| Level | Polar region | Temperate region | Tropical region |
| High clouds | 3 - 8 km | 5 - 13 km | 6 - 18 km |
| Middle clouds | 2 - 4 km | 2 - 7 km | 2 - 8 km |
| Low clouds | Surface-2 km | Surface-2 km | Surface-2 km |