Suva, the capital of Fiji, is situated on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, the largest island in this Pacific archipelago, within the Central Division. The city occupies a hilly peninsula that juts into the Suva Harbour, with its urban core nestled between steep, forested slopes and the coastline, creating a compact, densely built environment. Elevation varies from sea level to about 120 meters in residential areas like Tamavua, which can influence local air circulation patterns. Suva's geography profoundly impacts air quality through its tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and rainfall that typically help disperse pollutants, but the city's topography can trap emissions in valleys during calm conditions. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and east, and bordered by agricultural zones and rural villages inland, Suva experiences an urban–rural gradient where pollution sources like vehicle exhaust and construction dust are concentrated in the city center, while marine vessel emissions affect the harbour area. The lack of a significant industrial belt means pollution is primarily from mobile and point sources rather than heavy industry, but the city's growth has led to increased traffic and development, exacerbating issues like road dust. Proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures but also introduces salt spray, which can interact with pollutants. The surrounding landscape of lush forests and mountains generally provides a natural buffer, but urban expansion into these areas risks degrading air quality further.

In Suva's tropical climate, air quality fluctuates with seasonal weather patterns rather than distinct temperature seasons, but it can be described across four periods: the wet season (November to April), the dry season (May to October), and transitional months. Pollution peaks from January to March during the wet season, when cyclones and heavy rainfall are common; these months see increased vehicle use and construction activity, compounded by calm winds and high humidity that trap pollutants like exhaust and dust near the ground. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor exertion during these months, especially when storm surges or flooding occur, which can stir up sediments and worsen air quality. From April to June, as the wet season wanes, rainfall helps cleanse the air, making this a favourable time for outdoor activities, though occasional fog can reduce visibility and concentrate pollutants briefly. The dry season from July to October brings cooler, breezier conditions with southeast trade winds that disperse emissions effectively, resulting in the cleanest air of the year; this period is ideal for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. However, during the dry season, waste burning may increase in some areas, posing localized risks. Throughout the year, temperature inversions are rare due to the maritime influence, but during calm spells in peak months, pollutants can accumulate, necessitating caution for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.