Latitude or distance from the equator temperatures drop the further an area is from the equator due to the curvature of the earth. In areas closer to the poles, sunlight has a larger area of atmosphere to pass through and the sun is at a lower angle in the sky. At higher latitudes, the Sun's rays are less direct. The farther an area is from the equator, the lower its temperature. At the poles, the Sun's rays are least direct. Much of the area is covered with ice and snow, which reflect a lot of sunlight. Climate change is occurring faster in high-latitude regions due to the phenomenon of Arctic amplification, the positive feedback effects that spur further warming of the climate. As Sea ice reflects the sun's rays back into space, reflecting more heat than it absorbs, which helps keep the planet cool. At higher latitudes the temperature difference between summer and winter becomes more distinct. Near the north and south poles, the change in solar intensity and temperature between summer and winter is extreme.

Seasonal temperature changes are greatest in the mid-latitudes. This is because seasonal variations in temperature increase the further away from the equator you go on land. At higher latitudes, the Sun's rays are less direct. The farther an area is from the equator, the lower its temperature. At the poles, the Sun's rays are least direct. Much of the area is covered with ice and snow, which reflect a lot of sunlight. Because the angle of radiation varies depending on the latitude, surface temperatures on average are warmer at lower latitudes and cooler at higher latitudes. As you move further away from the Equator, seasonal changes become more severe, and the largest seasonal changes occur at the north and south poles and throughout the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Generally, the higher the latitude, the greater the range (difference between maximum and minimum) in solar radiation received over the year and the greater the difference from season to season. Low sun angle goes with shorter days and cooler temperatures. The closer a place is to the equator, the higher the average sun angle is. That is why the tropics are, well, tropical. Similarly, the low average sun angle at high latitudes gives those places an Arctic climate. During the summer, the sun's rays hit the Earth at a steep angle. The light does not spread out as much, thus increasing the amount of energy hitting any given spot. Also, the long daylight hours allow the Earth plenty of time to reach warm temperatures. There is a relationship between latitude and temperature around the world, as temperatures are typically warmer approaching the Equator and cooler approaching the Poles. There are variations, though, as other factors such as elevation, ocean currents, and precipitation affect climate patterns. The latitude and altitude affect the pressure and wind system. It causes changes in rainfall pattern and temperature. The regions that are far from the sea experience extreme weather conditions. There is a very high temperature in summers and very low in winters. The most important factor is latitude because different latitudes receive different amounts of solar radiation. The maximum annual temperature of the Earth, showing a roughly gradual temperature gradient from the low to the high latitudes. The Equator receives the most solar radiation.