Italy has a typically Mediterranean climate with variations according to the area and the altitude. The southern part of the peninsula has long and hot summers, with moderate winters and not very much rain. The summer heat is cooled down by the sea breeze on the coastal area, while cities are usually hot and humid.
The north of the country has wet winters, particularly on the River Po valley and the Apennines, with cold winters with temperatures falling below zero. Snowfalls are abundant on the Alps and the Apennines where the conditions are ideal for skiing. Winters are much colder and rigid in the North, while in the South daytime temperatures r, rarely fall below zero apart from high altitude areas. Spring and Autumn are usually mild everywhere in Italy.