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Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso's second-largest city, occupies a strategic position in the Hauts-Bassins region of West Africa, situated at approximately 11.1833°N latitude and 4.2833°W longitude. The city lies at an elevation of around 445 meters above sea level on the relatively flat Bobo plateau, which gently slopes toward the Houet River valley that bisects the urban area. This riverine setting creates a distinct urban-rural gradient where dense central neighborhoods transition to peri-urban agricultural zones and eventually to the surrounding savanna landscape. The city's geography significantly influences air quality through multiple mechanisms: its inland location away from major water bodies means it lacks maritime influences that might disperse pollutants, while the plateau terrain can trap emissions during temperature inversions. Bobo-Dioulasso serves as the economic hub of western Burkina Faso, with its urban character blending traditional mud-brick architecture with modern commercial development, creating a mosaic of pollution sources. The surrounding landscape consists primarily of Sudanian savanna, with agricultural zones producing cotton, maize, and sorghum that contribute seasonal biomass burning. The city's position along major transport corridors connecting Burkina Faso to Mali and Côte d'Ivoire generates substantial vehicular emissions, while the urban heat island effect intensifies photochemical reactions. Limited green spaces within the city core further reduce natural air filtration, making geographic context crucial to understanding pollution patterns in this growing West African metropolis.

Bobo-Dioulasso experiences distinct seasonal air quality variations driven by the West African monsoon cycle and associated meteorological patterns. During the dry season from November to March, Harmattan winds transport Saharan dust southward, creating hazy conditions with elevated particulate matter levels, particularly in December and January when wind speeds peak. This period sees the most significant pollution episodes as suspended dust combines with urban emissions under stable atmospheric conditions. The transitional months of April and May bring rising temperatures and occasional pre-monsoon thunderstorms that temporarily clear pollutants but also generate dust from dry soils. The rainy season from June to September offers the cleanest air, as monsoon rains effectively wash particulate matter from the atmosphere while increased humidity reduces dust suspension. However, this period brings its own challenges with occasional stagnant conditions between rainfall events that can trap local emissions. October marks another transition with diminishing rains and returning dust. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should minimize outdoor activity during peak Harmattan months, especially in early mornings when inversions are strongest. The rainy season provides the most favorable conditions for outdoor exercise, though high humidity may affect those with certain health conditions. Year-round, morning hours generally offer better air quality than afternoons when thermal mixing increases pollutant dispersion but also photochemical activity.