Jagged Peak is located 125 kilometres (78 mi) west of Christchurch on the South Island.

The nearest higher peak is Mount Arrowsmith, three kilometres to the southwest.

[5] Prevailing westerly winds blow moist air from the Tasman Sea onto the mountains, where the air is forced upward by the mountains (orographic lift), causing moisture to drop in the form of rain or snow.

This climate supports the Jagged, Lawrence, and Cameron glaciers surrounding the peak.

The months of December through February offer the most favourable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.