Vadodara is located at 22.30° N 73.19° E in western India at an elevation of 39 metres (123 feet). It is the 18th largest city of the India with an area of 148.95 km² and a population of 1.6 Millions according to 2001 Census. The city sits on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, in central Gujarat. The Vishwamitri frequently dries up in the summer, leaving only a small stream of water. The city is located between the furtile platue between Mahi & Narmada River. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, the town falls under seismic zone-III, in a scale of I to V (in order of increasing proneness to earthquakes).

There are three main seasons: Summer, Monsoon and winter. Aside from the monsoon season, the climate is dry. The weather is hot through the months of March to July — the average summer maximum is 36 °C (97 °F), and the average minimum is 23 °C (73 °F). From November to February, the average maximum temperature is 30 °C (85 °F), the average minimum is 15 °C (59 °F), and the climate is extremely dry.

Cold northerly winds are responsible for a mild chill in January. The southwest monsoon brings a humid climate from mid-June to mid-September. The average rainfall is 93 cm (36.7 inches), but infrequent heavy torrential rains cause the river to flood. The highest temperature recorded is 46 °C (116.6 °F) and the lowest is 1 °C (41 °F). In recent years, Vadodara has suffered from increasing air, water and soil pollution from neighboring industrial areas.

Vadodara is divided by the Vishwamitri into two physically distinct eastern and western regions. The eastern bank of the river houses the old city, which includes the old fortified city of Vadodara. This part of Vadodara is characterised by packed bazaars, the clustered and barricaded pol system of shanty buildings, and numerous places of worship. It houses the General Post Office and landmark buildings like Laxmi Vilas Palace, Mandvi and Nyay Mandier. The colonial period saw the expansion of the city to the western side of Vishwamitri. This part of the city houses educational institutions like Maharaja Sayajirao University, Railway Station, modern buildings, well-planned residential areas, shopping malls, multiplexes and new business districts centred around R. C. Dutt Road, Alkapuri and more recently, the Old Padra Road.

Winter Temperature: Max 29 °C, Min 9 °C

Summer Temperature: Max 46 °C, Min 24 °C

Rainfall (mid-June to mid-September): 931.9 mm

Lowest Recorded Temperature: 1 °C

Highest Recorded Temperature: 47 °C