Charlottetown has a humid continental climate (Koppel Dab) moderated partially by Prince Edward Island's location in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Winters are milder than many inland cities at a similar latitude: the January average is −8 °C (17.6 °F), and lows reach −20 °C (−4 °F) or below on an average 8 days per season. However, the coastal position means that winter precipitation, more often as snow, is frequent and at times heavy: the seasonal snow average is 312 centimetres (123 in). Spring warming is gradual due to the ocean waters still being cold. Summers are mild, again due to the same maritime moderation: the July high is 23.2 °C (73.8 °F). Precipitation averages 1,170 millimetres (46 in) per year, with the greatest amounts falling in late fall and winter
