When considering the tropics, though, also look at the daily dew point, a much better predictor of comfort because it measures when the maximum amount of water vapor is in the air. Typically, if the dew point is under 60 F, you will feel comfortable. One of the important precipitation factors to consider is not the amount of rain that falls, but how many days per month rain falls. At the borders of the tropical regions, you may not see as much rain, but it rains every day, often as many as 200 rainy days a year, according to Null.”Topography also influences climate,” Null said. “Latitude, distance from the ocean, elevation and pathways to the sea are key topography factors. Areas along the sea with varied topography generally have the most number of microclimates. For example, in the San Francisco Bay area there are at least a dozen different microclimates. That is why it is so difficult to generalize about a country’s climate, unless it is a tiny country like Singapore or Malta or the country’s topography is generally the same, like Saudi Arabia, which has a desert climate throughout the country.”
If you are planning to live in your new country for decades to come, will global climate change affect your choice? Not in the near-term, according to Null. He said people living in the mid-latitudes sweet spot, between 30 and 45 degrees, would feel the biggest impact. The major change will be in nighttime temperatures, which will go up more than daytime temperatures. The middle forecast scenarios for 50 years from now are projecting a 4 F to 6 F increase in temperatures for Mediterranean climate cities like San Diego. But if you are moving to a coastal city, you may want to consider higher ground.
If finding your ideal climate abroad is a major influencing factor in your move planning, consider using Jan Null’s Camelot Climate Index to create your own personal Camelot. Determine what temperature range suits you, how much sunshine you need, how much rain (or snow) you can handle and the humidity level most comfortable for you. Mix in a little average wind speed and microclimate considerations and you will have the world’s most ideal climate… for you.