Ever wondered why travelers pack swimsuits for Sydney in December while New Yorkers bundle up in heavy coats? This is due to global climates and seasons.
Climate is a region’s long-term weather, while seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter) bring predictable changes in temperature and daylight. Understanding climate and seasons isn’t just trivia, it’s crucial for travelers, expatriates, and international families who want to plan with confidence.
Global temperature patterns vary dramatically. That’s why we’ve created this guide at Remitly to help you understand what kind of weather to expect worldwide year-round. While it’s winter in New York, it’s summer in Sydney, and in parts of Africa and Asia, rainy seasons can shape daily life just as much as temperature shifts.
If you send money internationally, this guide will show you how seasonal needs can guide when and how to best support your loved ones.
Understanding global seasons and climate zones
The world’s weather is shaped by a few major climate zones, and knowing where a region falls makes it easier to predict seasons and temperatures.
- Tropical zones: Singapore and Rio de Janeiro are hot and humid most of the year, with wet and dry seasons instead of large temperature changes.
- Temperate areas: San Diego, Lisbon, and Sydney enjoy warm summers and mild winters, making them comfortable year-round.
- Continental regions: Moscow and Chicago sit farther from oceans and experience bigger seasonal shifts, from hot summers to freezing winters.
- Polar regions: Alaska’s North Slope, and Norilsk in Russia have long, harsh winters and very short, cool summers.
- Arid regions: Dubai and Cairo are dry and often extremely hot, with little rainfall, intense daytime heat, and cooler nights.
Generally, latitude sets the temperature range, altitude cools higher areas, and oceans smooth out extremes, leaving coastal cities much milder than those inland.
Northern hemisphere: Seasonal weather and what to expect
From icy winters to scorching summers, the Northern Hemisphere offers a wide range of seasonal weather experiences.
North America
The United States, Canada, and Mexico showcase dramatic seasonal shifts. In the Northern US, winters often bring heavy snow and blizzards, while summers can reach 30°C (86°F) in Canada.
In Toronto, summers are comfortable while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The temperature varies from -8.3°C (17°F) to 25.6°C (78°F) and is rarely below -17.2°C (1°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F) throughout the year.
On the West Coast, cities like Los Angeles have warm, dry summers, while winters are long, cool, and wet. Temperatures usually vary from 9°C (48°F) to 29°C (85°F) year-round. Meanwhile, New York experiences chilly winters with the coldest months averaging lows of -1.7°C (29°F) and highs of 4.4°C (40°F).
Mexico’s climate varies greatly by region. Coastal areas stay hot and humid year-round, with hurricane risks along the Gulf and Pacific coast. Inland cities like Mexico City are much milder, and temperatures usually range from 6°C (43°F) to 27°C (80°F) from January to December.
Europe
The European seasonal climate is shaped by geography and ocean currents. In the south, countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece enjoy hot, dry summers and mild winters thanks to the Mediterranean climate. Central and eastern Europe, including Germany and Poland, experience a more continental climate, with hot summers and freezing winters, but the severity can vary.
For example, in Berlin, the warm season usually experiences daily highs above 18.9°C (66°F), while the cold season often reaches 2°C (35°F). In Warsaw, Poland, the temperature typically ranges from -4°C (24°F) to 24°C (76°F) over the course of a year.
Western Europe, especially the UK and France, benefit from the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, which keeps winters milder than you might expect for the region’s latitude. Scandinavia, on the other hand, faces long, snowy winters, short and often cool summers, and unique seasonal events like the Midnight Sun.
Overall, the Mediterranean stands out with its mild winters and hot, sunny summers, creating a striking contrast to the harsher seasonal swings of continental and northern Europe.
Asia
The weather in South and Southeast Asia revolves around the monsoon. From June to September, countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam see heavy rains, while the dry season brings hot, sunny days.
In Central Asia and much of Russia, being far from the ocean creates extreme seasonal swings. Summers in places like Kazakhstan can climb to about 32°C (90°F), while Siberian winters drop far below freezing.
East Asia—including China, Japan, and Korea—experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, summers are hot and humid, and winters range from snowy in the north to mild in the south. This variety makes East Asia one of the most seasonally diverse regions in the world.
Southern hemisphere: When seasons flip
South of the equator, seasons run opposite to what you’d expect in the northern hemisphere. Summers fall in December and winter arrives in June.
Australia and New Zealand
Weather patterns in Australia change dramatically by region. The tropical north has distinct wet and dry seasons, while the south experiences four seasons with hot summers and cool winters.
In Sydney, summers are warm and sunny, while winters are short and mild. Temperatures often range from 8°C (47°F) to 27°C (80°F) year-round. Darwin is a whole different story: it’s hot all year. The wet season brings heavy rain and high humidity, while the dry season is still warm and muggy but with fewer storms. Temperatures typically sit between 20°C (68°F) and 33°C (91°F).
New Zealand’s island settings keep its weather milder. Summers are warm without being extreme, and winters are cool and often rainy. Average temperatures range from about 10°C (50°F) in the south to 16°C (61°F) in the north, making the climate gentler compared to Australia.
South America
Climates vary widely across the continent. Northern countries like Brazil are tropical with hot, humid weather and a distinct rainy season. Argentina’s pampas see warm summers and cool winters, while Chile stretches from deserts in the north to snowy mountains in the south.
The Andes run through the continent, creating sharp climate differences. For example, coastal Peru stays dry while the nearby highlands are cooler and wetter. Brazil’s summer rains fall from December to March. Argentina and Chile follow southern hemisphere seasons, with hot summers in January and February and cool winters in June and July.
Africa
Instead of four seasons, much of Africa alternates between wet and dry periods. Northern Africa’s Sahara is scorching and dry, while sub-Saharan regions see tropical rains from roughly May to October.
For instance, in Lagos it’s hot year-round. The wet season brings overcast skies, while the dry season is sunnier but still humid. Temperatures usually stay between 24°C (75°F) and 33°C (91°F). Southern Africa blends sub-tropical and desert climates, with places like Cape Town enjoying Mediterranean-style summers and rainy winters.
Tropical regions: Year-round considerations
Near the equator, temperatures stay warm and steady year-round, usually ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Instead of four seasons, tropical regions shift between wet and dry periods. During the wet season, rain often comes in heavy downpours that can last for hours. Cities like Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, and Manila all follow this pattern.
Hurricanes and typhoons are major seasonal risks in the tropics. In the Atlantic and the Caribbean, hurricane season runs from June to November, affecting places like Miami and Puerto Rico. In the Pacific, typhoons peak between May and October, often striking coastal areas of the Philippines, Japan, and Southern China.
Tropical climates shape daily life, from farming to travel. Farmers plan their planting around the rains, while families and travelers often adjust plans for flooded roads, sudden storms, or heat waves. On the upside, the dry season brings clearer skies, easier travel, and more predictable international weather for outdoor activities.
Planning around global climate patterns
When you’re moving, traveling, or sending money to family abroad, weather can shape your plans more than you think. Here are practical tips for travelers and international families:
- Check forecasts early: This way you’ll know if storms or heatwaves could delay travel.
- Book flexible flights: Airlines often adjust schedules during extreme weather.
- Pack smart: Gear up for rain in monsoon zones or layers in colder regions.
- Keep backups: Save offline maps and emergency contacts in case your network fails.
Flights may be delayed by snowstorms or heavy rains, and poor weather can also slow down communication in remote areas. For international money transfers, seasonal events, like holidays, storms, or power outages, can affect timing, so sending funds early is often the safest choice.
Stay connected across all climates
From snowy winters in Canada to tropical rains in Southeast Asia, every region experiences its own weather. Understanding worldwide climates and patterns helps you plan better for travel, work, and staying connected with family and friends.
Knowing when loved ones abroad may face storms, floods, or extreme heat allows you to check in and support them. So whether you’re scheduling a trip, sending a package, or simply making a call, use this knowledge to plan wisely.
Remember, no matter the season, staying connected with family and friends around the world is always important.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit family in the Southern Hemisphere?
Seasons are reversed below the equator. Summer runs from December to February and winter from June to August. Australia and New Zealand shine in summer, while South Africa is especially pleasant in spring (September-November) and fall (March-May).
How do I prepare for the monsoon season when travelling to Asia?
Monsoons hit South and Southeast Asia from June to September, bringing heavy rains and flooding. Pack light rain gear, waterproof bags for electronics, and allow extra travel time. Flexible bookings make it easier if plans change.
What weather apps work best for tracking international climates?
AccuWeather, the Weather Channel, and Windy offer global forecasts and alerts. Weather Underground gives local updates, while MeteoEarth provides interactive maps.
How does extreme weather affect international money transfers?
Severe storms can disrupt banks, power, and the internet, which may slow access to funds. Transfers usually still get processed, but sending money ahead of time ensures your loved ones have support when they need it.
What should I know about hurricane season in different regions?
The Atlantic season (Caribbean and US East coast) runs from June to November, peaking in September. Typhoons affect East and Southeast Asia from May to October, while the Indian Ocean cyclone season lasts from October to May. Always check forecasts before travelling or sending money abroad.