As a fellow Island nation I would argue that the UK also has similar extremes.

The large amount of deciduous trees around means that Spring is noticeable, from the early snowdrops of February right through to Easter. Daffodils coat the landscape only to be followed up by Bluebell-carpeted woodlands. We also have large amounts of Cherry Blossom! Eccentric village traditions dot the landscape, from cheese rolling to well dressing.

Summer brings with it the end of the Football season and high levels of humidity if not temperature. Rains blow in across the Atlantic as much as warm air from the south. The coast comes alive as families seek to escape the cities and lawn sports take off.

The Autumn is everywhere again thanks to those trees with a traditional ‘Indian Summer’ of late September heat giving way to harvest festivals and the annual Guy Fawkes Night closing the season. There is an abundance of local produce, from Apples to root vegetables.

The festive season of December gives way to the bitter cold of January. Snow is guaranteed in the Scottish highlands but will be seen further south in England too. There will be one or two days of snow that bring the whole country to a standstill.