Humid continental climate, major climate type of the Köppen classification that exhibits large seasonal temperature contrasts with hot summers and cold winters. It is found between 30° and 60° N in central and eastern North America and Asia in the major zone of conflict between polar and tropical air masses. Along with the continental subarctic climate, the humid continental climate is a primarily Northern Hemispheric phenomena, since landmasses are absent at the significant latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere.