Jaén, the capital of the province of the same name in Andalusia, sits at the foot of Santa Catalina hill at 573 metres above sea level, in a transition zone between the Guadalquivir depression and the Baetic mountain ranges. Its climate is continental Mediterranean, with very hot summers and moderately cold winters. The annual average temperature is around 16.5 °C, with summer highs exceeding 35 °C and winter lows of about 4 °C.
Annual rainfall totals approximately 590 mm, higher than other Andalusian capitals, distributed between autumn and spring. The altitude gives it colder winters than the Guadalquivir valley capitals, with occasional frosts. Snowfall is exceptional. Jaén enjoys over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. Summer convective storms can generate intense rainfall. The olive groves surrounding the city testify to a climate that combines summer heat with sufficient moisture during the transitional seasons.