Most of the province and its intermontane valleys have an arid climate. Within these valleys which includes the provincial capital, the climate is characterized by its extreme aridity, large thermal amplitudes (different between day and night temperatures) and strong northeastern winds. The region is characterized by abundant sunshine with winds predominantly coming from the northeast and southeast. Nonetheless, there is large variation between different locations owing to differences in altitude and differences in the relief and altitudes of the surrounding mountains that enclose the valleys. Mean annual precipitation ranges from in the eastern parts of the region (some areas receive more than ) to less than in the west. In the arid valleys, mean annual precipitation is around . Most of the precipitation occurs during summer, falling as short but heavy bursts with the rest of the year being dry. Mean annual temperatures range between with eastern and central parts having mean annual temperatures of . In summer, the mean temperature is although they can reach up to . Winters, with a mean temperature of are characterized by frequent frosts. Locations in the west experience colder winters due to their higher altitudes with temperatures that can decrease to . During winter, the Zonda wind occasionally occurs, leading to very dry conditions that can lead to dust storms.