Why do temperate grasslands have larger seasonal temperature changes than tropical grasslands?

Temperate grasslands experience larger seasonal temperature changes than tropical grasslands primarily due to their higher latitudes and the resulting variation in solar radiation.12

Because of the Earth’s axis tilt, regions at higher latitudes experience a more pronounced difference in the angle of sunlight between summer and winter. In temperate zones, this leads to significant fluctuations in the amount of solar energy absorbed throughout the year, creating distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters.13

In contrast, tropical grasslands are located near the Equator, where sunlight strikes the surface more consistently year-round. This steady solar input results in minimal temperature variation, often causing the seasonal temperature range in the tropics to be less than the daily (diurnal) temperature range. Additionally, the effect of continentality—the tendency of land surfaces to experience greater temperature ranges than water—further amplifies these seasonal extremes in temperate grassland regions compared to more stable tropical environments.1342