Hartbeespoort falls within the region which typically experiences warm summers and mild winters with frost. Summer rain is mostly produced by thunderstorms, and in winter by the occasional cold front that moves up from the south-western area.   Hail occurs, though on average only 3 days a year.

The shoreline of the dam is in great demand for development and housing.  Consequently the ecological state of the shoreline is degraded although there are pockets of ecologically sensitive areas.

A series of koppies and ridges form conspicuous natural landmarks in the region - the Magaliesberg ridge, which forms a natural northern boundary, and to the south various other mountains and koppies (such as Rhenosterkop).