Sugarcane is a tropical plant. It grows most successfully in those areas where the climate is more or less tropical, but it can grow in sub-tropics too like in north India. Under warm and humid condition it can continue its growth, unless terminated by flowering.

Temperature above 50 degree centigrade arrests its growth; below 20 degree centigrade its growth slows down. Low temperature reduces tillering. An average mean temperature of 26 to 32 degree centigrade is the best suited for the growth of sugarcane. The crop does best in tropical regions receiving a rainfall of 75 to 120 cm per annum.

Sugarcane can be grown on all types of soils ranging from sandy loam to clay loam. It however thrives best on well drained loamy soils. It can also be raised successfully on lighter soils provided there is adequate irrigation facilities and on heavy clays with proper drainage and addition of organic matter.