The effect of climate on suicide in 17 Italian towns between 1974-94 were studied. Northern towns had higher suicide rates than Southern locations, but no correlation was found with longitude. Exposure to the sun & temperature had negative relationships with female suicide rates. Higher suicide rates corresponded to dry places with less sun. The author suggests these differences could be the result of disorders that are linked seasonally (e.g. SAD), circadian rhythms, or serotonin. (73 refs.)