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[[Image:World map temperate.svg|thumb|right|250px|World map with temperate zones highlighted in red]]
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In [[geography]], '''temperate''' or '''tepid''' [[latitude]]s of the globe lie between the [[tropics]] and the [[polar circle]]s. The changes in these regions between summer and winter are generally mild, rather than extreme hot or  cold. But in continental areas such as central north america the variations between summer and winter can be extreme However, a temperate climate can have very unpredictable weather. In regions traditionally considered tropical, localities at high altitudes (e.g. parts of the [[Andes]]) may have a temperate climate.
The '''north temperate zone''' extends from the [[Tropic of Cancer]] (at about 23.5 degrees north latitude) to the [[Arctic Circle]] (at approximately 66.6 degrees north latitude). The '''south temperate zone''' extends from the [[Tropic of Capricorn]] (at approximately 23.5 degrees south latitude,) to the [[Antarctic Circle]] (at approximately 66.6 degrees south latitude.)

Within these borders there are many climate types, which are generally grouped into two categories: '''[[maritime climate|maritime]]''' and '''[[continental climate|continental]].'''    

The maritime climate is affected by the oceans, which help to sustain somewhat stable temperatures throughout the year. In temperate zones the prevailing winds are from the west, thus the western edge of temperate continents most commonly experience this maritime climate. Such regions include [[Western Europe]], and western [[North America]] at latitudes between 40° and 60° north (65°N in Europe).

The continental climate is usually situated inland, with warmer summers and colder winters. Heat loss and reception are aided by extensive land mass. In [[North America]], the [[Rocky Mountains]] act as a climate barrier to the maritime air blowing from the west, creating a continental climate to the east. In Europe, the maritime climate is able to stabilize inland temperature, because the major mountain range - the [[Alps]] - is oriented east-west (the area east of the long [[Scandinavian Mountains|Scandinavian mountain range]] is an exception).

The majority of the world's human population resides in temperate zones, especially in the northern hemisphere because of the mass of land. 

''For the history of the term, see [[geographical zone]]''
==See also==
*[[Middle latitudes]]
*[[Habitat (ecology)]]
*[[Subtropical]]
*[[Geographical zone]]

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[[Category:Climate]]

[[ar:مناخ معتدل]]
[[da:Tempereret klima]]
[[de:Gemäßigte Zone]]
[[et:Parasvööde]]
[[es:Clima templado]]
[[eo:Modera klimato]]
[[eu:Klima epel]]
[[fr:Climat tempéré]]
[[gl:Clima temperado]]
[[ko:온대 기후]]
[[hr:Umjereni pojas]]
[[is:Temprað belti]]
[[it:Clima temperato]]
[[he:אקלים ממוזג]]
[[ka:ზომიერი სარტყლები]]
[[lv:Mērenā josla]]
[[lt:Vidutinių platumų klimatas]]
[[hu:Mérsékelt öv]]
[[ms:Iklim sederhana]]
[[nl:Gematigd klimaat]]
[[ja:温帯]]
[[no:Temperert klima]]
[[nn:Temperert klima]]
[[pl:Klimat umiarkowany]]
[[pt:Clima temperado]]
[[ro:Zonă temperată]]
[[ru:Умеренный климат]]
[[simple:Temperate]]
[[fi:Lauhkea vyöhyke]]
[[sv:Tempererat klimat]]
[[vi:Ôn đới]]
[[uk:Помірний пояс]]
[[wa:Mitan froed payis]]
[[zh:温带]]