Where can Mediterranean climates commonly be found?

Mediterranean climates are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. They are commonly found in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, which lends its name to this specific climate type. This type of climate is typically situated between 30° and 45° latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

The areas around the Mediterranean Sea, including parts of Southern California, Central Chile, the Cape Town area of South Africa, and the southwestern regions of Australia, reflect these features due to their geographical location and prevailing wind patterns. The hot, dry summers in these regions are influenced by subtropical high-pressure systems, while the winter rainfall is brought on by mid-latitude cyclone activity.

Regions surrounding the Arctic circle, near the equator, and in high mountainous regions do not exhibit the defining characteristics of a Mediterranean climate. Those areas have different climate influences and patterns, making them unsuitable for such classification.