Flexi Says: Air temperature falls at higher altitudes. Why does this happen? Since air is less dense at higher altitudes, its molecules are spread farther apart than they are at sea level. These molecules have fewer collisions, so they produce less heat. The peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Africa, 3° south latitude) is 6 kilometers (4 miles) above sea level. At 3°S, it’s very close to the Equator. At the bottom of the mountain, the temperature is high year-round while it is much cooler at the top due to which it is covered with snow.