The location of the Earth in its orbit combined with the tilt of the axis determines if the sunlight is striking an area directly or indirectly. This will determine the amount of solar energy the Earth receives from the sun and the season.
When sunlight strikes an area directly, it travels in a more concentrated manner, resulting in warmer temperatures. In contrast, when sunlight strikes indirectly, it spreads over a larger area, leading to cooler temperatures. The tilt of the Earth's axis (approximately 23.5 degrees) is primarily responsible for the changing seasons, as it affects the angle and duration of sunlight received at different latitudes throughout the year.