Quito sits very close to the equator, yet its altitude keeps the air mild.

The longer version

Temperature falls as elevation rises, roughly a few degrees per thousand metres of climb. A city near sea level at the same latitude would be hot and humid, but one built high in the mountains escapes that. Thin air also means strong daytime sun and cooler nights, with wide swings between them.

Daily temperature swings can exceed seasonal ones, since the sun's path changes little through the year. Near the equator there is no strong summer or winter; instead wet and dry periods are set by shifting wind belts. Altitude sickness affects visitors until they adjust, because the air holds less oxygen per breath.

Where this entry sits

These facts wander across maps, borders, deserts, rivers, mountains, and the extreme corners of the natural world. Each one is short and self-contained, offering a small surprise about places you may never visit rather than anything you actually need. The full list sits on the Geography page, where every entry is listed in order.