The annual range of the Sun is the difference between its maximum and minimum elevations in the sky during a year, as observed from any location on Earth. This range is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis, which causes the Sun's apparent position in the sky to vary throughout the year.

The maximum elevation of the Sun occurs at the summer solstice, when the Earth's axis is tilted towards the Sun and the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The minimum elevation of the Sun occurs at the winter solstice, when the Earth's axis is tilted away from the Sun and the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky.

The annual range of the Sun varies depending on the latitude of the location. At the equator, the Sun's elevation does not vary significantly throughout the year, and the annual range is small. At higher latitudes, the Sun's elevation varies more dramatically, and the annual range is greater.

For example, in New York City (latitude 40.7° N), the Sun's elevation ranges from 23.5° at the winter solstice to 66.5° at the summer solstice, for an annual range of 43°. In Miami (latitude 25.8° N), the Sun's elevation ranges from 23.5° at the winter solstice to 80.5° at the summer solstice, for an annual range of 57°.

The annual range of the Sun is an important factor in determining the amount of sunlight that a location receives during the year. The greater the annual range, the more the amount of sunlight varies throughout the year.