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Krong Kep, a coastal city in Cambodia’s Kep Province, occupies a unique geographical position. Nestled on a small peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Thailand (coordinates 10.4833, 104.3167), Kep’s terrain is characterised by gently undulating hills, remnants of the Cardamom Mountains, descending towards the coastline. The elevation is generally low, rarely exceeding 50 meters, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion. Historically a thriving port town, Kep’s urban character is a blend of faded French colonial architecture and traditional Cambodian life, now increasingly focused on tourism. Surrounding the city are extensive mangrove forests and agricultural lands, primarily pepper plantations – Kep is renowned for its Kampot pepper. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the city centre quickly gives way to rural landscapes. This proximity to agricultural activity introduces potential sources of particulate matter from land preparation and harvesting. The Gulf of Thailand provides a moderating influence on temperature, but also contributes to humidity and potential for sea breezes to carry pollutants inland, or conversely, disperse them. The lack of significant industrial belts within Kep itself is a positive factor, but regional transport emissions and seasonal agricultural burning in surrounding provinces can impact local air quality. The city’s small population of approximately 35,990 concentrates pollution sources.

Krong Kep experiences a distinct tropical monsoon climate, shaping its air quality patterns. The dry season, from November to April, generally presents better air quality. Lower humidity and consistent northeast monsoon winds help disperse pollutants. However, this period can also see increased dust from road traffic and agricultural activities as land is prepared for planting. February and March are typically the clearest months for outdoor activity. The pre-monsoon season (April-May) brings rising temperatures and increasing humidity, potentially trapping pollutants and leading to localised haze. The southwest monsoon arrives in May/June, bringing heavy rainfall which effectively washes away many airborne particles, resulting in a significant improvement in air quality. July to October are generally the cleanest months, though localised flooding can disrupt traffic and increase emissions. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, should be particularly cautious during the transition periods (April-May and October-November) when air quality is most variable. Fog can also occur during the wet season, exacerbating particulate matter concentrations near the coast. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the northwest can carry pollutants from more industrialised areas further inland.