How is a region's climate defined?

A region's climate is defined as the annual pattern of temperature, sunlight, and rainfall averaged over several years. This definition encompasses more than just short-term weather patterns; it emphasizes the long-term averages and variations that characterize the climate of a particular area. Climate reflects the typical conditions that can be expected in a region over an extended period, usually 30 years or more, making it a crucial factor for understanding ecosystems, agriculture, and human activities.

In contrast, the average temperature over a single year does not provide a comprehensive view of what the climate is like, as it lacks the perspective of long-term trends. The immediate weather conditions at a given time focus only on short-term phenomena and do not capture the overall climatic conditions. While total precipitation is an important aspect of climate, defining climate requires a more holistic approach that includes temperature, sunlight, and the interaction of these factors over time. Hence, averaging temperature, sunlight, and rainfall over several years gives a clearer picture of a region's climate.