The Iroquois lived in a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons. This region, primarily located in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and warm, humid summers.
The long winters required the Iroquois to adapt their living conditions and food storage methods, which included techniques for preserving food for the cold months. During the warmer seasons, they thrived on agriculture, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash, known as the ‘Three Sisters.’ The varying climate also played a crucial role in their hunting and gathering practices, providing them with abundant resources during different times of the year.