The temperate grassland's climate depends greatly on how close it is to the equator or oceans. The grasslands of the Northern Hemisphere lie half way between the North Pole and the equator. These grasslands are also inland and unaffected by the ocean. Inland steppe and prairie temperatures are very hot in the summer and can rise above 100° F (38° C). Steppes and prairies are also very cold in the winter, as well. For example, temperatures at Winnipeg in Canada can be as cold as -10° F (-23° C).

Steppes and prairies receive relatively small amounts of rainfall annually, about 12-20 inches (30-51 centimeters). Most falls in the summer during the early summer hail and thunderstorms. During the winter the steppes and prairies remain dry. Remaining moisture from the summer forms into light snow. Southern temperate grasslands, which are closer to the ocean than steppes and prairies, have mild winters and more evenly spread rainfall throughout the year.