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San Marcos, nestled in the Carazo department of Nicaragua, occupies a geographically significant position within the country’s central highlands. Located at approximately 11.9167° N, 86.2000° W, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level, contributing to a generally cooler climate compared to Nicaragua’s coastal regions. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, indicative of the volcanic origins of the region. To the west, the landscape gradually transitions into more rugged terrain, while eastward, it opens into agricultural plains. The city’s proximity to the Río Viejo, a tributary of the Río Zapote, provides a crucial water source and influences local microclimates, potentially moderating temperatures and humidity. San Marcos’s urban character is that of a regional hub, serving as a commercial and agricultural center for the surrounding rural communities. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with agricultural lands dominating the immediate periphery. While San Marcos itself doesn't boast extensive heavy industry, it’s situated within a broader agricultural belt, where farming practices, including the use of fertilizers and occasional burning of agricultural waste, can contribute to localized air quality concerns. The prevailing winds, generally from the northeast, play a role in dispersing pollutants, but topographic features can sometimes create localized areas of stagnation, particularly during periods of calm weather. The city’s location within a valley can also trap pollutants, especially during temperature inversions.

San Marcos experiences a tropical savanna climate, defined by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from November to April, often sees a noticeable improvement in air quality. Reduced rainfall means less dust suspension and fewer biomass burning events associated with agricultural clearing. However, this period can also be susceptible to temperature inversions, particularly in the early morning hours. These inversions trap cooler air near the ground, preventing pollutants from dispersing vertically, leading to localized episodes of poorer air quality. The wet season, from May to October, brings frequent rainfall, which naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away particulate matter. However, the wet season also coincides with increased agricultural activity, potentially leading to temporary spikes in emissions from fertilizer application and, occasionally, controlled burns. Fog, common during the wet season, can also trap pollutants, creating stagnant air pockets. During the transition months (April/May and October/November), wind patterns are often variable, and the combination of lingering dry season conditions and the onset of the wet season can create unpredictable air quality fluctuations. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should be particularly mindful of air quality during early morning hours in the dry season and during periods of heavy fog in the wet season. Limiting strenuous outdoor activity during these times is advisable.