As elevation increases, temperature generally decreases.

Increasing elevation leads to a decrease in temperature due to the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes. This cooling effect occurs because the air becomes less dense and retains less heat as elevation rises. On average, temperatures drop by about 3.5°F (or 6.5°C per 1,000 meters) for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, a phenomenon known as the environmental lapse rate. This cooling with altitude is why mountainous regions experience cooler temperatures year-round compared to lowland areas at similar latitudes, significantly impacting local climates and ecosystems.