The valley is located about 209 m below sea level; its approximate surface area is 166 square km. The valley measures about 21 km from north to south and 11 km from east to west, having a pear-shape. The winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 14°C in January. The precipitation - almost 300 mm falls, in the course of a winter of less than 50 days – as brief but violent showers. The absence of freezing temperatures has facilitated different agricultural cultivation.
The summers are hot, with temperatures averaging 34°C. Temperature may peak over 40°C.