Why has California and New York got such different climates.They are not really that far apart as Latitudes.?

Question

I thought the further away from the equator you went the colder it got.New York is not a terrible way further from the equator as cali.

Answer 1

It is not only latitude that affects climate but also:
Distance From The Sea
Ocean Currents
Direction of Prevailing Winds
Altitude
Proximity To The Equator
The El Nino Phenomenon

These factors in California are markedly different from those in New York.

Answer 2

The prevailing winds in California come from across the Pacific, moderating the climate relative to New York where the prevailing winds come across the continent.

Answer 3

Southern New York State, where NY City is, lines up with NORTHERN California -- not sunny LA

Also the jet stream/trade winds do make a difference.

Answer 4

The east and west coasts of the united states are affected by two completely different weather systems. The east coast is controlled more by the jet stream and converging high/low pressure systems, while the west coast is primarily controlled by pacific ocean temp.

Answer 5

The Pacific Ocean...plus the weather typically goes west to east.

Answer 6

Wind and weather patterns I presume.