Tropical climate

We explain what a tropical climate is, and describe its characteristics and subtypes. In addition, we provide examples of plant and animal life in tropical climate regions.

What is a tropical climate?

A tropical climate is a type of climate characterized by hot temperatures above 65 °F (18 °C) all year round. It is typical of regions near the equator, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

A distinctive characteristic of tropical climates is the lack of seasonal variability: due to its high temperatures throughout the year, only summer exists, and at no time are there climatic conditions similar to those of spring, autumn, and much less winter.

Another characteristic of tropical climates is the abundant rainfall, with values ranging from 49 to 153 inches (800 - 2500 mm) per year. Due to the combination of high heat and rainfall levels, tropical climates support the growth of abundant vegetation and extensive areas of rainforests and jungles. Tropical regions host a great biodiversity of animal species, as well as various types of plants, shrubs, and trees.

• See also: Desert

Characteristics of a tropical climate

Tropical climates have the following characteristics:

• Temperatures are above 65 °F (18°C) all year round.
• Precipitation averages are very high, ranging from 49 to 153 inches (800 - 2500 mm) per year. In some areas, precipitation can reach 305 to 366 inches (5000 - 6000 mm).
• Only one season exists: summer. There is no spring, autumn, or winter.
• It spreads in regions near the equator, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Due to the curvature of the Earth, the sun's rays strike more directly in these areas, which results in higher temperatures.
• Some regions are prone to hurricanes and severe tropical storms. These phenomena usually occur in summer, when ocean temperatures are higher.
• The Caribbean and parts of Brazil in the Americas, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, and Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in Asia are some countries with tropical climates.

Tropical climate types

Under the Köppen climate classification, there are three subtypes of tropical climates:

• Tropical rainforest climate. It has high temperatures throughout the year. Seasonal variations are minimal, with temperatures ranging between 75 °F and 93 °F (24 °C - 34°C) all year round. Precipitation is abundant and constant, with no dry season. Every month receives at least 3.7 inches (60 mm) of rainfall, with annual totals sometimes exceeding 183 inches (3000 mm). The combination of high temperatures and frequent rainfall supports the growth of lush vegetation. The dominant biome is the tropical rainforest, which boasts a high diversity of plant and animal species.
• Tropical monsoon climate. This climate has high temperatures all year round, but precipitation is lower than in the tropical rainforest climate, and has a marked seasonal pattern. During the summer months, rainfall is very abundant, exceeding 6 inches (100 mm) per month, but in the winter months, it decreases considerably, and there may even be no precipitation at all. The dominant biome is the rainforest, resulting from high temperatures and abundant rainfall during the summer.
• Tropical savanna climate. This climate shows high temperatures throughout the year, with precipitation marked by seasonal variations. The main difference with the monsoon climate is that the rainy season is much shorter and, for much of the year, precipitation levels are very low, with some months even experiencing no rain at all. The typical biome for this climate is the savanna, characterized by grasslands and scattered trees, with plant and animal life adapted to the alternation of rainy months and extended dry periods.

The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used systems for differentiating climate types. According to this classification, there are five major climate types: tropical, arid or dry, temperate, continental, and polar climates.

Distribution of tropical climates

The distribution of tropical climates on Earth is as follows:

• Tropical rainforest climate. It is found in zones near the equator. It covers parts of Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of the Caribbean Sea in the Americas; portions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Liberia, Uganda, and Gabon in Africa; and parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Fiji in Asia.
• Tropical monsoon climate. It is found in areas close to tropical rainforest climates. In addition to countries near the equator, it also covers parts of Central America, the Gulf of Mexico, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and northern Australia.
• Tropical savanna climate. It is found in vast regions of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Central America. This subtype is widespread in Africa, including parts or all of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. In Asia, it occurs in certain regions of India, Myanmar, and Thailand, and in Oceania, it can be found in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Flora and fauna of tropical climates

Although there are variations among the three subtypes of tropical climate (rainforest, monsoon, and savanna), they share some common characteristics in terms of flora and fauna.

In tropical rainforest climates, vegetation consists of dense tropical forests with a great biodiversity. Some typical tree species in tropical forests include the rubber tree, banana tree, cacao tree, teak tree, and a wide variety of palms.

As for animal life, species such as orangutans and other primates are found in tropical forests, with adaptations such as long and agile limbs for swinging through trees. In addition, there is a great variety of reptiles and amphibians.

In tropical monsoon climates, vegetation is also abundant but tends to be more scattered and less dense than in tropical rainforest climates. Vegetation is adapted to the wet and dry seasons, with trees that shed their leaves during the dry season and bloom when it rains again. Species include the mango tree, bamboo, and cedar.

Regarding animal life, species like the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, langur, and various types of birds can be found. A large number of species have adaptations to survive in the dry seasons or migrate seasonally in search of water.

Tropical savanna climates present vast grasslands with scattered trees. Plants are adapted to seasonal patterns with a prolonged dry season. Grasslands and drought-resistant trees like the baobab, acacia, and tamarind predominate. These species have deep roots and tough leaves to keep moisture.

Typical fauna of these climates includes lions, zebras, African elephants, hippopotamus, and giraffes.

Explore next:

References

• Arriols, E. (2018). Qué es el clima tropical y sus características. https://www.ecologiaverde.com/
• Sans, I (2022). Clima tropical: características, temperatura y plantas. https://www.clima.com/
• Terrasa, D. (2018). Clasificación climática de Köppen. https://geografia.laguia2000.com/