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Havana, Cuba's capital and largest city, occupies a strategic position on the island's northwestern coast, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. This coastal location profoundly shapes its urban character and air quality dynamics. The city sprawls across a relatively flat coastal plain, with elevations rarely exceeding 50 meters above sea level, allowing sea breezes to penetrate inland and disperse pollutants. Havana's geography features a distinctive urban-rural gradient: the densely populated historic core transitions to suburban districts and then to agricultural zones in the surrounding province of La Habana, where tobacco, sugarcane, and vegetable farming occur. The city is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Almendares River flowing through its western sectors, providing natural ventilation corridors. However, Havana's position as Cuba's economic hub concentrates pollution sources, including aging vehicle fleets, small-scale industries, and port activities along its extensive waterfront. The surrounding landscape lacks significant mountain barriers, preventing the trapping of pollutants that occurs in valley cities, but the flat terrain can sometimes lead to stagnant air conditions during calm weather. Proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures and humidity, influencing pollutant formation and dispersion patterns unique to this Caribbean metropolis.

Havana's tropical climate creates distinct seasonal patterns affecting air quality throughout the year. During the dry season from November to April, northeast trade winds dominate, bringing cleaner Atlantic air that disperses urban pollutants effectively. This period offers the best conditions for outdoor activities, with December through February being particularly favourable due to lower humidity and consistent breezes. The wet season from May to October brings higher humidity and more variable winds, sometimes leading to pollutant accumulation during calm periods. June through September sees increased rainfall that can wash pollutants from the atmosphere, but also creates conditions for secondary pollutant formation. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory conditions, should monitor air quality particularly during transition months when wind patterns shift. While Havana doesn't experience temperature inversions as severe as temperate cities, occasional stagnant conditions can occur during the rainy season's calmer periods. The city's coastal location prevents extreme pollution episodes common in inland urban areas, but visitors and residents should be aware that traffic-related pollution peaks during morning and evening rush hours year-round. For optimal air quality, plan outdoor activities for early mornings when sea breezes begin and avoid strenuous exercise near major thoroughfares during peak traffic times.