Climate Zones
Did you know that Earth has different climate zones? Some places are hot all year, some are cold all year, and some have all four seasons! Let's explore our amazing planet and learn about climate zones.
Weather vs. Climate: What's the Difference?
Weather Changes Every Day, Climate Stays the Same!
Weather is what's happening outside RIGHT NOW. Climate is the weather pattern in a place over MANY years.
🌤️ Weather
- Changes every day
- Short-term (hours or days)
- "It's raining today"
- "It's sunny this morning"
- Can be predicted for about a week
🌍 Climate
- Stays mostly the same
- Long-term (many years)
- "It rains a lot here"
- "Summers are always hot"
- Patterns over 30+ years
The Three Main Climate Zones
Earth has three main climate zones. They are named based on how warm or cold they are!
Earth's Climate Zones from North to South
The Equator is an imaginary line around the middle of Earth. Places near the Equator get the most sunlight!
Tropical Zone
- Near the Equator
- Gets the most direct sunlight
- Hot and often rainy
- Rainforests and jungles
- No winter season
Examples: Amazon Rainforest, Hawaii, Thailand
Temperate Zone
- Between tropical and polar
- Has all four seasons
- Warm summers, cold winters
- Forests and grasslands
- Most people live here!
Examples: United States, Europe, Japan
Polar Zone
- At the North and South Poles
- Gets least direct sunlight
- Very cold and icy
- Tundra and ice sheets
- Long, dark winters
Examples: Antarctica, Arctic, Northern Canada
What Affects Climate?
Several things work together to create a place's climate. Let's explore the main factors!
Distance from Equator
Places near the Equator get more direct sunlight and are warmer.
Altitude (Height)
Mountains are colder than valleys, even near the Equator!
Near the Ocean
Oceans keep nearby land cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Wind Patterns
Winds carry warm or cold air from other places.
Ocean Currents
Ocean water moves in currents that bring warm or cold water to coasts.
Land Features
Mountains, deserts, and forests all affect local climate.
Climate and Living Things
Animals and plants are adapted to live in their climate zone. They have special features that help them survive!
Animals in Different Climate Zones
Tropical Adaptations
- Bright colors to attract mates
- Can live in trees (rainforest homes)
- Active all year (no hibernation)
- Plants have big leaves for rain
Temperate Adaptations
- Fur or feathers that change with seasons
- Some hibernate in winter
- Store food for cold months
- Trees lose leaves in fall
Polar Adaptations
- Thick fur or blubber to stay warm
- White coloring to hide in snow
- Can survive with little food
- Plants grow close to ground
Explore the Climate Zones
Click on each zone to learn more about it!
Click a Climate Zone to Learn More!
Click a zone above to learn more!
Each climate zone has its own special features, animals, and plants.
Sort the Animals!
Click on an animal, then click the zone where it lives. Can you sort them all correctly?
Click an animal, then click its climate zone!
Tropical Zone
Temperate Zone
Polar Zone
Practice Questions
Test what you've learned about climate zones!
Question 1: What is the difference between weather and climate?
Question 2: Which climate zone is near the Equator and hot all year?
Question 3: Which climate zone has all four seasons?
Question 4: Why are mountain tops cold even near the Equator?
Question 5: Which animal would you find in the Polar Zone?
Climate Zone Quiz Challenge!
How many questions can you answer correctly? Try to get a perfect score!
Quiz Time!
Check Your Understanding
Why do polar animals often have white fur?
What keeps places near the ocean from getting too hot or too cold?
If a scientist wants to study animals that hibernate in winter, which zone should they visit?
What We Learned
Weather vs Climate
Weather changes daily; climate is the pattern over many years.
Three Zones
Tropical (hot), Temperate (seasons), Polar (cold).
Climate Factors
Latitude, altitude, and oceans all affect climate.
Adaptations
Animals and plants are adapted to their climate zone.
Next Steps
- Look outside and describe today's weather - is it typical for your climate?
- Research an animal from a different climate zone and learn about its adaptations
- Find your location on a world map and identify your climate zone
- Think about how your life would be different in another climate zone