perthes, Gotha.

As Köppen designed the system based on his experience as a botanist, his main climate groups represent a classification by vegetation type. In addition to identifying climates, the system can be used to analyze ecosystem conditions and identify the main types of vegetation within climates. Due to its association with the plant life of a given region, the system is useful in predicting future changes of plant life within that region.

The Köppen climate classification system was modified further within the Trewartha climate classification system in 1966 (revised in 1980). The Trewartha system sought to create a more refined middle latitude climate zone, which was one of the criticisms of the Köppen system (the climate group C was too general).{{Cite book |last=McKnight |first=Tom L |url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn |title=Physical Geography: A Landscape Appreciation |last2=Hess |first2=Darrel |publisher=Prentice Hall |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-13-020263-5 |location=Upper Saddle River, NJ |chapter=Climate Zones and Types |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/physicalgeographmckn |url-access=registration |chapter-url-access=registration}}{{rp|200–1}}

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[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map v2 World 1991–2020.svg|thumb|center|upright=2.5|Köppen–Geiger climate map 1991–2020{{Cite journal |last=Beck |first=Hylke E. |last2=Zimmermann |first2=Niklaus E. |last3=McVicar |first3=Tim R. |last4=Vergopolan |first4=Noemi |last5=Berg |first5=Alexis |last6=Wood |first6=Eric F. |author-link6=Eric Franklin Wood |date=30 October 2018 |title=Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution |journal=Scientific Data |language=En |volume=5 |pages=180214 |bibcode=2018NatSD...580214B |doi=10.1038/sdata.2018.214 |issn=2052-4463 |pmc=6207062 |pmid=30375988}}

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{{legend|#0000FE|Af}}

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Overview

{|class="wikitable plainlist" style="margin:auto;"

|+ Köppen climate classification scheme symbols description table{{Cite journal |last=Peel |first=M. C. |last2=Finlayson |first2=B. L. |last3=McMahon |first3=T. A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2007 |title=Updated world map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification |url=https://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |journal=Hydrology and Earth System Sciences |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |doi=10.5194/Hess-11-1633-2007 |issn=1027-5606 |doi-access=free}}

!scope="col"| 1st

!scope="col"| 2nd

!scope="col"| 3rd

|-

! scope="row" | A (Tropical)

|

  • f (Rainforest)
  • m (Monsoon)
  • w (Savanna, dry winter)
  • s (Savanna, dry summer)

|

|-

! scope="row" | B (Dry)

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  • W (Arid desert)
  • S (Semi-arid steppe)

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  • h (Hot)
  • k (Cold)

|-

! scope="row" | C (Temperate)

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  • w (Dry winter)
  • f (No dry season)
  • s (Dry summer)

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  • a (Hot summer)
  • b (Warm summer)
  • c (Cold summer)

|-

! scope="row" | D (Continental)

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  • w (Dry winter)
  • f (No dry season)
  • s (Dry summer)

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  • a (Hot summer)
  • b (Warm summer)
  • c (Cold summer)
  • d (Very cold winter)

|-

! scope="row" | E (Polar)

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  • T (Tundra)
  • F (Ice cap)

|

|}

The Köppen climate classification scheme divides climates into five main climate groups: A (tropical), B (arid), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar).{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Koppen climate classification {{!}} climatology |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classification |access-date=4 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804183630/https://www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classification |archive-date=4 August 2017}} The second letter indicates the seasonal precipitation type, while the third letter indicates the level of heat.{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Hans |last2=Chen |first2=Deliang |author-link2=Chen Deliang |title=Köppen climate classification |url=http://hanschen.org/koppen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814145617/http://hanschen.org/koppen/ |archive-date=14 August 2017 |access-date=4 August 2017 |website=hanschen.org}} Summers are defined as the six-month period that is warmer either from April to September and/or October to March, while winter is the six-month period that is cooler.

=Group A: Tropical climates=

Tropical climates have an average temperature of {{convert|18|°C|°F|1}} or higher every month of the year, with significant precipitation.

  • Af = Tropical rainforest climate; average precipitation of at least {{convert|60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} in every month.
  • Am = Tropical monsoon climate; driest month (which nearly always occurs at or soon after the "winter" solstice for that side of the equator) with precipitation less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, but at least 100-\left ( \frac{\mathrm{total\,annual\,precipitation\,(mm)}}{25} \right ).
  • Aw or As = Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate; with the driest month having precipitation less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and less than 100-\left ( \frac{\mathrm{total\,annual\,precipitation\,(mm)}}{25} \right ).

=Group B: Desert and semi-arid climates=

Desert and semi-arid climates are defined by low precipitation in a region that does not fit the polar (EF or ET) criteria of no month with an average temperature greater than {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}.

The precipitation threshold in millimeters is determined by multiplying the average annual temperature in Celsius by 20, then adding:{{ordered list |type=lower-alpha

| 280 if 70% or more of the total precipitation is in the spring and summer months (April–September in the Northern Hemisphere, or October–March in the Southern), or

| 140 if 30%–70% of the total precipitation is received during the spring and summer, or

| 0 if less than 30% of the total precipitation is received during the spring and summer.}}

If the annual precipitation is less than 50% of this threshold, the classification is BW (arid: desert climate); if it is in the range of 50%–100% of the threshold, the classification is BS (semi-arid: steppe climate).

A third letter can be included to indicate temperature. Here, h signifies low-latitude climates (average annual temperature above {{convert|18|°C|°F|1}}) while k signifies middle-latitude climates (average annual temperature less than 18 °C). In addition, n is used to denote a climate characterized by frequent fog and H for high altitudes.{{Cite web |title=Clasificación climática de Köppen |url=http://www.gep.uchile.cl/Biodiversidad/medio_fisico/clima_01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122045953/http://www.gep.uchile.cl/Biodiversidad/medio_fisico/clima_01.html |archive-date=22 January 2018 |access-date=21 January 2018 |publisher=University of Chile |language=es}}{{Cite web |last=Inzunza |first=Juan |title=Capitulo 15. Climas de Chile |url=http://nimbus.com.uy/weather/Cursos/Curso_2006/Textos%20complementarios/Meteorologia%20descriptiva_Inzunza/cap15_Inzunza_Climas%20de%20Chile.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122051833/http://nimbus.com.uy/weather/Cursos/Curso_2006/Textos%20complementarios/Meteorologia%20descriptiva_Inzunza/cap15_Inzunza_Climas%20de%20Chile.pdf |archive-date=22 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2018 |website=Meteorología Descriptiva y Aplicaciones en Chile |page=427 |language=es}}

=Group C: Temperate climates=

Temperate climates have the coldest month averaging between {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and {{convert|18|°C|°F|1}} and at least one month averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. For the distribution of precipitation in locations that both satisfy a dry summer (Cs) and a dry winter (Cw), a location is considered to have a wet summer (Cw) when more precipitation falls within the summer months than the winter months while a location is considered to have a dry summer (Cs) when more precipitation falls within the winter months. This additional criterion applies to locations that satisfies both Ds and Dw as well.

  • Cfa = Humid subtropical climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Cfb = Temperate oceanic climate or subtropical highland climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Cfc = Subpolar oceanic climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Cwa = Monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Cwb = Subtropical highland climate or Monsoon-influenced temperate oceanic climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Cwc = Cold subtropical highland climate or Monsoon-influenced subpolar oceanic climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Csa = Hot-summer Mediterranean climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|40|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
  • Csb = Warm-summer Mediterranean climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|40|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
  • Csc = Cold-summer Mediterranean climate; coldest month averaging above {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|40|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.

=Group D: Continental climates=

Continental climates have at least one month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and at least one month averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}.

  • Dfa = Hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfb = Warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfc = Subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfd = Extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dwa = Monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwb = Monsoon-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwc = Monsoon-influenced subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwd = Monsoon-influenced extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dsa = Mediterranean-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), average temperature of the warmest month above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}} and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
  • Dsb = Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}), average temperature of the warmest month below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}} and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
  • Dsc = Mediterranean-influenced subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}) and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
  • Dsd = Mediterranean-influenced extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and 1–3 months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.

=Group E: Polar and alpine climates=

Polar and alpine climates has every month of the year with an average temperature below {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}.

  • ET = Tundra climate; average temperature of warmest month between {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} and {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}.
  • EF = Ice cap climate; eternal winter, with all 12 months of the year with average temperatures below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}}.

Group A: Tropical/megathermal climates

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_A_1991–2020.svg

Tropical climates are characterized by constant high temperatures (at sea level and low elevations); all 12 months of the year have average temperatures of 18 °C (64.4 °F) or higher; and generally high annual precipitation. They are subdivided as follows:

= ''Af'': Tropical rainforest climate =

{{Main|Tropical rainforest climate}}

All 12 months have an average precipitation of at least {{Convert|60|mm|abbr=on}}. These climates usually occur within 10° latitude of the equator. This climate has no natural seasons in terms of thermal and moisture changes. When it is dominated most of the year by the doldrums low-pressure system due to the presence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and when there are no cyclones then the climate is qualified as equatorial. When the trade winds dominate most of the year, the climate is a tropical trade-wind rainforest climate.{{Cite book |last=Estienne |first=Pierre |title=Climatologie |last2=Godard |first2=Alain |publisher=Éditions Armand Colin |isbn=2-200-31042-0 |pages=308–323 |language=fr |chapter=Chapitre XVI}}

==Examples==

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Some of the places with this climate are indeed uniformly and monotonously wet throughout the year (e.g., the northwest Pacific coast of South and Central America, from Ecuador to Costa Rica; see, for instance, Andagoya, Colombia), but in many cases, the period of higher sun and longer days is distinctly wettest (as at Palembang, Indonesia) or the time of lower sun and shorter days may have more rain (as at Sitiawan, Malaysia). Among these places, some have a pure equatorial climate (Balikpapan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Lae, Medan, Paramaribo, Pontianak, and Singapore) with the dominant ITCZ aerological mechanism and no cyclones or a subequatorial climate with occasional hurricanes (Davao, Ratnapura, Victoria).

(The term aseasonal refers to the lack in the tropical zone of large differences in daylight hours and mean monthly (or daily) temperature throughout the year. Annual cyclic changes occur in the tropics, but not as predictably as those in the temperate zone, albeit unrelated to temperature, but to water availability whether as rain, mist, soil, or groundwater. Plant response (e.g., phenology), animal (feeding, migration, reproduction, etc.), and human activities (plant sowing, harvesting, hunting, fishing, etc.) are tuned to this 'seasonality'. Indeed, in tropical South America and Central America, the 'rainy season' (and the 'high water season') is called {{lang|es|invierno}} (Spanish) or {{lang|pt|inverno}} (Portuguese), though it could occur in the Northern Hemisphere summer; likewise, the 'dry season (and 'low water season') is called {{lang|es|verano}} or {{lang|pt|verão}}, and can occur in the Northern Hemisphere winter).

= ''Am'': Tropical monsoon climate =

{{Main|Tropical monsoon climate}}

This type of climate results from the monsoon winds which change direction according to the seasons. This climate has a driest month (which nearly always occurs at or soon after the "winter" solstice for that side of the equator) with rainfall less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, but at least 100-\left (\frac{\mathrm{total\,annual\,precipitation\,(mm)}}{25} \right) of average monthly precipitation.{{rp|208}}

==Examples==

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= ''Aw/As'': Tropical savanna climate =

{{Main|Tropical savanna climate}}

== ''Aw'': Tropical savanna climate with dry winters ==

Aw climates have a pronounced dry season, with the driest month having precipitation less than {{convert|60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and less than 100-\left (\frac{\mathrm{total\,annual\,precipitation\,(mm)}}{25} \right) of average monthly precipitation.{{rp|208–211}}

==Examples==

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Most places that have this climate are found at the outer margins of the tropical zone from the low teens to the mid-20s latitudes, but occasionally an inner-tropical location (e.g., San Marcos, Antioquia, Colombia) also qualifies. The Caribbean coast, eastward from the Gulf of Urabá on the ColombiaPanama border to the Orinoco River delta, on the Atlantic Ocean (about {{Convert|4000|km|abbr=on}}), have long dry periods (the extreme is the BWh climate (see below), characterized by very low, unreliable precipitation, present, for instance, in extensive areas in the Guajira, and Coro, western Venezuela, the northernmost peninsulas in South America, which receive <{{Convert|300|mm|abbr=on}} total annual precipitation, practically all in two or three months).

This condition extends to the Lesser Antilles and Greater Antilles forming the circum-Caribbean dry belt. The length and severity of the dry season diminish inland (southward); at the latitude of the Amazon River—which flows eastward, just south of the equatorial line—the climate is Af. East from the Andes, between the dry, arid Caribbean and the ever-wet Amazon are the Orinoco River's Llanos or savannas, from where this climate takes its name.

== ''As'': Tropical savanna climate with dry summers ==

Sometimes As is used in place of Aw if the dry season occurs during the time of higher sun and longer days (during summer).{{Cite web |title=JetStream Max: Addition Köppen-Geiger Climate Subdivisions |url=https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/climate_max |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224025419/https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/climate_max |archive-date=24 December 2018 |access-date=24 December 2018 |publisher=National Weather Service}} This is the case in parts of Hawaii, northwestern Dominican Republic, East Africa, southeast India and northeast Sri Lanka, and the Brazilian Northeastern Coast. In places that have this climate type, the dry season occurs during the time of high sun and longer days generally because of rain shadow effects.

==Examples==

Group B: Arid (desert and semi-arid) climates

{{Main|Desert climate|Semi-arid climate}}

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_B_1991–2020.svg distribution]]

These climates are characterized by the amount of annual precipitation less than a threshold value that approximates the potential evapotranspiration.{{rp|212}} The threshold value (in millimeters) is calculated as follows:

Multiply the average annual temperature in °C by 20, then add{{ordered list|type=lower-alpha

| 280 if 70% or more of the total precipitation is in the high-sun half of the year (April through September in the Northern Hemisphere, or October through March in the Southern), or

| 140 if 30%–70% of the total precipitation is received during the applicable period, or

| 0 if less than 30% of the total precipitation is so received.}}

According to the modified Köppen classification system used by modern climatologists, total precipitation in the warmest six months of the year is taken as a reference instead of the total precipitation in the high-sun half of the year.{{Cite web |last=Critchfield, H.J. |year=1983 |title=Criteria for classification of major climatic types in modified Köppen system |url=http://snow.cals.uidaho.edu/Clim_Map/koppen_criteria.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930221104/http://snow.cals.uidaho.edu/Clim_Map/koppen_criteria.htm |archive-date=30 September 2009 |publisher=University of Idaho |edition=4}}

If the annual precipitation is less than 50% of this threshold, the classification is BW (arid: desert climate); if it is in the range of 50%–100% of the threshold, the classification is BS (semi-arid: steppe climate).

A third letter can be included to indicate temperature. Here, h signifies low-latitude climate (average annual temperature above 18 °C) while k signified middle-latitude climate (average annual temperature below 18 °C).

Desert areas situated along the west coasts of continents at tropical or near-tropical locations characterized by frequent fog and low clouds, although these places rank among the driest on earth in terms of actual precipitation received, can be labeled BWn with the n denoting a climate characterized by frequent fog.{{Cite journal |last=Cereceda |first=P. |last2=Larrain |first2=H. |last3=osses |first3=P. |last4=Farias |first4=M. |last5=Egaña |first5=I. |year=2008 |title=The climate of the coast and fog zone in the Tarapacá Region, Atacama Desert, Chile |journal=Atmospheric Research |volume=87 |issue=3–4 |pages=301–311 |bibcode=2008AtmRe..87..301C |doi=10.1016/j.atmosres.2007.11.011 |hdl-access=free |hdl=10533/139314}} An equivalent BSn category can be found in foggy coastal steppes.{{Cite web |year=2017 |title=Atlas Agroclimático de Chile–Estado Actual y Tendencias del Clima (Tomo I: Regiones de Arica Y Parinacota, Tarapacá y Antofagasta |url=http://www.agrimed.cl/atlas/tomo1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222105247/http://www.agrimed.cl/atlas/tomo1.html |archive-date=22 December 2018 |access-date=9 December 2018 |publisher=Universidad de Chile |language=es}}

= ''BW'': Arid climates =

{{main|Desert climate}}

== ''BWh'': Hot deserts ==

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== ''BWk'': Cold deserts ==

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= ''BS'': Semi-arid (steppe) climates =

{{main|Semi-arid climate}}

== ''BSh'': Hot semi-arid ==

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== ''BSk'': Cold semi-arid ==

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Group C: Temperate/mesothermal climates

{{Main|Temperate climate}}

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_C_1991–2020.svg distribution]]

In the Köppen climate system, temperate climates are defined as having an average temperature above {{convert|0|°C|°F}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}, as noted previously) in their coldest month but below {{convert|18|°C|°F|1}}. The average temperature of {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}} roughly coincides with the equatorward limit of frozen ground and snow cover lasting for a month or more.

The second letter indicates the precipitation pattern—w indicates dry winters (driest winter month average precipitation less than one-tenth wettest summer month average precipitation). s indicates at least three times as much rain in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer. f means significant precipitation in all seasons (neither above-mentioned set of conditions fulfilled).

The third letter indicates the degree of summer heat—a indicates warmest month average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}} while b indicates warmest month averaging below 22 °C but with at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|1}}, and c indicates one to three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|1}}.

=''Cs'': Mediterranean-type climates=

{{Main|Mediterranean climate}}

== ''Csa'': Hot-summer Mediterranean climates ==

These climates usually occur on the western sides of continents between the latitudes of 30° and 45°.{{Cite web |last=George |first=Melvin R. |title=Mediterranean Climate |url=http://californiarangeland.ucdavis.edu/Mediterranean_Climate/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304235950/http://californiarangeland.ucdavis.edu/Mediterranean_Climate/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 January 2015 |website=UCRangelands |publisher=University of California}} These climates are in the polar front region in winter, and thus have moderate temperatures and changeable, rainy weather. Summers are hot and dry, due to the domination of the subtropical high-pressure systems, except in the immediate coastal areas, where summers are milder due to the nearby presence of cold ocean currents that may bring fog but prevent rain.{{rp|221–223}}

==Examples==

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== ''Csb'': Warm-summer Mediterranean climates ==

Dry-summer climates sometimes extend to additional areas where the warmest month average temperatures do not reach {{convert|22|C|1}}, most often in the 40s latitudes. These climates are classified as Csb.

==Examples==

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== ''Csc'': Cold-summer Mediterranean climates ==

Cold summer Mediterranean climates (Csc) exist in high-elevation areas adjacent to coastal Csb climate areas, where the strong maritime influence prevents the average winter monthly temperature from dropping below {{Convert|0|°C|abbr=on}}. This climate is rare and is predominantly found in climate fringes and isolated areas of the Cascades and Andes Mountains, as the dry-summer climate extends further poleward in the Americas than elsewhere. Rare instances of this climate can be found in some coastal locations in the North Atlantic and at high altitudes in Hawaii.

==Examples==

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= ''Cfa'': Humid subtropical climates =

{{Main|Humid subtropical climate}}

These climates usually occur on the eastern coasts and eastern sides of continents, usually in the high 20s and 30s latitudes. Unlike the dry summer Mediterranean climates, humid subtropical climates have a warm and wet flow from the tropics that creates warm and moist conditions in the summer months. As such, summer (not winter as is the case in Mediterranean climates) is often the wettest season.

The flow out of the subtropical highs and the summer monsoon creates a southerly flow from the tropics that brings warm and moist air to the lower east sides of continents. This flow is often what brings the frequent and strong but short-lived summer thundershowers so typical of the more southerly subtropical climates like the southeast United States, southern China, and Japan.{{rp|223–226}}

==Examples==

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= ''Cfb'': Oceanic climates =

== Marine west coast climate ==

Cfb climates usually occur in the higher middle latitudes on the western sides of continents; they are typically situated immediately poleward of the Mediterranean climates in the 40s and 50s latitudes. However, in southeast Australia, southeast South America, and extreme southern Africa this climate is found immediately poleward of temperate climates, on places near the coast and at a somewhat lower latitude. In western Europe, this climate occurs in coastal areas up to 68°N in Norway.

These climates are dominated all year round by the polar front, leading to changeable, often overcast weather. Summers are mild due to cool ocean currents. Winters are milder than other climates in similar latitudes, but usually very cloudy, and frequently wet. Cfb climates are also encountered at high elevations in certain subtropical and tropical areas, where the climate would be that of a subtropical/tropical rainforest if not for the altitude. These climates are called "highlands".{{rp|226–229}}

==Examples==

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== <span class="anchor" id="Cfb"></span>Subtropical highland climate with uniform rainfall ==

{{main|Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cfb, Cwb)}}

Subtropical highland climates with uniform rainfall (Cfb) are a type of oceanic climate mainly found in the highlands of Australia, such as in or around the Great Dividing Range in the north of the state of New South Wales, and also sparsely in other continents, such as in South America, among others. Unlike a typical Cwb climate, they tend to have rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. They have characteristics of both the Cfb and Cfa climates, but unlike these climates, they have a high diurnal temperature variation and low humidity, owing to their inland location and relatively high elevation.

==Examples==

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= ''Cfc'': Subpolar oceanic climate =

Subpolar oceanic climates (Cfc) occur poleward of or at higher elevations than the maritime temperate climates and are mostly confined either to narrow coastal strips on the western poleward margins of the continents, or, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, to islands off such coasts. They occur in both hemispheres, generally in the high 50s and 60s latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere and the 50s latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere.

==Examples==

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= ''Cw'': Dry-winter subtropical climates =

==''Cwa'': Dry-winter humid subtropical climate==

Cwa is a monsoonal influenced version of the humid subtropical climate, having the classic dry winter–wet summer pattern associated with tropical monsoonal climates. They are found at similar latitudes as the Cfa climates, except in regions where monsoons are more prevalent. These regions are in the Southern Cone of South America, the Gangetic Plain of South Asia, southeastern Africa, parts of East Asia and Mexico, and Northern Vietnam of Southeast Asia.

==Examples==

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== ''Cwb'': Dry-winter subtropical highland climate ==

Dry-winter subtropical highland climate (Cwb) is a type of climate mainly found in highlands inside the tropics of Central America, South America, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia or areas in the subtropics. Winters are noticeable and dry, and summers can be very rainy. In the tropics, the monsoon is provoked by the tropical air masses and the dry winters by subtropical high pressure.

==Examples==

== ''Cwc'': Dry-winter cold subtropical highland climate ==

Dry-winter cold subtropical highland climates (Cwc) exist in high-elevation areas adjacent to Cwb climates. This climate is rare and is found mainly in isolated locations mostly in the Andes in Bolivia and Peru, as well as in sparse mountain locations in Southeast Asia.

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Group D: Continental/microthermal climates

{{Main|Continental climate}}

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_D_1991–2020.svg distribution]]

These climates have an average temperature above {{Convert|10|°C|abbr=on}} in their warmest months, and the coldest month average below {{Convert|0|°C|abbr=on}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|1}}, as noted previously). These usually occur in the interiors of continents and on their upper east coasts, normally north of 40°N. In the Southern Hemisphere, group D climates are extremely rare due to the smaller land masses in the middle latitudes and the almost complete absence of land at 40–60°S, existing only in some highland locations.

= ''Dfa/Dwa/Dsa'': Hot summer humid continental climates =

{{Main|Hot-summer humid continental climate}}

Dfa climates usually occur in the high 30s and low 40s latitudes, with a qualifying average temperature in the warmest month of greater than {{convert|22|C}}. In Europe, these climates tend to be much drier than in North America. Dsa exists at higher elevations adjacent to areas with hot summer Mediterranean (Csa) climates.{{rp|231–32}}

These climates exist only in the Northern Hemisphere because the Southern Hemisphere has no large landmasses isolated from the moderating effects of the sea within the middle latitudes.

==Examples==

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In eastern Asia, Dwa climates extend further south into the mid-30s latitudes due to the influence of the Siberian high-pressure system, which also causes winters there to be dry, and summers can be very wet because of monsoon circulation.

==Examples==

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Dsa exists only at higher elevations adjacent to areas with hot summer Mediterranean (Csa) climates.

==Examples==

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= ''Dfb/Dwb/Dsb'': Warm summer humid continental/hemiboreal climates =

{{Main|Warm-summer humid continental climate}}

Dfb climates are immediately poleward of hot summer continental climates, generally in the high 40s and low 50s latitudes in North America and Asia, and also extending to higher latitudes into the high 50s and low 60s latitudes in central and eastern Europe, between the maritime temperate and continental subarctic climates.

==Examples==

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Like with all Group D climates, Dwb climates mostly only occur in the northern hemisphere.

==Examples==

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Dsb arises from the same scenario as Dsa, but at even higher altitudes or latitudes, and chiefly in North America, since the Mediterranean climates extend further poleward than in Eurasia.

==Examples==

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= ''Dfc/Dwc/Dsc'': Subarctic/boreal climates =

{{Main|Subarctic climate}}

Dfc, Dsc and Dwc climates occur poleward of the other group D climates, or at higher altitudes, generally in the 50s and 60s latitudes.{{rp|232–235}}

==Examples==

===Dfc climates===

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===Dwc climates===

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===Dsc climates===

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=''Dfd/Dwd/Dsd'': Subarctic/boreal climates with severe winters=

Places with this climate have severe winters, with the temperature in their coldest month lower than {{Convert|−38|°C|abbr=on}}. These climates occur only in eastern Siberia, and are the second coldest, before EF. The coldest recorded temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere belonged to this climate. The names of some of the places with this climate have become veritable synonyms for the extreme, severe winter cold.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2017 |title=Climate Types: Types of Climate {{!}} Climatology |url=https://www.geographynotes.com/climate/types/climate-types-types-of-climate-climatology/5506 |access-date=17 June 2022 |website=Geography Notes}}

==Examples==

===Dfd climates===

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===Dwd climates===

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===Dsd climates===

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Group E: Polar climates

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_E_1991–2020.svg distribution]]

In the Köppen climate system, polar climates are defined as the warmest temperature of any month being below {{Convert|10|°C|abbr=on}}. Polar climates are further divided into two types, tundra climates and icecap climates:

= ''ET'': Tundra climate =

{{main article|Tundra climate}}

Tundra climate (ET): warmest month has an average temperature between {{Convert|0|°C|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|10|°C|abbr=on}}. These climates occur on the northern edges of the North American and Eurasian land masses (generally north of 70 °N although they may be found farther south depending on local conditions), and on nearby islands. ET climates are also found on some islands near the Antarctic Convergence, and at high elevations outside the polar regions, above the tree line.

== Examples ==

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= ''EF'': Ice cap climate =

{{main article|Ice cap climate}}

Ice cap climate (EF): this climate is dominant in Antarctica, inner Greenland, and summits of many high mountains, even at lower latitudes. Monthly average temperatures never exceed {{Convert|0|°C|abbr=on}}.

==Examples==

Ecological significance

= Biomass =

The Köppen climate classification is based on the empirical relationship between climate and vegetation. This classification provides an efficient way to describe climatic conditions defined by temperature and precipitation and their seasonality with a single metric. Because climatic conditions identified by the Köppen classification are ecologically relevant, it has been widely used to map the geographic distribution of long-term climate and associated ecosystem conditions.{{Cite journal |last=Chen |first=D. |last2=Chen |first2=H. W. |year=2013 |title=Using the Köppen classification to quantify climate variation and change: An example for 1901–2010 |url=http://hanschen.org/uploads/Chen_and_Chen_2013_envdev.pdf |url-status=live |journal=Environmental Development |volume=6 |pages=69–79 |doi=10.1016/j.envdev.2013.03.007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031103425/http://hanschen.org/uploads/Chen_and_Chen_2013_envdev.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2014 |access-date=29 October 2014}}

= Climate change =

Over recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using the classification to identify changes in climate and potential changes in vegetation over time. The most important ecological significance of the Köppen climate classification is that it helps to predict the dominant vegetation type based on the climatic data and vice versa.{{Cite book |last=Critchfield |first=Howard J |title=General Climatology |date=1983 |publisher=Prentice Hall |isbn=978-81-203-0476-5 |edition=4th |location=New Delhi |pages=154–161}}

In 2015, a Nanjing University paper published in Scientific Reports analyzing climate classifications found that between 1950 and 2010, approximately 5.7% of all land area worldwide had moved from wetter and colder classifications to drier and hotter classifications. The authors also found that the change "cannot be explained as natural variations but are driven by anthropogenic factors".{{Cite journal |last=Chan, D. |last2=Wu, Q. |date=2015 |title=Significant anthropogenic-induced changes of climate classes since 1950 |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=5 |pages=13487 |bibcode=2015NatSR...513487C |doi=10.1038/srep13487 |pmc=4551970 |pmid=26316255 |number=13487}}

A 2018 study provides detailed maps for present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution.{{Cite journal |last=Beck |first=Hylke E. |last2=Zimmermann |first2=Niklaus E. |last3=McVicar |first3=Tim R. |last4=Vergopolan |first4=Noemi |last5=Berg |first5=Alexis |last6=Wood |first6=Eric F. |date=30 October 2018 |title=Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution |journal=Scientific Data |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=180214 |bibcode=2018NatSD...580214B |doi=10.1038/sdata.2018.214 |issn=2052-4463 |pmc=6207062 |pmid=30375988 |s2cid=53111021}}

Other Köppen climate maps

All maps use the ≥{{Convert|0|°C|abbr=on}} definition for the temperate-continental border.

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_North_America_1991–2020.svg|North America

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Europe_1991–2020.svg|Europe

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_RUS_1991–2020.svg|Russia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Central_Asia_1991–2020.svg|Central Asia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Eastern_Asia_1991–2020.svg|East Asia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_South_America_1991–2020.svg|South America

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Africa_1991–2020.svg|Africa

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Western_Asia_1991–2020.svg|Western Asia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Southern_Asia_1991–2020.svg|South Asia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Southeastern_Asia_1991–2020.svg|Southeast Asia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Melanesia_1991–2020.svg|Melanesia/Oceania

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_AUS_1991–2020.svg|Australia

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_NZL_1991–2020.svg|New Zealand

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_World_1991–2020.svg|World (1991–2020)

File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_World_2071–2099_SSP245.svg|World (2071–2099, SSP245)

See also

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Köppen-Geiger}}

  • [https://360.org/climate/koppen-classification/ World maps and graphs plus a video about the Köppen climate classification]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20100906034159/http://koeppen-geiger.vu-wien.ac.at/ World Map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification for the period 1951–2000] (archived 6 September 2010)
  • {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110084254/http://www.fao.org/nr/climpag/globgrids/KC_classification_en.asp |date=10 January 2021 |title=New gridded maps of Koeppen's climate classification}}

= Climate records =

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20160418082322/http://www.ipcc-data.org/maps/ IPCC Data Distribution Center] (archived 18 April 2016)

{{Köppen}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Koppen Climate Classification}}

Category:Climate and weather classification systems