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Surat, situated at 21.2050°N, 72.8400°E in Gujarat's southern region, occupies a strategic position on the Tapti River's banks near its confluence with the Arabian Sea, approximately 30 kilometres inland. This coastal proximity, combined with an average elevation of just 13 metres above sea level, creates a low-lying urban basin that traps pollutants, particularly during calm weather conditions. The city's geography is characterised by flat alluvial plains of the Tapti River delta, surrounded by agricultural zones producing cotton, sugarcane, and rice, whose seasonal burning contributes to regional haze. Surat's urban character has transformed from a historic trading port to a major industrial hub, forming part of Gujarat's Golden Corridor industrial belt with significant textile, diamond polishing, and chemical manufacturing sectors concentrated along the Hazira industrial zone to the southwest. This industrial clustering, coupled with rapid urban expansion across the Tapti floodplain, creates a sharp urban-rural gradient where pollution plumes from industrial estates mingle with vehicular emissions from the city's dense road network and construction dust from ongoing infrastructure projects. The surrounding landscape features the Western Ghats to the east, which can block easterly winds, while the Arabian Sea to the west provides some ventilation through sea breezes, though this cleansing effect is often limited by the city's inland position and frequent temperature inversions that form over the river valley.

Surat's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm shaped by its tropical savanna climate and monsoon patterns. During winter (December-February), cool temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, creating persistent haze, with January typically experiencing the poorest air quality; sensitive groups should limit outdoor exertion during morning hours when inversions are strongest. The pre-monsoon summer (March-May) brings rising temperatures that increase ozone formation while dry conditions elevate dust levels, though occasional sea breezes provide partial relief. The southwest monsoon (June-September) dramatically improves air quality as heavy rains wash pollutants from the atmosphere, with July and August offering the cleanest air for outdoor activities. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a gradual deterioration as rainfall ceases, agricultural burning begins in surrounding farmlands, and calm conditions return, with November marking the transition to winter pollution buildup. Throughout the year, coastal fog occasionally combines with pollution during winter mornings, reducing visibility and increasing respiratory risks. Sensitive individuals including those with asthma, children, and the elderly should monitor local air quality reports year-round, use air purifiers indoors during peak pollution periods, and schedule outdoor activities for late afternoon when mixing heights are typically highest and pollution dispersion improves.