<P> A Mediterranean climate / ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən / or dry summer climate is characterized by rainy winters and dry summers . While the climate receives its name from the Mediterranean Basin, these are generally located on the western coasts of continents, between roughly 30 and 45 degrees north and south of the equator, typically between oceanic climates towards the poles (where they tend to be wetter), and semi-arid and arid climates towards the equator (where they tend to be drier). </P> <P> In essence, and due to the seasonal shift of the subtropical high - pressure belts with the apparent movement of the Sun, a Mediterranean climate is an intermediate type between these other climates, with winters somewhat mimicking winters in oceanic climates and summers imitating sunny weather in semi-arid and arid climates . But contrary to oceanic climates, there are always a number of clear, sunny days in the winter season . </P>

What are the characteristics of a mediterranean climate