Latvia experiences a temperate oceanic to humid continental climate, heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream and proximity to the Baltic Sea. The country has undergone significant climate shifts, with western coastal regions transitioning from boreal to temperate zones. Winters are relatively mild for the latitude, with average temperatures around -3°C to -7°C, while summers are cool and moderate at 17-18°C. The climate is characterized by high humidity, frequent precipitation throughout the year, and dramatic seasonal variations in daylight hours, from nearly 24-hour summer days to very short winter days.