Gorski kotar is a karst plateau with an average elevation of 700 m to 900 m. From the plateau, mountains rise to over 1,500 m. While the ascent from the Kvarner Gulf is very steep, the access to Gorski kotar from the continental Croatia is much easier and more gradual. Such geographical situation has a strong impact on the climate. In generally, it can be said that the mountain climate found here is largely determined and modified by the relief, with average monthly temperatures dropping below zero in January (-2°C), February (-0.8°C) and December (-0.5°C), and the average annual temperature being 7.16°C. During the summer months, the temperatures rise highest in the valley of the Kupa river. Certainly the most characteristic feature of the climate in Gorski kotar is snow. Together with some other climatic factors, it has defined a number of characteristic aspects of the life there. So, for example, the houses are traditionally built with steep gable roofs, and their outside walls are regularly insulated, i.e. protected from dampness. The people tend to be withdrawn and reserved, which could be ascribed to long and cold winters, when, throughout the past, there used to be little communication among them. The winters in Gorski kotar are severe and snowy (at average, snow falls 106 days a year). The summers are short, fresh and very pleasant for outdoor activities. The humidity is high, which stimulates the growth of forests, but is also a cause of frequent fogs. As a result of the so-called orographic precipitation (caused by the presence of mountains), the average annual rainfall is 2,079 mm. In terms of landscapes, the so-called "green karst" is predominant:

 

Limestone and dolomite rocks are covered with a thin layer of soil, whose chemical composition and depth create favourable conditions for the growth of beech, spruce and fir trees (they all have shallow roots). The lie of the land and the direction of air currents ensure sufficient water, i.e. precipitation. Thanks to all these factors, the entire area is abundantly green, which has a relaxing effect on people. It is interesting to note that constant circulation of the air is believed to take away fatigue and sharpen the senses.