The climate in Crete is typically Mediterranean. There are two main seasons: A dry, hot summer (May - October) and a damp, rainy winter (November - April). Spring announces its presence with an abundance of magnificent wild flowers. Rainfall is higher on the mountains and snow can be seen on the peaks until June. The temperature on the plains seldom falls to freezing point and snow is rare. The temperature along the shores of the Libyan sea is high in the summer, while the "meltemia" (prevailing north winds, often strong) make the northern shores pleasantly cool from mid- June to the beginning of September. As a result of the ground structure, there is a great difference in climate between the three main areas: the northern coast, the southern coast and the mountainous area.