As latitude increases, temperatures generally decrease due to less direct sunlight.

Latitude has a direct impact on temperature, with higher latitudes (closer to the poles) generally experiencing cooler temperatures. This occurs because sunlight reaches higher latitudes at a lower angle, spreading solar energy over a larger surface area and reducing heat intensity. In contrast, areas near the equator receive sunlight almost directly, resulting in consistently warmer temperatures. This trend explains why tropical regions, closer to zero latitude, are warm year-round, while polar regions, at higher latitudes, remain cold. This fundamental pattern helps shape diverse climate zones, from tropical to polar, across the globe.