Which factor most influences the climate of an area?

Latitude is the most significant factor influencing the climate of an area because it determines the amount of solar energy received at the surface of the Earth. The position of a location relative to the Equator plays a crucial role in its temperature and seasonal variations.

As latitude increases from the Equator towards the poles, the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth becomes more oblique, leading to cooler temperatures. Areas closer to the Equator typically experience warmer climates and less variation in temperature throughout the year, while those near the poles endure colder conditions and more pronounced seasonal changes.

Although altitude can affect temperature and climate, particularly in mountainous regions, and proximity to water bodies can moderate temperature fluctuations, latitude is the foundational factor that significantly dictates general climate patterns on a global scale. Human activity can also influence local climates through urbanization and greenhouse gas emissions, but these effects stem from underlying climatic conditions established by latitude.