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Cirebon, situated on the northern coastal plain of West Java, Indonesia, occupies a strategic position as a historic port city bridging the cultural and economic spheres of Sundanese West Java and Javanese Central Java. Nestled at approximately 10 meters above sea level, its flat terrain is framed by the Java Sea to the north and the volcanic foothills of Mount Ciremai to the south, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient where dense urban cores transition into agricultural hinterlands. This low-lying coastal geography profoundly influences air quality by trapping pollutants under frequent temperature inversions, especially during the dry season, while the Java Sea's proximity moderates temperatures but offers limited dispersion of emissions. The city functions as a key industrial and textile hub within the Cirebon–Indramayu corridor, with batik dyeing workshops, small-scale manufacturing, and port activities concentrated along its coastline and riverbanks. Surrounding rice paddies and sugarcane fields contribute to seasonal biomass burning, while the urban fabric's dense road network exacerbates vehicle exhaust and road dust. Cirebon's location in a seismically active zone near the Sunda Arc adds volcanic ash and earthquake dust as occasional atmospheric contaminants, compounding its pollution profile.

Cirebon's tropical rainforest climate, characterized by consistent warmth and high humidity, shapes a distinct seasonal air quality narrative driven by monsoon shifts rather than temperature extremes. During the dry season from May to October, particularly the peak pollution months of July through October, northeasterly monsoon winds weaken, leading to stagnant atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants from vehicle exhaust, batik dyeing emissions, and road dust. Temperature inversions are common in the early mornings, exacerbating haze formation and reducing visibility, making this period least favourable for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like asthmatics and the elderly. The wet season from November to April brings southwesterly monsoon rains that cleanse the air, with January and February offering the best air quality for outdoor pursuits; however, heavy rainfall can trigger flooding, resuspending pollutants and creating muddy conditions. Transboundary haze from Sumatra or Kalimantan occasionally drifts in during September–October, worsening particulate levels. Year-round, domestic biomass burning and port emissions contribute a baseline pollution load, with health guidance emphasizing morning avoidance of high-traffic areas, use of masks during haze episodes, and monitoring local advisories for volcanic or seismic events that may degrade air quality further.