Oceaanklimaat

Oceaanklimaat, or ocean climate, is a climate type characterized by the moderating influence of nearby oceans on land areas. This leads to relatively small annual temperature ranges, with cool to mild summers and mild winters, and tend to produce moderate to high amounts of precipitation throughout the year. The proximity of the sea also often results in high humidity, frequent cloud cover, and strong onshore winds.

Typical features of oceaanklimaat include cool to warm but generally mild temperatures year-round, abundant moisture, and precipitation well distributed across the seasons rather than concentrated in a single wet period. Coastal fog and overcast days are common in many regions, especially where cold ocean currents meet warmer land. The maritime influence tends to stabilize inland weather and reduces the extremes of heat and cold.

In climate classifications, oceaanklimaat is frequently aligned with the maritime temperate climate. In the Köppen system, this is commonly associated with the Cfb (temperate ocean) category, while some cooler coastal areas may fall under Cfc. The pattern is typical in regions where prevailing westerlies and sea-surface temperatures shape weather, producing a relatively uniform climate along coastlines.

Notable regions with oceaanklimaat include the western coasts of Europe (such as Britain, Ireland, western France, Belgium, and the Netherlands), the Pacific Northwest of North America (Washington, Oregon, and parts of British Columbia), southern Chile, New Zealand, and parts of southeastern Australia. The climate supports temperate rainforests and agriculture adapted to mild, wet winters and cooler summers. Climate change is expected to affect precipitation regimes and sea levels in these regions.