It is the third-largest metropolitan region in Northern California, behind the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Sacramento.

In more recent years, statewide droughts in California have further strained both the Fresno metropolitan area's and the entire Central Valley's water security.

Along with Sacramento, it is the economic center of California's interior and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with the region having a growth of over 20% since 2000.

Since 2010, statewide droughts in California have further strained both the Fresno metropolitan area's and the entire Central Valley's water security.

Several waterways traverse the region, including the San Joaquin and Kings rivers, the Delta-Mendota and Madera canals, and the California Aqueduct, providing water to crops.

December is the coolest month, with an average of 53.4 °F (11.9 °C) during the day in downtown Fresno while summer temperatures can reach 110 °F (43.3 °C) or more.

Metropolitan Fresno is served by a large number of highways and freeways that are vital in linking the rest of Northern California with Southern California and its location in between the three larger metropolitan areas of the state allows for a large trucking industry as well as services to travelers.

Two Amtrak rail stations are located in the area, Santa Fe Passenger Depot and Madera which are on the San Joaquin line.