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Lomé, the coastal capital of Togo, occupies a strategic position on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, with its urban fabric stretching along a narrow coastal plain at an average elevation of just 10 meters above sea level. This low-lying geography, combined with its location at 6.1308°N latitude, places the city firmly within the tropical climate zone, characterized by high humidity and consistent temperatures year-round. The city's urban character is defined by its role as Togo's primary economic hub, featuring a mix of colonial-era architecture, informal settlements, and modern developments that radiate inland from the Atlantic coastline. Lomé's position creates a distinct urban-rural gradient, with dense central districts giving way to peri-urban agricultural zones and eventually to the rural landscapes of the Maritime Region. The city's proximity to the ocean moderates temperatures but also contributes to salt aerosol dispersion, while the flat terrain inhibits natural ventilation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Industrial activities are concentrated in the port area and along major transport corridors, with the Lomé Container Terminal serving as a significant regional logistics node. Agricultural burning in surrounding rural areas, particularly during dry seasons, adds to the particulate matter burden. The city's coastal location means sea breezes can provide some cleansing effect, but during periods of atmospheric stability, pollution from vehicular emissions, industrial operations, and domestic biomass burning becomes trapped over the urban area.

Lomé experiences two primary seasons that shape its air quality narrative throughout the year, with transitional periods creating distinct pollution patterns. During the long dry season from November to March, Harmattan winds blow southward from the Sahara Desert, carrying fine dust particles that significantly degrade air quality, particularly in December and January when these northeasterly winds are strongest. This period sees the highest particulate matter concentrations, creating hazy conditions that reduce visibility and pose respiratory risks. The short dry season from July to August brings reduced rainfall but increased industrial and vehicular activity, leading to accumulation of local pollutants. The major rainy season from April to June and minor rainy season from September to October provide natural cleansing through precipitation, with rainfall washing particulate matter from the atmosphere and improving air quality. However, high humidity during these wet periods can combine with pollutants to form secondary aerosols. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exertion during Harmattan episodes and peak dry season months. The most favorable periods for outdoor activities are typically during and immediately after rainfall events in the wet seasons, when air is freshest. Temperature inversions are less common than in temperate cities but can occur during calm nights in the dry seasons, trapping pollutants near the surface. Fog is rare due to the tropical climate, but reduced visibility during Harmattan episodes requires caution for transportation.