Köppen Climate Classification - Cfa - Humid Subtropical Climate

Ruth Ann Reyes

Latitudes: Usually found between 25° and 40° latitude in both hemispheres.

 

Temperatures: Average temperatures can vary between 41°-54° F (5°-12° C) in winter and 81° F (27° C) in summer. Even with comparatively mild temperatures, high humidity may make summers feel oppressive.

 

Precipitation: Your average yearly precipitation is between 30-59 inches (75-150 cm), decreasing as you move inland.

 

Relevant geography: Present on southeast side of all continents, poleward from adjacent tropical climates. Usually found near coastal locations, but may extend inward as with china and the United States. In these exceptions, the climate will experience more seasonal contrast.

 

This climate can be found in the eastern United States of America, southern and eastern China, southern Japan, northeastern Argentina, coastal South Africa, and the eastern coast of Australia.

 

USDA equivalent zones: This region is roughly equivalent to USDA zones 7-9.

 

Soil: Often acidic

 

Dominant plant life of the region: Mixed forest, grasslands, pines.

 

Strengths/challenges for plant life: Wide variety of plant and animal life. Humidity allows for growing many plants. High humidity can cause problems for plants vulnerable to fungal diseases.

 

Garden plants that are a good fit for this region: Most popular, non-tropical garden plants. Tomatoes, squashes, potatoes, grains, etc. Tropical species can be grown as annuals.

 

Dominant animal life (or its features): Highly varied. Adapted for temperate climate. Deer, rabbits, squirrels are very common, as well as a large variety of bird and insect species.

 

Challenges for animal raising: Much of the land wants to revert to thickets and forests. Maintenance may be required prevent pastureland from reverting.

 

Animals that are a good fit for this region: Chickens, pigs, cows, horses, rabbits, ducks, bees.

 

Summary

The humid subtropical climate is an excellent climate for growing. It’s warm enough and wet enough to support a variety of life, without going to extremes.

 

Located on the southeast side of all continents, and usually between 25° and 40° latitude, this climate spans USDA plant hardiness zones 7-9. It count be found poleward from adjacent tropical climates and is usually found near coastal location. It can also extend inland, as in the case of China and the United States.

 

Average precipitation will be between 30-59 inches (75-150 cm). Some seasons may be drier than others, but this climate has no true dry seasons. As you move inland, precipitation levels are reduced.

 

The average temperatures vary between 41°-54° F (5°-12° C) in winter and 81° F (27° C) in summer. Though not excessively hot, high air humidity levels can make summer temps feel oppressive. Seasonal changes are more pronounced as you move inland.

 

Favorable temperatures and precipitation levels support a wide range of plant and animals diversity. Mixed forests, grasslands, and pine forests are common.

 

In your garden, you can grow virtually any of the popular, non-tropical food crops. That’s not to say that you won’t face any challenges. Plants native to cooler climates may want additional shade. The high humidity can pose problems for plants with vulnerabilities to fungal attacks or those that prefer a more arid climate. Nevertheless, this is an excellent climate for gardening.

 

Soils in this climate are usually acidic, due to year round rains. Fertility and soil composition will vary. Have you soil tested and amend it accordingly.

 

This climate is well suited for all popular farm animals. Chickens, pigs, cows, horses, rabbits, sheep, goats, and ducks can all thrive here.

JodieDownUnder

@Ruth Ann Reyes yep that is a very good summation of where I am on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. As the crow flies about 20 kms west of the Pacific Ocean, in a valley that runs Nth-Sth. We are usually 4-5 degrees C warmer in summer and 4-5 degrees C cooler in winter, than those who live right on the coast. We can get frosts but not often. Yes humidity is a problem in summer and stone fruit is basically out of the question. Citrus does well.

There are pockets of lovely red fertile volcanic soil but a lot of the soil is shaley, acidic and poor. Definitely needs help when growing vegetables etc. Great for growing native trees. Interestingly enough the Blueberry industry is huge in this area but they do rely on fertigation, plastic tunnels and netting. This is about the furthest south bananas are grown commercially in Australia.

Lots of “lifestyle blocks” or “hobby farms” (homesteads) in the area. Horses, cattle, poultry are popular. Too wet for sheep (fly strike) Rainfall, 3/4 of our rain falls between Nov -April ( summer/autumn) with mostly dry winter/spring. This year we have already had over our annual average rainfall over 1500mm or 60 inches! Normally we get about 50 inches.

I will have to remember the equivalent USDA zones 7-9, when I read them on the forum!

Ruth Ann Reyes

This is great input! Thanks for sharing! @Marjory Wildcraft check this out!