<P> A Mediterranean climate / ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən / or dry summer climate, is the climate typical of areas in the Mediterranean Basin . The Mediterranean climate is usually characterized by rainy winters and dry, warm to hot summers . While the climate receives its name from the Mediterranean Sea, an area where this climate is commonplace, it is also present in other areas of the planet, although with variations in the distribution of temperatures . In addition to the Mediterranean Basin, the climate is also found in most of California in the United States, in extreme southwestern British Columbia in Canada, in parts of Western and South Australia, in southwestern South Africa, sections of Western and Central Asia, and in Central Chile . </P> <P> Outside the Mediterranean Basin, the Mediterranean climate is usually located geographically on the western coasts of continental masses, typically between oceanic climates towards the poles, and semi-arid and arid climates towards the Equator . In essence, a Mediterranean climate is a combination of the three climates with winters somewhat mimicking winters in oceanic climates and summers imitating dry seasons in semi-arid and arid climates . Additionally, Mediterranean climates tend to be wetter poleward and drier the closer it gets to the Equator . </P>

In geography the term mediterranean climate refers to