Sweden has a strong north-south climate gradient: the south is generally oceanic to humid continental, central areas are mostly humid continental, and the far north is subarctic. Coastal influence and the Gulf Stream moderate temperatures, especially in the southwest, while inland and northern areas are colder, snowier, and darker in winter. For residents and expats, the country offers distinct four-season living, but daylight variation is as important as temperature, with long summer evenings and very short winter days in the north. Most of Sweden receives moderate precipitation, while the southwest and mountain areas are wetter.