Adana is located in the southern part of the Anatolian Peninsula, along the Mediterranean coast, between 36°30'–38°25' north latitude and 34°48'–36°41' east longitude, within the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Historically known by Westerners as part of Cilicia, Adana is considered the gateway to the Çukurova plain and is situated on the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean. This broad and fertile plain stretches along the southeastern slopes of the Taurus Mountains.

The road from Adana to Tarsus, located to the west of Çukurova, passes through the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. As elevation increases, the temperature drops. This route crosses the rocky Gülek Pass and leads toward the Central Anatolian Plateau.

To the north of the city lies the Seyhan Dam, completed in 1956. The dam was constructed both for hydroelectric power generation and for irrigating the low-lying lands of the Çukurova plain. Two major irrigation canals, running from east to west through the city center, provide water to the plains. Additionally, a separate canal was built to irrigate the Yüreğir Plain.

Adana is bordered by Kayseri to the north, Osmaniye to the east, Kahramanmaraş to the northeast, Hatay to the southeast, Niğde to the northwest, Mersin to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With approximately 160 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, the province covers an area of 14,125 square kilometers. The elevation of the city center is 23 meters above sea level.

Adana is surrounded by part of the Central Taurus Mountains and the Amanos Mountains. The Taurus range extends from west to east as far as Uzunyayla. These mountains reach heights of over 3,000 meters and are characterized by steep slopes and deep valleys. The Gülek Pass, one of the most important mountain passes in this region, connects Central Anatolia to the southern regions of Turkey.

The area between the Taurus and Amanos Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea is called Çukurova. The low-lying Misis Mountains divide the region into two parts: the southern section is known as the "Lower Plain" (Aşağı Ova), and the northern section is called the "Upper Plain" (Yukarı Ova).

Although there are many small streams within the provincial boundaries, the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers are the most significant waterways in Adana.