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Seville, the capital of Andalusia in southern Spain, occupies a strategic position in the fertile Guadalquivir River valley, approximately 80 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city's urban character blends historic Moorish architecture with modern expansion, creating a dense urban core surrounded by sprawling suburbs that transition into extensive agricultural plains. Situated at a low elevation of just 7 metres above sea level, Seville's flat terrain and basin-like geography trap air pollutants, particularly during atmospheric inversions. The Guadalquivir River flows through the city, providing some natural ventilation but also contributing to humidity that can exacerbate particulate matter formation. Surrounding landscapes include the Sierra Morena mountains to the north and the agricultural regions of La Campiña to the east and south, where olive groves and cereal crops dominate. Proximity to industrial zones in the Aljarafe region west of the city adds manufacturing emissions to the pollution mix. The urban-rural gradient shows decreasing pollution levels moving outward from the historic centre, though Saharan dust events can affect the entire region equally. Seville's location makes it vulnerable to both local emissions and transboundary pollution, with its Mediterranean climate creating conditions where pollutants accumulate rather than disperse naturally.

Seville's air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by its Mediterranean climate and specific meteorological conditions. During winter (November-January), pollution peaks dramatically due to temperature inversions that trap vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and increased residential heating pollutants close to the ground. Cold, stagnant air combines with Saharan dust events that occasionally blow northward, creating hazardous conditions that sensitive groups should avoid by limiting outdoor activity, especially during morning hours when inversions are strongest. Spring (February-April) brings gradual improvement as increasing temperatures and occasional rainfall help disperse pollutants, though construction dust and agricultural burning in surrounding regions can cause temporary spikes. Summer (May-August) features generally better air quality despite intense heatwaves, as thermal convection helps ventilate the valley, though ozone levels can rise during prolonged sunny periods. Autumn (September-October) sees a transitional period before the return of winter stagnation. Visitors with respiratory conditions should plan outdoor activities for spring mornings or summer evenings when pollution levels are typically lowest, while winter months require particular caution, especially for children, elderly residents, and those with cardiovascular diseases who should monitor local air quality advisories closely.