Los Angeles' Mediterranean climate is generally warm and pleasant all year round. Protected from extremes of temperature and humidity by the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains, and influenced by the warm, moist air from the Pacific, its summers are dry and sunny and winters cool and wet with winter temperatures averaging between 48°F (9°C) and 68°F (20°C). Offshore breezes cool the beach communities during the hot summer months when coastal highs reach 74°F (23°C), but inland temperatures can rise to well over 90°F (32°C), especially in the numerous canyons and valleys of the area. Smog often gathers in low-lying areas and sometimes the hot, dusty Santa Ana winds blow in strongly from the surrounding mountains.
