To develop a climatic suitability index and conduct the cultivation division of loquat in Lishui, Zhejiang province of China, we introduced the multi-indicator comprehensive risk assessment method to combine with the hazard factor model, necessary climatic elements during the growing season of loquat and geographic information elements. Results show that the annual active accumulated temperature (rainfall) over most Lishui is more than 4500 °C (1600mm). The two climatic factors above can well meet the needs of loquat growth. The frozen injury days over most Lishui during the young fruit period of loquat are more than 10.0 days, which are higher than those during the flowering period. The annual mean number of continuous overcast rain occurrences is less than 4.5. The climatic mean annual occurrence of persistent abnormal high temperature weather is less than 1. Overall, the most suitable area for the cultivation of loquat mainly located over the relatively flat areas such as river valleys and basins, especially the banks of the Oujiang River in Qingtian and Xiaoxi River valley in Jingning. The excellent combinations of light, heat and water with relatively few meteorological disasters just like frozen injury, continuous rain and high temperature provide a good climatic conditions of the high-quality of loquat planting. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd.