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Split, Croatia's second-largest city, occupies a dramatic coastal position on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, nestled between the rugged Dinaric Alps to the northeast and the Mediterranean waters to the southwest. This unique geography creates a compressed urban environment where the historic Diocletian's Palace core blends with modern sprawl along a narrow coastal plain. The city's terrain slopes gently from sea level up to the foothills of Marjan Hill (178m) and Mosor mountain (1339m), creating natural barriers that trap air pollutants. Split's location as a major port and transportation hub amplifies its air quality challenges—vehicle exhaust from the congested coastal highway (Jadranska magistrala) combines with emissions from the bustling ferry terminal and cruise ship docks. The surrounding landscape features limited agricultural zones, with urban development extending into suburban areas like Solin and Kaštela, where cement factory emissions from nearby plants contribute to particulate matter. Proximity to the Adriatic moderates temperatures but also brings marine vessel emissions, while the urban-rural gradient shows higher pollution concentrations in the densely populated city center compared to outlying villages. The combination of industrial activity in the Kaštela Bay area, construction dust from ongoing tourism infrastructure projects, and road dust from the limestone-rich terrain creates a complex pollution profile unique to this Dalmatian coastal city.

Split's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its humid subtropical climate and Mediterranean influences. During winter months (November-January), pollution peaks dramatically as temperature inversions trap vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions in the coastal basin, compounded by reduced atmospheric mixing and frequent fog formation. These cold months see the highest concentrations of particulate matter from road dust, cement factory operations, and increased residential heating, making outdoor activities particularly challenging for sensitive groups like asthmatics and elderly residents. Spring brings gradual improvement as increased precipitation washes pollutants from the air and sea breezes enhance dispersion, though construction dust from tourism preparations remains a concern. Summer offers the cleanest air despite peak tourist numbers, as strong maestral winds from the northwest efficiently ventilate the city, dispersing port emissions and vehicle exhaust over the Adriatic. However, occasional heat waves can elevate ozone levels near industrial zones. Autumn marks a transition period where declining winds and early temperature inversions begin to accumulate pollutants again, with October often showing deteriorating conditions before the winter peak. Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during winter mornings when inversion layers are strongest, while summer afternoons generally provide the safest conditions for outdoor recreation across all population groups.