temperate

Temperate is an adjective used to describe a moderate climate or temperature, neither extreme hot nor extreme cold. The word derives from Latin temperatus, meaning moderated or restrained.

In geographic terms, temperate zones lie between the tropical latitudes (the tropics) and the polar circles, roughly from 23.5° to 66.5° latitude in both hemispheres. These regions commonly experience four distinct seasons and a moderation of temperatures compared with tropical or polar climates, though seasonal patterns and rainfall vary by location.

Within the temperate belt, climate types include oceanic or marine west coast (mild winters and cool summers with ample rainfall, as in Western Europe and the Pacific Northwest), humid continental (four distinct seasons with cold winters and warm to hot summers, as in parts of North America and Eurasia), and Mediterranean (dry summers and mild, wet winters, as around the Mediterranean Basin and parts of California).

Ecology and agriculture are tied to temperate climates. Temperate forests host deciduous and evergreen trees, while grassland and steppe regions occur in some temperate interiors. Agricultural crops include grains, fruits, and vegetables that suit seasonal growing cycles.

In a broader sense, temperate can describe moderation in behavior or temperament, indicating restraint or measured response rather than extremes.