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Santo Domingo Este occupies the eastern bank of the Ozama River, forming part of the expansive Santo Domingo metropolitan area in the Dominican Republic's Caribbean coastal plain. This urban district sits at a modest elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level, with terrain that gently slopes toward the Caribbean Sea to the south, creating a subtle urban–rural gradient as development thins toward less populated eastern zones. Its position within the broader Ozama province places it at the heart of the nation's most densely populated region, where rapid urbanization has transformed former agricultural lands into residential and commercial corridors. The city's geography is defined by its proximity to both the Ozama River and Caribbean coastline—approximately 5 kilometers from the sea—which typically facilitates marine breezes that can disperse pollutants, though this effect is often limited by the urban heat island generated by extensive concrete surfaces and vehicular traffic. Surrounding landscapes include the Cordillera Oriental mountain range to the north, which can occasionally trap airborne particulates under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly when combined with the humid tropical climate. Industrial activity is concentrated along the riverbanks and in designated zones to the west, contributing to a mix of pollution sources that interact with the natural topography. The urban–rural interface sees some agricultural remnants, primarily small-scale farming, but these are increasingly giving way to suburban sprawl. This geographic setting, coupled with the city's role as a major transportation hub with the Las Américas International Airport nearby, creates a complex air quality dynamic where both local emissions and regional influences play significant roles.

In Santo Domingo Este, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by the Caribbean's tropical climate, with pollution levels generally peaking during the drier winter months from December to February. During this period, reduced rainfall and occasional temperature inversions—where cooler air traps pollutants near the ground—allow particulate matter from vehicles, construction, and industrial sources to accumulate, making these months less ideal for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual improvement as increased humidity and sporadic showers help cleanse the air, though occasional dust intrusions from the Sahara can temporarily elevate particulate levels. The summer months of June to August bring the wettest weather, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that effectively wash pollutants from the atmosphere, resulting in the cleanest air of the year and favorable conditions for outdoor exercise; however, high humidity can exacerbate ozone formation on hot, still days. Autumn, from September to November, transitions back toward drier conditions, with pollution beginning to rise as rainfall decreases and winds remain light, though hurricane season can bring intense storms that temporarily purge the air. Sensitive individuals should monitor local air quality reports year-round, limit exertion during peak traffic hours, and consider indoor activities on days with visible haze or during Saharan dust events, which are most common in summer. Overall, the interplay of tropical meteorology—including trade winds, humidity, and precipitation cycles—drives these seasonal fluctuations, with the cleanest air typically coinciding with the rainiest periods.