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Tétouan, nestled in northern Morocco's Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, occupies a strategic position at the foothills of the Rif Mountains, approximately 10 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. This city of 422,757 residents sits at coordinates 35.5667°N, -5.3667°W, with elevations ranging from 80 to 400 meters above sea level, creating a natural amphitheater effect that significantly influences air quality patterns. The urban landscape blends historic medina districts with modern expansion, creating distinct pollution gradients from dense urban cores to peripheral agricultural zones. Tétouan's geography places it within a transitional zone where Mediterranean influences meet mountainous terrain, with the Martil River flowing through the city toward the coast. Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea provides moderating effects but also enables marine air to trap pollutants when combined with mountain-induced temperature inversions. The surrounding landscape includes both intensive agricultural valleys producing citrus and vegetables, and the rugged Rif Mountains to the south, which can block pollutant dispersion during certain weather conditions. Tétouan's position along Morocco's northern industrial corridor, though less industrialized than nearby Tangier, still experiences urban pollution from transportation, residential heating, and small-scale manufacturing. The city's topography creates microclimates where cooler mountain air can sink into valleys, potentially concentrating emissions from the urban center, particularly during stable atmospheric conditions.

Tétouan's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by its Mediterranean-mountain transitional climate. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures increase residential heating emissions, while frequent temperature inversions in the valley trap pollutants near ground level, creating the year's poorest air quality conditions. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during calm winter mornings when fog and low clouds are common. Spring (March-May) brings improving conditions as increased rainfall helps cleanse the atmosphere and stronger sea breezes enhance dispersion, though occasional Saharan dust intrusions can temporarily elevate particulate levels. Summer (June-August) offers generally favorable air quality with consistent northwest winds from the Mediterranean carrying cleaner marine air, though increased tourism traffic and occasional heat waves can lead to ozone formation on hot afternoons. Autumn (September-November) sees transitional conditions with decreasing winds and the return of temperature inversions, particularly in October and November, making late autumn the second-most challenging period for air quality. The cleanest air typically occurs during spring and early summer when maritime winds are strongest, while the most polluted periods cluster in winter and late autumn when atmospheric stability prevails. Residents with respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious during winter mornings and periods of stagnant air, while planning outdoor activities for midday in spring and summer when dispersion is optimal.