The Netherlands has a temperate oceanic climate shaped by the North Sea and prevailing westerly winds, which keeps winters relatively mild and summers cool to pleasantly warm. Rain can occur in any season, but it is usually light to moderate and spread through the year rather than concentrated in a single wet season. Coastal areas are windier and slightly milder, while inland areas can feel a bit warmer in summer and colder in winter. Recent climate summaries continue to classify the country mainly as Cfb, supporting a maritime climate with limited temperature extremes and frequent cloud cover.