Belarus climate is largely temperate continental. This is a direct result of Belarus proximity to the Baltic Sea which at it closest point is only 257 meters. Winters in Belarus can last anything between 105 and 145 days, and the summers are sligfhtly longer lasting up to 150 days. During January temperatures are well bellow freezing point with an average of -6°C, while the summers are characterised by high humidity levels and average temperatures of roughly 18°C. Belarus receives hefty amounts of precipitation that is often excessive although normal annual levels range between 550 to 700 millimetres.