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Dahé, nestled within the Mono Department of Benin, occupies a geographically significant position in the country’s southern region. Located at approximately 6.5167° latitude and 1.9500° longitude, the town sits on a gently undulating terrain, characteristic of the coastal plains gradually rising towards the Atakora Mountains to the north. Dahé’s proximity to the Mono River, a vital waterway flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, influences local microclimates and contributes to the region’s agricultural productivity. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, a mosaic of small-scale farming plots cultivating crops like maize, cassava, and vegetables, interspersed with cocoa and oil palm plantations – key economic drivers for the area. This agricultural zone creates a gradual urban-rural gradient, with Dahé acting as a local market and administrative hub for the surrounding farming communities. The town itself exhibits a relatively low urban density, with a mix of traditional housing and more modern constructions. While Dahé isn't situated within a major industrial belt, the presence of small-scale processing facilities related to agriculture, such as palm oil mills and cocoa drying operations, can contribute localized air quality concerns. The prevailing southwesterly winds, common along the Beninese coast, play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, though stagnant air conditions during certain periods can lead to localized build-up. The elevation, relatively low, means that any ground-level emissions tend to remain close to the surface, potentially impacting residents directly. The town's location, while benefiting from fertile land and access to water, also presents challenges in managing air quality related to agricultural practices and limited industrial regulation.

Dahé experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting its air quality profile. The wet season, typically spanning from April to October, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from November to March, is characterized by lower rainfall and reduced atmospheric moisture. This often leads to a build-up of pollutants, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The lack of rainfall means fewer opportunities for natural cleansing, and the lower humidity allows dust and particulate matter to remain suspended in the air for longer. During the dry season, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, becomes more prevalent, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath warmer air, can also occur during the dry season, preventing pollutants from dispersing vertically. The months of January and February are often the most challenging, with a combination of agricultural burning and stagnant air conditions. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activity during these periods and consider using face masks. The transition months of March and April, as the rains begin, offer a gradual improvement in air quality. Throughout the year, prevailing winds generally provide some degree of ventilation, but localized pollution sources can still create pockets of poor air quality, particularly near agricultural areas or processing facilities.