The three types of climates in which deciduous trees grow are temperate, dry tropical, and moist tropical.

Temperate Climate

Temperate climates, such as in the northeastern United States, are moderate. Winters are cold but not severe and summers are warm but with few extremely hot days. January temperatures average between 10°F (-12°C) and 30° F (-1.1°C) and July temperatures between 36°F (2.2°C) and 81°F (27°C).

There is plenty of moisture and few long, dry periods. A temperate forest usually requires at least 20 inches (51 centimeters) of precipitation (rain, snow, or sleet) each year, and most of these forests average between 30 to 80 inches (80 to 200 centimeters). Humidity is usually between 60 and 80 percent, and this moist blanket of air helps keep the temperatures from becoming extreme. However, the weather in a temperate climate is usually unpredictable. Although precipitation usually occurs throughout the year, much of it may fall as part of...