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San Pedro de Macorís is strategically situated on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, serving as a vital maritime gateway within the Higüemo region. Its urban character is defined by a blend of colonial heritage and heavy industrialization, characterized by a low-lying coastal plain that extends toward the Caribbean Sea. This flat terrain means there are few topographical barriers to obstruct airflow, allowing the prevailing northeast trade winds to sweep across the city. However, this same geography creates a complex air quality profile. The city is anchored by a significant port and a dense industrial belt, including the influential Zona Franca, which introduces combustion by-products and particulate matter into the local atmosphere. Surrounding the urban core are vast agricultural expanses, historically dominated by sugarcane cultivation, which create a distinct urban–rural gradient. The proximity to the ocean provides a critical moderating effect, as diurnal sea breezes often push urban pollutants inland or disperse them over the water. Yet, during periods of atmospheric stability, pollutants can linger near the surface, particularly in the densely packed residential areas adjacent to industrial zones. The intersection of maritime humidity and industrial emissions often facilitates the formation of secondary pollutants. Consequently, the city's air quality is a direct reflection of its role as a logistics hub, where the cleansing power of the Caribbean winds constantly battles the emissions from shipping, manufacturing, and the lingering legacy of the region's agricultural processing.

San Pedro de Macorís experiences a tropical maritime climate, primarily divided into a distinct dry season and a humid wet season. From December to April, the dry season prevails, often marking the peak of air quality degradation. During these months, the practice of agricultural burning, particularly in the sugarcane fields surrounding the city, releases significant volumes of particulate matter and carbon monoxide. This period is characterized by lower humidity and occasional temperature inversions that trap smoke and dust near the ground, making the air heavy and hazy. Conversely, the wet season, spanning from May to November, acts as a natural atmospheric cleanser. Frequent precipitation events trigger wet deposition, effectively scrubbing the air of suspended particulates and reducing the concentration of industrial pollutants. However, the high humidity of these months can exacerbate the feeling of air heaviness for those with respiratory conditions. The northeast trade winds are most consistent during the winter, providing essential ventilation that prevents the city from becoming a stagnant pollution basin. For sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, the late winter and early spring months are the most hazardous due to the convergence of dust and crop burning. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the early morning during the wet season when the air is freshest. Health guidance emphasizes avoiding prolonged exertion near industrial corridors during the dry season to minimize the inhalation of irritating particulates.