Switzerland's climate is widely considered "good" because it is temperate and highly varied, offering a true four-season experience without the oppressive heat of the tropics or the permanent gloom of the far north. However, the experience depends entirely on where you are. The Swiss Plateau (Zurich, Geneva, Bern) has a typical continental climate with warm, pleasant summers (20°C to 28°C) and cold, often misty winters. South of the Alps, in the canton of Ticino, you’ll find a near-Mediterranean climate where palm trees grow and the sun shines more frequently than in the north. In the Alpine regions, the climate is defined by altitude; winters are long and snowy—perfect for the world-class skiing the country is known for—while summers are cool and refreshing, providing an escape from the heatwaves affecting the rest of Europe. While it does rain frequently (which keeps the landscape famously green), the air quality is among the highest in the world. For most travelers, the "best" climate window is between June and September for hiking, or January and February for snow sports.