Country profile - Distinguishing factors (Slovenia)

Contact point of Mediterranean and continental climates

Slovenia has a moderately warm climate. However, in line with its geographical diversity, it is very diverse. Meeting above Slovenian territory are the influences of the Mediterranean climate, which is characteristic of the coastal part of Slovenia; the continental climate typical of the central part of Slovenia and the Pannonian region to the east; and the Alpine climate in the northwest of the country. The level of precipitation is sufficient across most of Slovenia, and does not vary seasonally. It is highest in the Alpine area to the west, with more than 3 000 mm/year, and this declines to the east, where it is lowest, amounting to around 800 mm/year, while, overall, the average is between 1 400 and 1 500 mm/year. Along the Adriatic coast the precipitation level is lower than the average, and lower in summer than in winter. In winter it is normal for snow to cover all the continental regions, and in the Alps, given the high amounts of precipitation, the snow cover can reached 9 m at the Kanin ski resort in 2009 - by the sea any snow cover is exceptional. In the summer, especially in June, July and August, the greater part of Slovenia typically experiences a large number of storms - around 50 each year, the highest amount in Europe.