Temperatures during the arctic winter can dip to -60º F (-51º C)! Average temperature of the warmest month is between 50ºF (10ºC) and 32º F (0ºC). Sometimes as few as 55 days per year have a mean temperature higher than 32ºF (0ºC). The average annual temperature is only 10º to 20ºF (-12ºC to -6ºC). Obviously this significantly restricts plant growth and limits the diversity of living creatures. All of the plants are adapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of the soil. Plants are short and group together to resist the cold temperature.