Which are the 11 places with the most moderate climate in the world?
Climate can be a very important factor when one considers where to go on vacations, where to immigrate to, buy a residence or invest in a startup. Which climate fits us better is, of course, a matter of personal perspective, yet, in general, people tend to prefer moderate climates and countries such as the ones presented to you in the 11 countries with the best climate in the world. In the article about the 11 places with the most moderate climate in the world, we will explain which factors classify a climate as moderate using scientific definitions, as well as list 11 places where one can enjoy a moderate climate based on scientific data constantly collected by weather stations and satellites. Before moving on to the list, we need to explain the meaning of a few terms that are used in the article. Unlike the weather, a climate is the weather conditions recorded in an area over a prolonged time period. In other words, climate refers to a weather pattern observed in a specific latitude, elevation, and proximity to the coast using scientific means. By classifying a place with a moderate or a temperate climate, we mean that a place or region is not too hot or too cold between the summer and winter seasons. Additionally, wind and precipitation are also moderate. There are two types of moderate climate, continental and maritime.
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What differentiates the 11 places with the most moderate climate in the world from the 11 countries with the best climate in the world is that we will include regions which don’t have predominantly moderate climates. Climate knows no borders. The largest countries extend into multiple climate zones. Moderate climates are usually found between the tropics and the Arctic or Antarctic, but some climates outside this area can still be overall quite moderate. The bottom of the list is the area with the most radical temperature, humidity and wind fluctuations during different seasons, and the top of our list has the minimal recorded changes during the year. The point system ranges from 0-10 points, with 5 possible points for average annual temperature and humidity and 5 possible points for the rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year.
11. Caucasus
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3 pts
Total: 6 points
Home to Europe’s highest mountain peak, Elbrus, Caucasus is a region of unique beauty. Although most people imagine snow-covered cliffs when they think of Caucasus, the truth is that the region has a moderate climate with warm summers and cool winters with some snowfall in the regions not much above sea level. The region is politically divided between several countries, including Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Georgia. Caucasus climate is ideal for producing fine wines and other vintages. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 14.8 degrees.
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10. South Britain
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3.5 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3 pts
Total: 6.5 points
Britain’s climate is greatly affected by the Atlantic Ocean. Classified as maritime temperate climate, South Britain has a mild temperature and less rain compared to the other parts of the country. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 15.6 degrees.
9. Bavaria
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3.5 pts
Total: 6.5 points
The largest federal state of Germany, with rich culture and tradition, Bavaria is blessed with a mild climate all year around. The climate has greatly affected the culture and everyday human activities of the residents who have a wide range of successful festivals, such as Oktoberfest, rich economy and the production of fine beverages that require mild climate, including wine. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 15.8 degrees.
8. Central Turkey
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3.5 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3 pts
Total: 6.5 points
I live in Turkey and have experienced firsthand the climate both in coastal and continental regions of the country all year round, and I must say that central Turkey’s climate is excellent, especially if you can’t stand humidity. Nature in the area is unique. Summer in Central Turkey is milder comparing to the coastal and south Turkey, winter is dry and cool and if you’re lucky you may see some snow. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 16.2 degrees.
7. New Zealand
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 4 pts
Total: 7 points
Most of us became familiar with New Zealand’s nature through the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. The country has a great mild climate all year long, very similar to Britain’s. Mild winds and rainfall combined with a mild average temperature throughout the year make New Zealand ideal to visit or live in. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 16.4 degrees.
6. Gauteng Province and Western Cape
Average annual temperature and humidity: 3.5 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 4 pts
Total: 7.5 points
Midway to the top of our list of the 11 places with the most moderate climate in the world is South Africa, which indeed has it all. Nearly every climate zone can be found within the state’s boundaries, including Mediterranean and temperate. The Gauteng Province, where Pretoria and Johannesburg are located, has a mild, temperate climate of the coastal type similar to Central Europe’s while Western Cape where Cape Town is located has a Mediterranean climate similar to Crete’s in Greece. Some of the best red wines are made in Western Cape. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 18 degrees.
5. Portugal
Average annual temperature and humidity: 4 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3.5 pts
Total: 7.5 points
Portugal is a unique case as the temperate climate in the north provinces of the country meets the maritime sub-Saharan climate in the south. The country has a mild climate all around the year, a factor that has allowed the country to develop its rural production. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 18.6 degrees.
4. Northern Greece
Average annual temperature and humidity: 4 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3.5 pts
Total: 7.5 points
Greece is known mostly for its Mediterranean climate which has made the country a top touristic destination, yet the North of the country has a temperate climate. It has lower humidity compared to the South of the country and the islands, and mild winds and temperatures. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 20.2 degrees.
3. South France
Average annual temperature and humidity: 4 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 4 pts
Total: 8 points
The climate in South France can be unpredictable, with different micro-climates scattered around, yet you can expect sunshine for around 300 days a year, mild temperatures and wind and moderate humidity levels during most months of the year. France produces the best wines in the world and unique types of cheese as a result of its climate. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 20.4 degrees.
2. Central Italy
Average annual temperature and humidity: 4 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 4.5 pts
Total: 8.5 points
Stuck between the Mediterranean and the Alps, Central Italy has a wonderfully temperate climate, dry with small temperature fluctuations between the seasons. Although extreme weather conditions have been recorded, they are not part of the usual climate pattern of the region. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 20.4 degrees.
1. California
Average annual temperature and humidity: 5 pts
Rate of extreme weather phenomena within a year: 3.5 pts
Total: 8.5 points
California has a wide range of micro-climates yet the predominant one is a unique mixture of temperate and Mediterranean as a result of the Pacific Ocean winds that bring mild summers and warm winters, minimizing the temperature fluctuations between the seasons significantly. South California records lower levels of precipitation comparing to the north that has higher levels of humidity coming from the Ocean. The average recorded annual temperature at sea level is 20.8 degrees.
With just 11 places with the most moderate climate in the world on the list, I had to exclude many other places that also have a moderate climate. I had to use standards such as temperature fluctuation rates which many cases where minimal between different regions. Nevertheless another article with more places with moderate climate may follow, so take some time and comment and tell us about the place you live!
