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Málaga occupies a distinctive coastal position in southern Spain's Andalusia region, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Montes de Málaga mountain range to the north. This geography creates a natural amphitheater effect that profoundly influences air quality. The city spreads across a narrow coastal plain, with urban density concentrated along the coastline and gradually thinning into suburban and rural areas toward the interior. Málaga's port—one of the busiest in the Mediterranean—and the Guadalmedina River valley channel airflows, while the surrounding mountains act as barriers that can trap pollutants. The urban–rural gradient transitions quickly from the bustling city center to agricultural zones growing olives, almonds, and subtropical fruits in the hinterlands, though these contribute minimally to pollution compared to urban sources. Proximity to the sea typically brings cleansing breezes, but during calm periods, the basin-like terrain fosters temperature inversions that hold vehicle exhaust, port emissions, and construction dust close to ground level. The city's location also makes it susceptible to transboundary Saharan dust events, which periodically degrade air quality. Málaga's topography, combined with its role as a major tourism and transport hub, creates a complex interplay where natural ventilation is sometimes insufficient to disperse anthropogenic pollutants.

Málaga's Mediterranean climate shapes a distinct seasonal air quality narrative, with pollution peaking in late autumn and winter (November to January) due to meteorological stagnation. During these months, cooler temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants from vehicle exhaust, tourism traffic, and heating systems near the surface, exacerbated by reduced wind speeds and occasional fog. Sensitive groups like asthmatics and the elderly should limit prolonged outdoor exertion on calm winter days. Spring brings improvement as increasing sunlight and sea breezes disperse pollutants, though Saharan dust events can cause short-term spikes, particularly in March and April. Summer offers the cleanest air for outdoor activities, with persistent coastal winds and thermal convection efficiently ventilating the basin, despite high tourism traffic; however, heatwaves and wildfire smoke from surrounding areas can pose intermittent risks. Autumn sees a gradual decline in air quality as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability returns, with October often marking the transition toward winter pollution buildup. Year-round, morning hours typically have better air quality than evenings, when traffic congestion peaks. Visitors planning outdoor activities should favour spring and summer months, while residents should monitor local air quality indexes during winter inversions and dust events.