Latitude, denoted φ, gives the location of a place on Earth north or south of the equator. Latitude is an angular measurement ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles.

Usually, the difference in latitude largely affects the climates or weathers of that region.

Other latitudes of particular importance are the tropic of Cancer (latitude 23°27' north), the tropic of Capricorn (latitude 23°27' south), the arctic circle (latitude 66°33' north) and the antarctic circle (latitude 66°33' south). Only at latitudes between the tropics is it possible for the sun to be at the zenith. Only north of the arctic circle or south of the antarctic circle is the midnight sun possible.

All locations of a given latitude are collectively referred to as a line of latitude or parallel, because they are coplanar, and all such planes are parallel to the equator. A line of latitude is approximately a small circle on the surface of the Earth; except at the equator, it is not a geodesic since the shortest route between two points at the same latitude usually involves moving further away from the equator.

Latitude more loosely determines tendencies in climate, aurora, prevailing winds, and other physical characteristics of geographic locations.

One minute of arc of latitude is approximately one nautical mile.

See also: