Central Chile has a Mediterranean climate that is approximately that of southern France or California. Summers (Dec – Mar) are exceptionally pleasant, with near absence of cloudy days, low humidity and temperatures rarely rising above 32°C. Spring (Sept – Dec) and Autumn (Mar – Jun) are mild and temperatures often match Summer levels, although rain is more recurrent. Winters (Jun – Sept) are on the whole, wet and murky, and temperatures occasionally plunge below freezing levels. Snow falls regularly in the Andes between June and September and sometimes in eastern parts of the capital. The skiing season generally begins in early July, although August has usually more reliable snowfalls. For other activities, the best time to go to Santiago is between early September and late February.