Due to the city`s high northern latitude, its daylight period varies drastically through the year. At its shortest, at the winter solstice, the day lasts less than seven hours, whereas at its longest, at the summer solstice, Moscow`s daylight period extends beyond eighteen hours. As a result, Moscow is exposed to cold winters, warm and mild summers, and very brief spring and autumn seasons. Typical high temperatures in the warm months of July and August are around 20°C (68°F); in the winter, temperatures normally drop to approximately -12°C (10°F).[10] Monthly rainfall totals vary minimally throughout the year, although the precipitation levels tend to be higher during the summer than during the winter. Due to the significant variation in temperature between the winter and summer months as well as the limited fluctuation in precipitation levels during the summer, Moscow is considered to be within a continental climate zone.