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Gdynia occupies a distinctive position along Poland's northern Baltic coast within the Pomeranian Voivodeship, forming part of the Tri-City metropolitan area alongside Gdańsk and Sopot. The city's geography is defined by its coastal location on Gdańsk Bay, with terrain characterized by rolling hills of the Kashubian Lake District to the south and west, creating a natural amphitheater that slopes toward the sea. Urban development follows this gradient, with port facilities and industrial zones concentrated along the waterfront, residential areas climbing the hillsides, and forested areas like the Tri-City Landscape Park providing green buffers. Gdynia's elevation ranges from sea level at the harbor to approximately 205 meters at its highest points, influencing local wind patterns and pollution dispersion. The city's position within the densely populated and industrialized Pomeranian region means it experiences both local emissions from maritime transport, port operations, and urban traffic, as well as regional transport of pollutants from the broader industrial belt of northern Poland. Proximity to the Baltic Sea moderates temperatures but can also trap pollutants during stable atmospheric conditions, particularly when sea breezes interact with the surrounding hills. The urban-rural gradient is sharp, with agricultural lands beginning just beyond the city's southern boundaries, though these contribute minimally to air quality issues compared to urban and industrial sources.

Gdynia's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its coastal climate and urban activities. In winter, from December through February, pollution typically peaks due to increased residential heating emissions, particularly from coal and wood burning in older buildings, combined with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Cold, stagnant air and limited wind dispersion make this the least favorable season for outdoor activities, especially for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Spring, from March to May, brings gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds from the Baltic increase, dispersing pollutants, though occasional fog can temporarily elevate particulate levels. Summer, from June to August, offers the best air quality, with sea breezes, higher mixing heights, and reduced heating needs creating cleaner conditions ideal for outdoor exercise and tourism. However, increased maritime and road traffic can cause localized spikes in pollutants like nitrogen oxides. Autumn, from September to November, sees a return to deteriorating conditions as heating resumes and atmospheric stability increases, with October and November often marked by rising particulate matter concentrations. Sensitive individuals should monitor local air quality reports during transitional seasons and limit prolonged outdoor exposure on calm, foggy days.