Think Weather and Climate Are The Same? Think Again

Ever pulled out your favorite sweater on what was supposed to be a hot summer day, only to end up shivering in shorts? Or maybe you've packed shorts for a "warm" destination, just to find yourself hunting for the nearest clothing store? Congratulations! You've just experienced the difference between weather and climate firsthand.

What's Really the Difference?

Let's clear up this weather and climate difference once and for all. You know how your mood changes day to day, but your personality stays pretty much the same? Weather is like your daily mood—it's what's happening right now outside your window. Climate, on the other hand, is more like your personality—it's the big picture of what typically happens in a place over many years. Then there are microclimates (which we will get to later), which are essentially like the triggers or conditions that cause subtle or sudden shifts in your overall mood.

The National Weather Service puts it this way: weather is what you get, climate is what you expect (1). Think about that for a second. It's why tourists still flock to Florida in summer even though it might rain on their vacation—they know the climate means it'll probably be warm and sunny most of the time.

Real-Life Weather vs Climate Examples