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Gəncə, Azerbaijan's second-largest city, occupies a strategic position in the western part of the country, nestled within the Gəncə-Gazakh economic region near the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Situated at approximately 40.6828°N, 46.3606°E, the city lies at an elevation of around 400 meters above sea level, on the Gəncə Plain, which slopes gently toward the Kura River basin to the east. This urban centre, with a population of 331,400, functions as a key industrial and cultural hub, characterised by a mix of Soviet-era infrastructure and modern developments. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with vineyards, cotton fields, and grain farms extending into the rural periphery, while the nearby mountains influence local wind patterns. Proximity to the Kura River, about 20 kilometres to the east, provides some moderating effects on climate but minimal impact on air quality dispersion. The city's location in a semi-enclosed basin, flanked by low hills, can trap pollutants, especially during calm weather conditions, exacerbating issues from urban sources like vehicle emissions, residential heating, and light industry. The urban–rural gradient sees pollution concentrations typically higher in the densely built-up core, tapering off toward the agricultural zones, though regional transport from neighbouring industrial areas in Azerbaijan and Georgia may occasionally contribute. Overall, Gəncə's geography creates a setting where topography and urban activities interplay to shape air quality challenges, particularly in the absence of strong maritime influences.

In Gəncə, air quality fluctuates seasonally due to meteorological shifts and human activities. During winter, from December to February, pollution often peaks as cold temperatures increase reliance on fossil fuels for heating, coupled with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, leading to hazy conditions; sensitive groups like asthmatics should limit outdoor exertion on calm, frosty days. Spring, from March to May, brings gradual improvement with rising temperatures and more frequent winds that disperse pollutants, though occasional dust storms from arid regions can temporarily degrade air quality, making late spring favourable for outdoor activities. Summer, from June to August, sees lower pollution levels overall due to reduced heating needs and stronger daytime breezes, but high temperatures can increase ozone formation from vehicle emissions, so midday outdoor exercise is best avoided by those with respiratory issues. Autumn, from September to November, marks a transition as cooling temperatures and reduced wind speeds allow pollutants to accumulate again, with October and November often showing a gradual rise in particulate matter; planning outdoor visits in early autumn is advisable. Throughout the year, fog is rare, and there is no monsoon influence, but calm periods in winter and autumn pose the greatest risks, requiring vigilance for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.