No, cloud forests are not typically considered "cold," although they maintain cool and humid conditions.
Cloud forests exist in mountainous tropical and subtropical regions and are characterized by persistent, frequent or seasonal low-level cloud cover, usually at the canopy level. A key factor defining cloud forests is the presence of consistent moisture from clouds and fog. While these forests are humid, their temperatures are moderate.
The mean temperature in cloud forests generally ranges between 8 and 20 °C (46.4 and 68 °F). This temperature range indicates a relatively mild climate, certainly not "cold" in the typical sense. The consistent cloud cover and high humidity contribute to the cool, moist environment, but the temperature remains moderate.
Key aspects of cloud forest climate:
- Temperature: 8-20°C (46.4-68°F) mean temperature.
- Rainfall: 500 to 10,000 mm/year. The moisture arrives primarily as fog drip, where fog condenses on tree leaves.
- Humidity: High humidity levels due to persistent cloud cover.
Therefore, while cloud forests are cool and humid, they are not accurately described as cold environments.
