Cyprus belongs to the region dominated by the typical Mediterranean climate. Summers, lasting from mid May till mid October, are dry and hot. During the summer, the subtropical high pressure zone controls the weather, preventing rainfall by restraining rainstorms from forming. Short and mild winters last from December to February bringing rains, which are about 60% of the average annual total precipitation. The mean annual temperature for the island as a whole is about 20°C. The average Mediterranean Sea water temperature in Cyprus is 21°C. Mean annual precipitation is 500 mm.