Ireland has a mild climate with temperatures that do not vary greatly across the country. It is influenced by the Gulf Stream, and prevailing winds are from the southwest. Winters are cold but not unbearable, with January and February temperatures between 4-7 degrees Celsius. July and August are the warmest months at 14-16 degrees, while May and June are usually sunny. Rainfall averages 800-1200mm annually in lowlands and over 2000mm in mountains, with higher rainfall in western parts of the country.