Climate

From BonsaiWIKI

Climate is the typical weather pattern for an area. Climates might generally be described as temperate, desert or tropical, among others. From a grower's standpoint the minimum winter temperature, length of the growing season, humidity and rainfall will all influence the types of plants that may be grown and the timing of certain seasonal activities.

USDA Zones provide some insight into climate, but they are of limited use because they capture only average minimum winter temperatures, and say nothing about the length of the growing season and how warm it gets, and nothing about rainfall or humidity, so be careful about comparing them - even if you're in the same Zone as someone else.