Climate Zones Around the World

Climate is the pattern of weather a place has over many years. Different parts of the world have very different climates, mainly because of how close they are to the equator, and whether they are near the sea or sheltered by mountains. Remember the difference: weather changes from day to day, but climate is the long-term average that you can rely on year after year.

Why is it hotter near the equator? It is because of the curved shape of the Earth. Near the equator, the Sun's rays strike the ground almost straight on, so their heat is concentrated on a small area. Near the poles, the same rays hit at a slant and spread out over a much bigger area, so each patch of ground gets far less warmth. That is the real reason the poles are cold and the middle of the planet is hot.