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Ajdābiyā occupies a strategic position in northeastern Libya's Al Wāḩāt district, situated approximately 160 kilometers south of the Mediterranean coast near the Gulf of Sirte. This inland city lies at an elevation of around 50 meters above sea level on the arid margins of the Libyan Desert, characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain with sparse vegetation. The urban area functions as a crucial transportation hub connecting coastal cities like Benghazi to the north with desert settlements to the south, resulting in significant through-traffic that contributes to vehicular emissions. Ajdābiyā's geography places it within a transitional zone between the Mediterranean coastal plain and the vast Saharan interior, creating a distinct urban-rural gradient where the compact city center gives way to scattered agricultural oases sustained by limited groundwater resources. The absence of major water bodies nearby means no moderating maritime influence on air pollution dispersion, while the surrounding desert landscape generates frequent dust storms that mix with urban emissions. The city's location along major oil transportation routes from Libya's interior oil fields to coastal terminals introduces potential hydrocarbon-related pollutants, though industrial activity remains limited compared to coastal industrial belts. This geographic positioning creates a unique air quality dynamic where natural desert particulates regularly interact with anthropogenic urban pollution sources.

Ajdābiyā experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by its Mediterranean-desert transitional climate. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall provide natural cleansing of atmospheric pollutants, though temperature inversions can trap emissions near the surface during calm periods, particularly in January. Spring (March-May) brings the most challenging air quality conditions as strong southerly Ghibli winds from the Sahara transport massive dust loads into the urban area, combining with increasing vehicular activity to create hazardous particulate concentrations—March through May represents the peak pollution period requiring caution for outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) features extremely hot, dry conditions with northerly sea breezes that help disperse pollutants, though high temperatures accelerate photochemical reactions that can generate secondary pollutants, and dust events remain frequent. Autumn (September-November) offers the most favorable air quality with moderating temperatures, reduced wind activity, and minimal dust storms, making October and November ideal months for outdoor pursuits. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly should limit outdoor exposure during spring dust events and winter inversion episodes, while all residents benefit from monitoring local air quality advisories during transitional seasons when conditions can change rapidly.