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Jāmnagar occupies a distinctive coastal position on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, India, with its urban fabric shaped by its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The city sits on relatively flat terrain at a low elevation of approximately 17 meters above sea level, part of the broader Kathiawar Peninsula. This geography creates a unique urban-rural gradient where the city center transitions into semi-arid plains and salt marshes, with the Gulf of Kutch to the north and agricultural zones to the south and east. Jāmnagar's location within Gujarat's industrial belt—particularly its role as a hub for petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing—significantly influences its air quality. The city's coastal position typically facilitates better air dispersion compared to inland cities, with sea breezes helping to dilute pollutants. However, this advantage is moderated by industrial emissions from the nearby Jamnagar Refinery Complex, one of the world's largest refining hubs, and urban sources like vehicular traffic and construction dust. The surrounding landscape, characterized by sparse vegetation and seasonal agricultural burning in rural peripheries, contributes particulate matter, especially during post-harvest periods. The city's position on the Gulf also exposes it to marine aerosols, which can interact with industrial emissions under certain meteorological conditions, potentially forming secondary pollutants.

Jāmnagar's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by its coastal climate and industrial activity. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures and stable atmospheric conditions often lead to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, resulting in higher pollution levels, particularly in January and February. Sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities during early mornings when inversions are strongest. Spring (March-May) sees rising temperatures and increased wind speeds from the northwest, which generally improve air dispersion, making this a favorable period for outdoor activities, though occasional dust storms from the Thar Desert can temporarily degrade air quality. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon, which effectively scrubs pollutants from the air, leading to the cleanest air of the year—ideal for all outdoor pursuits. Post-monsoon (October-November) experiences transitional weather with decreasing rainfall and increasing agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas, causing pollution to gradually rise again. Throughout the year, sea breezes from the Gulf of Kutch provide natural ventilation, but their effectiveness varies with seasonal wind patterns and industrial emission rates.