Guava is best adapted to warm climate of the tropics and some parts of the subtropical areas of the world.

Temperature: Ideal temperatures for growth and production range from 23-28°C. Temperatures below 16°C or drought cause growth to slow or cease. It can survive only a few degrees of frost. Young guava trees may be killed by temperatures of -3°C to -2°C. Young trees have been damaged or killed in cold spells at Allahabad, India, in California and in Florida. Mature trees may withstand short periods of -4°C to -3°C without much damage. However, temperatures below this may damage or kill stems, limb, and the trunk. Older trees, killed to the ground, have sent up new shoots which fruited 2 years later.

Field observations in Hawaii suggest that minimum temperatures can be critical to the growth and production of guavas. Guavas actually thrive in both humid and dry climates, but can survive only a few degrees of frost. The tree will recover from a brief exposure to 0° C but may be completely defoliated. Young trees are particularly sensitive to cold spells. Older trees, killed to the ground, have sent up new shoots which fruited 2 years later. Based on evidence and field data gathered in Hawaii, at 640 meters, where recorded air temperature goes down to 7°C in February, indicate that flowers initiated during this cold period abort before or after anthesis to result in very low production of fruits in the following summer months. The guavas tend to bear fruit better in areas with a definite winter or cooler season. The adaptability of the guava makes it a serious weed tree in some tropical areas.

Elevation: Guavas thrive from sea level to 900 m above sea level. In India, it flourishes up to an altitude of 1,000 m; in Jamaica, up to 1,200 m; in Costa Rica, to 1,400 m; in Ecuador, to 2,300 m. The guava requires an annual rainfall between 40 and 80 in (1,000-2,000 mm); is said to bear more heavily in areas with a distinct winter season than in the deep Tropics.

Trees growing at lower elevations are generally vigorous and large with heavy fruit set, while at 650 meters or higher they become very erratic depending on temperature differences due to cloud cover. In the higher areas with cloud and fog overcast, the trees and leaves are small with interveinal tissues turning red to purplish-red during the winter months.

Water requirements: Tropical Guava is most prodctive with regular, deep watering. Lack of moisture delays bloom and causes the fruit to drop.

Waterlogging: Guavas can take considerable neglect, withstanding temporary water-logging and very high temperatures. Guava is considered moderately tolerant of short durations (7-14 days) of continuously wet or flooded soil conditions. However, prolonged flooding may lead to fruit and leaf drop, leaf chlorosis, stem dieback, and tree death. Trees are generally more tolerant of flooding during cool weather. The smaller guava cultivars can make an excellent container specimen.

Drought stress: Guava trees are tolerant of prolonged drought and stop active vegetative growth during this time. Immature (soft) wood and leaves may wilt and drought during fruit set and development may decrease fruit set and size, respectively. Drought stress is sometimes used alone or in conjuction with other cultural practices (e.g., pruning) to induce off-season flowering and fruit production.

Wind stress: In general, guava trees are tolerant of windy conditions. Dry, hot windy weather during leaf flushing may result in distorted and damaged leaves. Guava trees maintained at 1.8-3.0m in height usually remain standing after hurricane force winds. They tolerate and can withstand strong prevailing winds or winds of hurricane velocities. The trees growing in constantly windy areas may take on a slanted appearance due to more growth on the leeward side of the tree. Its root system is a fine mat supporting the tops and requires a tremendous horizontal wind force to uproot the tree. In addition, the guava wood is strong and flexible and pliable, enabling the tree and its branches to bend in a whiplike fashion in a strong wind.

Growth and fruit production can be reduced when the trees are grown in areas with constant prevailing winds of 10-15 miles an hour. In such situations, the trees will grow and develop away from the wind with short, stubby limbs facing the wind. These branches perform as a windbreak, protecting and permitting the leeward branches to develop. When such growth is evident, a low windbreak without much lateral growth can be used along the field edges. A larger orchard extending over 150 meters in length or width will benefit from the use of tall columnar or upright trees on the edges and possibly within the field.

Salt stress: Guava trees are moderately tolerant to saline soils and water however growth and fruit production decrease. Symptoms of salinity stress include marginal and tip browning of leaves, leaf drop, stem dieback, small fruit size and fruit drop.