A microclimate is the local climate of an area that can be as small as a garden, a hillside, or an urban street. It can differ significantly from the surrounding climate due to factors such as sun exposure, wind shelter, proximity to water bodies, or vegetation.
Examples
A south-facing slope in Spain receives more solar radiation and is warmer than a north-facing one. The inner courtyards of Córdoba create a cool microclimate through evaporation. Urban heat islands are city-scale microclimates. In agriculture, identifying microclimates allows choosing adapted crops: quality vineyards exploit specific microclimates of slope, altitude, and aspect.