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Pasay City occupies a strategic coastal position within Metro Manila, situated on the eastern shores of Manila Bay in the Philippines' National Capital Region. This highly urbanized city lies on flat alluvial plains at just 2 meters above sea level, with its western boundary directly fronting the bay waters. Pasay's geography creates a complex air quality environment where its coastal location provides some natural ventilation from sea breezes, yet its position within the densely packed Manila urban corridor traps pollutants. The city sits immediately south of Manila City and north of Parañaque, forming part of the continuous metropolitan sprawl that stretches along Manila Bay's coastline. This urban-rural gradient shows minimal transition, with Pasay being almost entirely built-up and surrounded by similarly developed cities, lacking significant green buffers. The city's terrain is uniformly flat, preventing natural drainage of air pollutants, while its proximity to Manila Bay influences local wind patterns that can either disperse or concentrate emissions depending on seasonal conditions. Industrial activity is concentrated in mixed-use zones rather than dedicated belts, with light manufacturing, transportation hubs, and commercial establishments contributing to the pollution load. The city's location at the heart of the Manila Bay area places it downwind of emissions from the entire metropolitan region during certain wind patterns, making it a receptor for transported pollutants as well as local sources.

Pasay City experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by the Philippines' tropical monsoon climate. During the dry season from January to May, pollution typically peaks as stable atmospheric conditions, higher temperatures, and reduced rainfall allow pollutants to accumulate. March through May often see the worst air quality due to increased vehicular emissions, construction activity, and occasional temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. The amihan (northeast monsoon) from November to February brings cooler, drier air that can improve dispersion but also carries some haze from regional sources. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exposure during late morning and afternoon hours in these peak months. The habagat (southwest monsoon) from June to October brings substantial rainfall that naturally scrubs the atmosphere, leading to cleaner air, though occasional stagnant periods between rain events can cause temporary pollution buildup. Tropical cyclones during this season can dramatically improve air quality through intense precipitation and strong winds. The transition months of November and May often show variable conditions as monsoon patterns shift. For optimal outdoor activity timing, early mornings generally offer better air quality before daily emissions peak, while the rainy season months of July through September typically provide the most consistently clean air. Vulnerable populations including those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly should monitor local air quality advisories particularly during the hot dry months when ozone and particulate matter concentrations tend to rise.