Desert climates are known for extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, with hot days and much cooler nights.

A key characteristic of desert climates is the extreme temperature fluctuation between day and night. During the day, temperatures can soar to over 100°F (38°C) in many desert regions due to the intense solar radiation. However, at night, the lack of cloud cover and moisture in the air allows heat to quickly escape, causing temperatures to drop significantly. This drastic difference in temperature between day and night is a hallmark of deserts, like the Sahara or the Mojave. These fluctuations, combined with minimal rainfall, make deserts harsh and challenging environments for both plants and animals.