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Geographic Factors
Temperate rainforests are a relatively rare type of environment worldwide. In general, the interaction of an ocean and a mountain range is necessary to create the right climactic conditions for a temperate forest to thrive. The ocean moderates the temperature and provides a source of moisture, while the mountains trap clouds, forcing them to release their moisture. Hence, temperate rainforests can only be found in narrow strips straddling oceans and coastal mountain ranges, between approximately latitudes thirty-five and sixty. In North America, temperate rainforests occur in the Pacific Northwest, in a zone from northern California to southern Alaska. Elsewhere in the world, temperate rainforests can only be found in small sections of Chile, Australia and New Zealand.
Climate Classification
Temperate rainforests most often occur in what is known as a marine west coast climate. Heavily influenced by relatively warm ocean waters and the prevailing westerly winds, the dominant weather pattern consists of frequently incoming low pressure systems, which bring humidity, cloud cover, precipitation and fog. Due to their latitude, these climates experience a three-to-four month frost period during winter. On the whole, however, marine west coast climates and the temperate rainforests therein tend to lack extremes, rarely making news for the record-breaking weather events found elsewhere in the world.
Precipitation Breakdown
Like their name implies, temperate rainforests experience significant precipitation. Most temperate rainforests receive at least 60 inches (152 centimeters) of rain each year, with some locales potentially getting up to 200 inches (508 centimeters) per year. In wintertime, snow may fall; the likelihood of snow increases the higher the elevation. Periods of precipitation are often prolonged, and precipitation amounts tend to be evenly distributed throughout the year -- that is, temperate rainforests don̵7;t have a dry season or a rainy season, but are instead wet year-round.
Temperature Breakdown
Unlike tropical rainforests, temperate rainforests experience distinct seasons. However, in contrast to many other parts of the United States, winters and summers are fairly mild -- they generally lack bone-chilling bitter cold or sweltering heat. This is due to the moderating effect of the nearby ocean. Temperatures vary according to specific location, but generally don̵7;t dip much below freezing in winter, nor rise above the 70s Fahrenheit (21 to 26 Celsius) in summertime.