Why is hail rare in cold climates but is more common than snow in subtropical/tropical climates?

Question

Why is hail rare in cold climates but is more common than snow in subtropical/tropical climates?

Answer 1

Puma is correct.  Hail, thunderstorms, tornadoes and tropical storms all result from warm moist air rising; convection.  So they're all far more common in warm conditions, and especially when there's warm moist air near the ground and cooler dry air higher up.  And warm air can hold much more moisture than cool air.

Answer 2

Hail needs warm, unstable air to generate the strong updrafts required. This is why hail, when it occurs in cool climates, is a summer phenomenon. Hail never occurs in winter, unless your area experiences very mild winters.