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Antalya, situated along Turkey's southwestern Mediterranean coast in West Asia, occupies a distinctive geographic position that profoundly influences its air quality dynamics. The city sprawls across a narrow coastal plain flanked by the dramatic Taurus Mountains to the north, creating a natural amphitheater that traps pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. This urban center, with its bustling tourism infrastructure, lies at approximately 36.8969°N, 30.7133°E, at a modest elevation near sea level, though its terrain rises sharply inland toward mountainous regions. Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures but also introduces marine vessel emissions as a pollution source, while the surrounding landscape transitions from dense urban development to agricultural zones where seasonal burning occurs. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced, with the city core experiencing concentrated vehicle exhaust from tourism traffic and construction dust, particularly in rapidly expanding areas. Antalya's location within the fertile Antalya Plain supports extensive agriculture, contributing to particulate matter through dust and burning activities. The city's position as a major tourism hub amplifies local emissions, while the surrounding mountains can inhibit pollutant dispersion, especially during winter months when temperature inversions are common. This geographic setting creates a complex air quality scenario where natural beauty contrasts with anthropogenic pressures.

Antalya's Mediterranean climate shapes a distinct seasonal air quality narrative, with pollution patterns closely tied to meteorological conditions and human activities. During winter (December-February), pollution peaks occur due to temperature inversions that trap vehicle exhaust, construction dust, and emissions from heating systems in the lower atmosphere, compounded by reduced wind dispersion and occasional fog. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exertion on calm, cold days. Spring (March-May) brings improving conditions as increased rainfall cleanses the air and winds disperse pollutants, though agricultural burning and construction activity may cause intermittent spikes. Summer (June-August) sees generally good air quality despite high tourism traffic, as sea breezes and thermal convection promote ventilation, though heatwaves can elevate ozone levels and wildfire smoke occasionally drifts from surrounding forests. Autumn (September-November) maintains favorable conditions early on, but as temperatures drop and rainfall decreases, pollution gradually builds toward winter peaks. For optimal outdoor activity, late spring through early autumn offers the cleanest air, while winter months require caution, especially for those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Year-round, morning hours typically show better air quality than evenings when traffic peaks.