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Eindhoven, situated in the southern Netherlands within the province of Noord-Brabant, occupies a strategic position in the country's urban and industrial landscape. The city lies approximately 120 kilometres southeast of Amsterdam and 70 kilometres north of the Belgian border, placing it at the heart of the Brabantse Stedenrij urban network—a polycentric metropolitan region that includes cities like Tilburg and 's-Hertogenbosch. Geographically, Eindhoven is characterised by flat to gently undulating terrain typical of the Dutch lowlands, with an average elevation of around 17 metres above sea level, though it rises slightly to the east towards the Peel region. The city is traversed by several small rivers, including the Dommel and Gender streams, which flow northward and contribute to local humidity patterns. Surrounding the urban core is a mosaic of agricultural land, predominantly used for dairy farming and horticulture, interspersed with patches of forest like the Strabrechtse Heide to the southeast. This urban–rural gradient means that while Eindhoven itself is a dense, compact city with high population density, it is not isolated from rural emissions such as ammonia from livestock, which can react with urban pollutants to form secondary particulate matter. The city's location in the southern Netherlands, away from the coast, reduces the cleansing effect of sea breezes common in western cities like Rotterdam, leading to slower dispersion of pollutants. Proximity to major transport corridors, including the A2 and A67 motorways, and its role as a technology and manufacturing hub—historically tied to Philips—contribute to traffic-related and industrial emissions, though modern regulations have mitigated these. The flat terrain and lack of significant topographic barriers allow pollutants to accumulate under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly during anticyclonic weather, making geographic context a key factor in Eindhoven's air quality dynamics.

In Eindhoven, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern influenced by the temperate maritime climate of the Netherlands, with pollution levels fluctuating due to meteorological factors and human activities. During winter (December to February), cold temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This is exacerbated by increased heating emissions and stable high-pressure systems that reduce wind dispersion, making January and February the peak pollution months; sensitive groups such as asthmatics and the elderly should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during these periods. Spring (March to May) brings gradual improvement as temperatures rise and precipitation increases, washing pollutants from the air, though occasional Saharan dust intrusions can cause short-term spikes in particulate levels. Summer (June to August) sees the lowest pollution due to stronger winds, higher mixing heights, and reduced heating needs, but ozone (O3) levels can peak on hot, sunny days when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react under sunlight, posing risks for those with respiratory conditions; July and August are generally favourable for outdoor activities, but midday ozone peaks should be avoided. Autumn (September to November) marks a transition, with rising pollution as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases, compounded by agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas and fog episodes that trap pollutants. Throughout the year, wind direction plays a crucial role: easterly winds can transport industrial emissions from Germany, while westerly winds bring cleaner air from the North Sea. Sensitive individuals are advised to monitor local air quality forecasts, especially during winter inversions and summer ozone days, and plan activities for mornings or evenings when pollution is typically lower.