What is a microclimate? It’s simple: these are climatic conditions limited to a very specific area within a territory usually subject to a different climate. A microclimate resulting from the topography of an area, its altitude, proximity to a mountain range or sea currents and winds. And generally, the vegetation is the first to indicate that we are in a place that stands out with an atypical climate compared to the rest of the country or region. Concretely, the microclimates mean that you no longer know what to put on your back to go out…
1. San Francisco (USA)
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“The harshest winter I have known was when I spent the summer in San Francisco”. That’s what we say when we’ve wandered around San Francisco a bit. Nothing to do with Los Angeles in short, where it is rather hot. In San Francisco, therefore, it is colder in the summer than anywhere else in California. There is also regular fog and the water in the Pacific Ocean is cold. More than in winter. This means that certain districts in the center, protected from this haze, are warmer. It is not uncommon to notice differences of 5 to 8 degrees from place to place.
2. The Island of Saint Helena (United Kingdom)
The island where our national Napoleon ended his days has several microclimates. As a result, it can be hot then cold, then still hot and finally lukewarm before returning to colder temperatures. Anyway, at this latitude, it shouldn’t be like this weather. Because Saint Helena is located in the intertropical zone, while the observed climate is rather Mediterranean.
3. Sydney (Australia)
The breeze coming from the sea cools all areas near the coast but not those further inland. Result of the operations, Sydney is cut in two from a climatic point of view. It’s very strange and above all not very practical when it comes to choosing your outfit because it can just as well be 25 degrees at the water’s edge and 35 a few kilometers further.
4. Province of Granada (Spain)
A region blessed by the weather gods. An average temperature of 20 degrees and 300 days of sunshine a year. This area is also called the Costa Tropical. A place whose astonishing microclimate also allows the cultivation of tropical products.
5. Casablanca (Morocco)
Casablanca has a climate that could easily be described as ideal: not too hot summers, very mild winters… What more could you ask for? However, the Sahara Desert is not far away. But here, it’s the ocean that dictates its law!
6. Biarritz (France)
There are two microclimates in Biarritz: a positive and a negative. The proximity of the Pyrenees has something to do with it. The mountains that cause what is called a Foehn effect or a rise in temperature. So yes, the weather is nice and warm in Biarritz but it is also one of the cities in France where it rains the most. This is valid for Biarritz but also for a good part of the Basque Country.
7. Leeds (England)
In Leeds, too, there are several microclimates. A phenomenon due to the differences in altitude between the center and the other areas of the city. It is also one of the least rainy places in England. A good plan if you want to settle on Her Majesty’s land but don’t like the rain.
8. Calgary (Canada)
Much like Leeds, Calgary experiences several microclimates due to the elevation differences between the center and everything around it.
9. Brittany (France)
And yes friends! Victim of an ugly received idea which states that it rains all the time, Brittany actually has several microclimates. Of course, this is due to the winds and sea currents which make the weather very changeable and a bit unpredictable. At the water’s edge, winters are mild and summer is sunny. As proof, the palm trees that flourish on the coast.
10. Costa Rica
There are 12 microclimates in Costa Rica. Nothing less ! Despite its small size, this country offers a wide variety of climates. You can sweat profusely and peel your loaves badly. It all depends on the altitude and topography of the area you are in.
Don’t forget to take a little wool, you never know…