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Jounieh is a coastal city nestled along the Mediterranean Sea in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon Governorate, approximately 16 kilometers north of Beirut. Situated at coordinates 33.9808°N, 35.6178°E, the city occupies a narrow coastal plain backed by the steep slopes of the Mount Lebanon range, creating a dramatic urban-rural gradient where densely built neighborhoods transition rapidly into forested hillsides. This topography significantly influences air quality, as pollutants from vehicle exhaust, generator emissions, and construction dust become trapped in the valley-like setting, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability. Jounieh's position within the broader Beirut metropolitan area places it within Lebanon's most industrialized and urbanized corridor, with nearby cement factories and ongoing development projects contributing to particulate matter concentrations. The city's Mediterranean coastline provides some natural ventilation through sea breezes, but these are often insufficient to disperse pollution accumulating from local sources and transported from Beirut. The surrounding landscape—characterized by rugged mountains to the east and the open sea to the west—creates microclimatic conditions that can either exacerbate or mitigate pollution, depending on seasonal wind patterns and temperature inversions. Urban expansion along the coast has reduced green spaces, intensifying the urban heat island effect and further degrading air quality in this geographically constrained setting.

Jounieh experiences distinct seasonal variations in air quality driven by its Mediterranean climate. During winter (November to February), pollution peaks due to increased use of diesel generators for heating, combined with temperature inversions that trap vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions in the coastal valley. Cold, stagnant air and frequent fog episodes exacerbate particulate matter concentrations, making these months particularly hazardous for outdoor activities. Sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit exposure and use air purifiers indoors. Spring (March to May) brings gradual improvement as rising temperatures reduce heating needs and sea breezes begin dispersing pollutants, though construction dust remains a concern during dry spells. Summer (June to August) offers the cleanest air, with consistent northerly winds from the Mediterranean sweeping through the city, though occasional wildfires in surrounding hills can cause short-term spikes in particulate matter. Autumn (September to October) sees a gradual deterioration as temperatures drop and generator use increases, with reduced wind speeds allowing pollution to accumulate. For optimal outdoor activities, visitors and residents should favor summer months, while avoiding prolonged exertion during winter pollution peaks, especially on calm, foggy days when air quality reaches its worst.