Ourense, the capital of the province of the same name in Galicia, sits in a deep valley of the Mino River at 128 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountains that partly shield it from oceanic influence. Its climate is transitional oceanic-Mediterranean, with warmer and drier summers than the rest of Galicia. The annual average temperature is about 14.5 °C, with summer highs that can exceed 34 °C and winter lows around 2 °C.
Annual rainfall is approximately 772 mm, with a more pronounced dry summer season than in coastal Galicia. The enclosed valley position favours temperature extremes: Ourense frequently records the highest summer temperatures in Galicia and suffers considerable frosts in winter. The city is famous for its thermal springs, evidence of the geothermal heat in the area. Fog in the Mino valley is common in autumn and winter.