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Climate type
Cold semi-arid climate
BSk Köppen code BSkDry steppe with cold winters and warm-to-hot summers. Cities with this climate include Avignon, Madrid, Valencia.
Example cities with this climate
What this climate is like
Dry steppe with cold winters and warm-to-hot summers.
Temperatures
Warm-to-hot summers and cold winters with freezes. A real four-season climate, just dry.
Rainfall and seasons
Modest annual rainfall — typically 250–500 mm — usually peaking in spring or early summer. Snow is light to moderate in winter.
Where in the world
The US High Plains and Mountain West, the steppes of Central Asia, parts of Spain, and inland Argentina.
A typical year, in two recognisable cities — coolest and warmest month averages:
What it means for you
Whether you're thinking of moving, gardening or travelling.
🏠 Living here
Four real seasons, but dry. Cold winters need heating; summers are warm and pleasant by day with cool nights.
🌱 Gardening
Native prairie grasses, hardy conifers and cold-tolerant fruit (apples, cherries) excel. Lawns need irrigation.
✈️ Travel
Spring through autumn is comfortable; winters are cold and sometimes blustery. Sun is abundant year-round.
Browse cities with this climate
Popular cities with this climate
All 343 cities, across 35 countries — open a country to see its list.