microclimate

noun

mi·​cro·​cli·​mate ˈmī-krō-ˌklī-mət 

: the essentially uniform local climate of a usually small site or habitat

microclimatic

ˌmī-krō-klī-ˈma-tik 

adjective

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The microclimate of an industrial park may be quite different from that of a nearby wooded park, since the plants absorb light and heat while asphalt parking lots and rooftops radiate them back into the air. A microclimate can offer a small growing area for crops that wouldn't do well in the wider region, so skilled gardeners take advantage of microclimates by carefully choosing and positioning their plants. San Francisco's hills, oceanfront, and bay shore, along with its alternating areas of concrete and greenery, make it a city of microclimates.

Examples of microclimate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The technology uses air to maintain a dry microclimate by evaporating sweat from the inside out, promoting evaporative cooling, per Polartec. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

At 1,952 to 2,034 feet above sea level, a cool microclimate preserves acidity and aromatic intensity, and ferrous clay soils with underlying conglomerate rock provide excellent drainage and a distinctive mineral profile. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025

Yet the state's high-elevation vineyards, some perched at over 4,000 feet above sea level, create microclimates suited for viticulture. —Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

That’s why basil, which thrives in Liguria’s coastal microclimate, is the star of Genovese pesto. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for microclimate

• climate
• sublimate