Several factors influence the rate of photosynthesis in plants, including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. Higher light intensity typically increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point, after which it may plateau. Similarly, increased carbon dioxide levels enhance the photosynthetic process until other limiting factors come into play. Temperature also plays a critical role; enzymes involved in photosynthesis operate optimally within a specific temperature range. Additionally, water availability is essential, as it is a fundamental reactant in the photosynthetic equation.