Mysore is located at 12°18′N 76°39′E / 12.30°N 76.65°E / 12.30; 76.65 and has an average altitude of 770 metres (2,526 ft).It is situated in the southern region of the state of Karnataka, at the base of the Chamundi Hills and spreads across an area of 128.42 km2 (50 sq mi).

The summer season is from March to June, followed by the monsoon season from July to November and the winter season from December to February. The highest temperature recorded in Mysore was 38.5 °C (101 °F) on May 4, 2006 and in winter, temperatures as low as 9.6 °C (49 °F) have been recorded. The average annual rainfall received by the city is 798.2 mm (31 in).

The best time to visit Mysore is between September to March.