In the lowest elevations of the Tabernas basin (about 400 m (1,310 ft) above sea level), the average annual temperature is close to 18.0 °C (64.4 °F).

[5] The annual average precipitation is 15–22 cm (5.9–8.7 in) (depending on the zone[5]: 1 & 4/30 ) with only one-third falling in the hot season (May to October).

Arroyos formed by torrential rain harbor the scarce vegetation, as well as fauna such as swifts, hedgehogs, jackdaws, pin-tailed sandgrouse, blue rock thrushes, stone curlews, trumpeter finches, and crested larks.

Plants such as the sea lavender (Limonium insignis), which are teetering on the verge of extinction, manage to flourish in the arid environment of the desert.

There are specimens of yellow scorpions (Buthus occitanus), tarantulas (Lycosa tarentulla) and black widow spiders (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus).

The Algerian hedgehog is one of the most important mammals inhabiting the area, in addition to rabbit, hare and dormouse species.

The Spaghetti Westerns were shot at the three main studios : The remaining 11 have been gradually abandoned despite their historical interest and tourist potential: [8][9][10] The sixth season of the TV series Game of Thrones was shot in locations from Andalusia to Catalonia, including the desert,[11] which is the Dothraki Sea, a gigantic steppe in Essos, the largest continent.

In 2016, the desert was used as a set for the music video of Shout Out to My Ex by the British girl group Little Mix included in their fourth album.