The species needs very little light and cannot survive in dense populations. It loves warmth, grows at annual mean temperatures of and can withstand maximum temperatures of up to . In the area of distribution, the temperature rarely falls below freezing point, but temperatures down to without damage and down to without major damage can be tolerated. The cork oak is not hardy in Central Europe. It endures drought and survives dry periods in summer by reducing its metabolism. An annual rainfall of is considered optimal, in cooler locations can be sufficient with enough humidity. Cork oaks have low soil demands and also grow in poor, dry or rocky locations. They rarely thrive on calcareous soils, but they are often found on crystalline slates, on gneiss, granite and sands. The acidity of the soil should be between pH 4.5 and 7.