The amount of sunlight effects the temperature in mountainous areas, as does the altitude. The higher the altitude, the colder it is likely to be. Although areas exposed to bright sunlight warm quickly, they tend to chill just as quickly if the sun is blocked by a passing cloud or storm. Areas receiving intermittent sunlight will experience more frequent temperature variations than shady areas.
Because the temperature at the mountain's peak is lower than at sea level, mountainous areas receive more rainfall than lower, surrounding areas. This is called the rain shadow effect. Winds carry precipitation from the ocean, and the moist air rises when the mountain blocks its path. The air cools as it rises, allowing it to carry less moisture. The moisture leaves the clouds in the form of rain.
As the altitude, or height of the mountain, increases, the air becomes thinner and reduces its capability for absorbing and retaining heat. As altitude increases, air pressure decreases and also cools the rising air. Evaporation decreases as temperatures cool, leaving more moisture in the air. The thinner air's reduced capacity for retaining heat heightens the temperature variations caused by sunlight.
You can see snow year-round on the peaks of many mountains, such as the Rockies or Andes. Some mountains with snow on top may have a tropical climate near the bottom. This is possible because temperature falls as the altitude rises. In mountain ranges extending past the clouds, high wind and extremely low temperatures contribute to blizzards. Even some mountains at the equator have snow at higher altitudes.