Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification Milan is typically classified as having a Humid subtropical climate (Cfa). In contrast to most of Italy, which is famous for a comfortable Mediterranean climate, Milan's winters are typically damp and cold, while summers are hot and very humid. Average temperatures are -3/+6°C in January and +15/+28°C in July. Snowfalls are common, sometimes with up to 40 cm (15 in) per year. Humidity is quite high during the whole year and annual precipitation averages about 1000 mm (40 in). In the stereotypical image, the city is often shrouded in the fog characteristic of the Po Basin, although the removal of rice fields from the southern neighbourhoods and the reduction of pollution levels have reduced this phenomenon in recent years.