Five factors that affect climate are discussed: 1) Latitude - as latitude increases, average annual temperature decreases. Places closer to the equator are warmer. 2) Proximity to large bodies of water - bodies of water moderate temperatures, creating cooler summers and warmer winters. 3) Orographic effect - windward sides receive more precipitation while leeward sides receive less as winds are forced to higher elevations. 4) Elevation - as elevation increases, average annual temperature decreases with colder temperatures at higher elevations. 5) Ocean currents - warm currents result in warmer climates while cold currents create cooler climates.