The main climate-forming factors are:

1) Solar radiation

Sunshine is a major factor in shaping climate, as the thermal effect of radiation determines its character to the greatest extent. It heats the soil and objects, which in turn radiate heat and heat the air. Warming, as a factor, depends on the duration and intensity of solar radiation.

The angle of incidence of the sun's rays varies in different parts of the Earth and depends on the geographical position of the area relative to the equator. It is at the equator that direct solar radiation strikes the surface at a near right angle. As the latitude, and therefore the angle, increases, the sun's rays pass through a thicker part of the atmosphere, whereby more of them are refracted or reflected.

2) Atmospheric circulation

Atmospheric circulation influences climate through permanent and periodic winds, as well as through the effects of cyclones and anticyclones. It is closely linked to and determined by solar radiation. In different parts of the Earth, under relatively uniform natural conditions, the air acquires specific properties characteristic of the region concerned. Such uniform air formed over a large area, usually of several thousand square kilometres, is called air mass. There are 4 types of air masses:
- Equatorial
- Tropical
- At temperate latitudes
- Arctic (Antarctic)

Depending on the temperature of the underlying surface over which they are located or pass, they are warm or cold. When air masses of different temperature and humidity meet, they collide with each other and the boundary in contact is called an atmospheric front. There are 3 types of atmospheric fronts:
- Topley
- Cold
- Occlusion - when cold and warm air masses merge

Changes in atmospheric pressure distribution create conditions for both horizontal and circular movement of air masses. Cyclones and anticyclones are thus formed:
- In cyclones the weather is cloudy, windy and with precipitation
- In anticyclones, the weather is relatively stable - hot in summer and cold in winter

3) The underlying ground surface

This is the topography, the presence of water bodies, vegetation, etc. The impact of solar radiation and air circulation also depends on the underlying land surface. Therefore, it is also a major factor shaping the climate.