The Atlantic spans from the Arctic to the Antarctic, creating distinct climate regions:
| Zone | Latitude Range | Sea‑Surface Temp | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Atlantic | Near equator | 26–29 °C (79–84 °F) | Warm, humid year‑round; hurricane nursery. |
| Subtropical Atlantic | ~23.5°–35° | 18–24 °C (64–75 °F) | Warm summers, mild winters; Bermuda‑Azores high. |
| Temperate Atlantic | ~35°–55° | 4–12 °C (39–54 °F) | Four distinct seasons; Gulf Stream moderates Europe. |
| Subpolar Atlantic | ~55°–66° | −2–4 °C (28–39 °F) | Long winters, short cool summers; Labrador Current. |
| Polar / Arctic Atlantic | Above 66° | Below freezing | Sea ice dominant; months of darkness/light. |
Local variations arise from currents (Gulf Stream, Canary, Benguela), upwelling, wind patterns, and proximity to continents.