The duchy of Luxembourg experiences a temperate and mild climate, with generally cool summer and cold – though never severely so – winters. Mean temperature is 17° C (63° F ) in summer and about 0° C (32° F ) in winter. Thanks to the imposing presence of the high peaks of the Ardennes, the country is protected from rigorous north winds. In contrast, the prevailing northwesterly winds have a cooling effect. Luxemburg receives abundant amounts of rainfall, especially in its in the extreme southwest areas. As whole, Luxembourg averages about 75 cm (30 in) of precipitation annually.