Temperature
The average temperature in the tundra is below freezing for most of the year. The average winter temperature is -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) and the average summer temperature is 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). The extreme low temperature in the tundra can reach -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit).
Precipitation
The tundra receives very little precipitation. The average annual precipitation is less than 250 mm (10 inches). Most of the precipitation falls as snow in the winter.
Permafrost
Permafrost is permanently frozen ground. It is found in the tundra because the ground temperature is always below freezing. The permafrost can be up to hundreds of meters thick.
Vegetation
The vegetation in the tundra is sparse. The most common plants are mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. Trees cannot grow in the tundra because the temperatures are too cold.
Animals
The animals that live in the tundra are adapted to the cold climate. Some of the common animals include caribou, reindeer, wolves, foxes, bears, and birds.
The tundra is a challenging environment for life, but it is home to a unique community of plants and animals.