Belgrade lies at the crossing of the communication lines between Eastern and Western Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It rises on the banks of the Sava and the Danube and the two rivers run along three sides of the city.

The geographic coordinates of Belgrade are:
- 44°49'14'' North geographic latitude,
- 20°27'44'' East geographic longitude,
- average elevation 116,75 m. Belgrade also combines two different natural settings: the Panonian Plane with wheat and corn fields to the north, and Šumadija, with its vineyards and orchards, to the South of the Sava and the Danube. The most prominent peaks on the Šumadija border ridge are Mt. Kosmaj (628 m) and Mt. Avala (511 m).

The accented relief of Belgrade, to the south of the Sava and the Danube are the reason why this is a rather hilly city. The Holy Trinity Church on Torlak Hill (303,1 m) has the highest elevation in the Belgrade urban zone (Voždovac Municipality), whilst the lowest one is the Ada Huja Isle (70,15 m)

The Belgrade climate is moderate continental, with four seasons. The average annual air temperature is 11,9°C. Autumn is longer than spring, with lengthy sunny and warm periods (Indian summer). Winter is not particularly harsh, and averages 21 one days with below zero temperatures. January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 0,40°C. Spring is rather short and rainy. Summer starts abruptly. The hottest months are July (21,7°C) and August (21,3°C).

Belgrade has a characteristic south-eastern and eastern wind called "košava", which brings fair and dry weather. It is most frequent in the fall and winter, lasting for 2-3 days. The average košava speed is 25-43 km/h, particularly when there is a high air pressure over Ukraine and Bessarabia, and low pressure over the Adriatic Sea.

Belgrade has an annual average of 139 days with precipitation, including 27 days of snow. The most intense precipitations are in May and June, and in February they are the least. One-day rains are most frequent. The annual average of precipitations is 667,9 mm. The snow blanket averages 30 to 44 days, and its average thickness is 14-25 cm.

Belgrade's position is strategically important; the city is located at the intersection of European highway and railway networks connecting Europe with Asia. Belgrade Airport serves 17 airlines with scheduled flights to and from major European cities as well as New York City and the Middle East. Belgrade is guarded by the ancient Roman fortress of Kalemegdan, at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The fortress provides a dramatic backdrop for cultural events, concerts, and open air films. Belgrade's main pedestrian street, Knez Mihailova, is alive with trendy shops and cafes. For a quieter experience, Belgraders retire to the cobblestone streets of Skadarlija, the old Bohemian quarter. Skadarlija is a place without pretension. Restaurants still prepare meals on wood fired stoves and traditional brass bands roam the streets. Sophisticated visitors must experience the renowned Belgrade's Opera house or enjoy the night at the ballet.