Panzhihua City’s unique climatic resources are exceptionally suitable for mango cultivation. Since the experimental planting in the 1970s, it has become China’s and even the world’s highest-altitude, highest-latitude, and latest-maturing large-scale mango production base. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for fully utilising Panzhihua’s climatic resources, rationally planning the mango industry layout, and promoting high and stable mango yields. Utilising comprehensive meteorological data from 1993 to 2022 from four national stations and 26 regional stations in Panzhihua City, along with detailed mango growth period observation data, Panzhihua digital elevation model, and precise township boundaries, this research thoroughly considers both climate and topography factors. Nine critical suitability indicators are carefully selected: mean temperature of the coldest month, annual extreme minimum temperature, annual mean temperature, accumulated temperature of ≥ 10 ℃, average temperature during flowering period, number of days with maximum temperature of ≥ 35 ℃ during flowering period, rainy days during flowering period, slope, and aspect. Advanced spatial distribution models for climate suitability indicators and a comprehensive ecological suitability model are meticulously established. The Analytic Hierarchy Process and comprehensive ecological suitability method are rigorously employed, utilising state-of-the-art GIS technology to complete a refined zoning of comprehensive climatic suitability for mango cultivation in Panzhihua. The meteorological indicators affecting mango cultivation distribution are first systematically classified, dividing the entire city into plantable and non-plantable areas. Within the plantable areas, climate and topography are comprehensively considered to further delineate the most suitable, suitable, and marginally suitable zones with high precision. Results indicate that the vast majority of Panzhihua’s regions provide sufficient heat for mango growth and development throughout the year. The mean temperature of the coldest month and the annual extreme minimum temperature are identified as the key climatic factors constraining mango planting distribution. This implies that the primary consideration in production and planting should be whether mangoes can safely overwinter in specific locations. The advantageous planting areas (most suitable and suitable zones) account for 33% of the total area, strategically distributed along major rivers at elevations below 1600 m. Marginally suitable zones, located between suitable and non-plantable areas, comprise 17% of the area and face higher meteorological risks, requiring careful management. Non-plantable areas constitute 50%, with most regions above 1750 m in the north and 2000 m in the south being unsuitable for cultivation due to unfavourable climatic conditions. The zoning results are preliminarily verified through field studies and generally align with actual planting situations, providing a reliable reference for future mango industry development in Panzhihua.