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The climate in Luxembourg

Generally around the country

In Luxembourg, the climate is not homogeneous. It can roughly be defined as temperate maritime that is characterised by mild winters and not too hot summers. Average annual temperatures ranging from -2.6°C to 21.6°C confirm this.

However, the oceanic climate competes with the continental one of the East European Plain.

The oceanic climate manifests itself by rainy weather at any time of the year, while the continental climate — by frosty dry winters.

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The summer months are sunny, and July is the hottest month. People can enjoy the Indian summer in Luxembourg in September and October. In winter, the air temperature ranges from +3°C to -6°C. The coldest month is January.

But the relief features affect the climate, too. The north of Luxembourg is mountainous, while the southern part is flat since most of it is occupied by the Luxembourg Plateau. Accordingly, in the north, the temperature will be 2°-3°C lower than in the south.

Differences between the regions

The Grand Duchy is divided into two regions: the Oesling in the north and the Guttland in the south. Let’s take a closer look at them.

The Oesling comprises three northern cantons: Clervaux, Vianden and Wiltz. Partially, it also includes Diekirch and Rodange. The Guttland consists of Echternach, Grevenmacher, Remich, Chapelin, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg and Mersch.

The area on the border between the Oesling and the Guttland is one of the main agricultural regions of the country due to its rich and diverse soil.

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The Oesling

The climate of the Oesling is harsher than in other parts of the country. In the northern part of the region, the weather is the coldest and most humid than throughout the whole of Luxembourg. On the border of France, Belgium and Luxembourg, there are the Ardennes — a mountain system and a region of extensive forests. In winter, it often snows there.

Comparing the Oesling with the Guttland, one will find that it is more hilly and covered with birch, oak, and pine forests.

The Guttland

The Guttland literally translates as ‘good land’. Consisting of fields, meadows, vineyards and forests, the relief is mostly flat. However, the Guttland is more urbanised than the Oesling. As a result, there are fewer forests since they grow in the northern part of the region. The climate is milder and temperature fluctuations are less pronounced.

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