The climate, through its effect on vegetation, divides Portugal. Such as in Spain, three sets of influences are involved: Atlantic, continental and Mediterranean. The former predominates overall, putting most of the country into the humid zone of the Iberian Peninsula, but is especially true in the Northwest, where it gives a mild, rainy climate. The maritime winds certainly influence Portugal, especially through its long 700 km coastline. As long as we move away from the coast, the humidity diminishes, the interior areas being quite 'fair', with the exception of the Tagus North valley, where the climate is wet and soft. The Northern region benefits from the Atlantic cyclones, while South and East are dominated by the subtropical anticyclone, that allows temperatures to rise up to 40º C during the Summer. The climate varies according to the altitude and the highest temperatures are more likely in the lower regions of the South. So, the climate in Portugal is neither too hot nor too cold. It all depends on the area and the time of the year that you choose to visit Portugal.