However, the climate is changing as it moves from west to east. The proximity of mountains and sea - that is the main cause of diversity. In general, the climate is shifting from the Mediterranean coast to the subtropical. The most important factor in the Black Sea coast resort of the Caucasus - a humid subtropical climate of the Mediterranean type. The period from the most comfortable for the rest weather lasts from 7 - 10 May 20 - 25 October. At these times each month indicated more than 20 days with the most favorable for treatment and rest the weather: temperature, humidity, wind speed and precipitation, cloudiness and sunshine are optimal for human proportions: 2200 - 2400 hours per year, the sun is shining for the warm period occurs only 8 -12 overcast days. Black Sea chain of the Caucasus mountains amphitheater surrounds the coastal strip, protecting it from penetration of cold winds from the north and east. Conversely, moist marine air comes freely from the west, softening the winter cold and summer heat. Together with the cyclones from the sea here comes a great amount of precipitation. For the Black Sea climate characterized by mild, with unstable weather rainy winters with monthly average air temperature +2, +8 ° C and very warm - with temperatures of +20, +24 ° C - summer, during which the prevailing steady clear and cloudless, dry weather. Daytime temperatures, even in winter sometimes rise up to +15, +20 ° C, and in summer - to a mark + 30, + 32 ° C. However, heat can be transferred easily, thanks to breezes and the proximity of the mountains. Average annual air temperature - +12, +14 ° C - the highest in Russia. Annual precipitation increases from 600 - 700 mm in the north to 1500 - 1600 mm in the south of the Black Sea, and on mountain slopes, even up to 2500 mm. But this should not disturb the rest: most of the precipitation falls during the cold season - from November to March. The driest months - May, June, July. Especially in the summer rain does not give particular problems - 1-2 hours of warm rain from the storm, and again the sun shines. After the rain refreshed the air filled with fragrance of flowers and pungent smell of healing needles of pines and cypresses.