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İskenderun occupies a strategic coastal position along Turkey's Mediterranean shoreline in Hatay Province, nestled between the Amanos Mountains to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. This port city sits at a low elevation of approximately 2 meters above sea level, creating a distinctive urban character where maritime commerce blends with industrial activity. The city's geography places it within the fertile Çukurova plain region, surrounded by agricultural zones producing cotton, citrus, and grains, while its urban-rural gradient shows dense development along the coast transitioning to agricultural hinterlands. İskenderun's location at the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea positions it as a major industrial hub with steel production, petroleum refining, and chemical manufacturing concentrated along its coastline. The surrounding landscape features the steep slopes of the Nur Mountains (Amanos) rising abruptly to over 2,000 meters, creating a natural barrier that can trap air pollutants when winds are light. Proximity to the Mediterranean moderates temperatures but also brings humidity that can interact with industrial emissions. The city's position in the İskenderun Gulf creates a semi-enclosed basin effect where sea breezes circulate pollutants rather than dispersing them completely, while the urban heat island effect intensifies local pollution conditions. This combination of industrial concentration, topographic enclosure, and coastal meteorology creates persistent air quality challenges unique to this Mediterranean port city.

İskenderun's air quality follows a distinct Mediterranean seasonal pattern influenced by industrial activity, agricultural practices, and meteorological conditions. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, particularly when high pressure systems dominate. The city experiences increased particulate matter from heating sources and industrial emissions that accumulate under stable atmospheric conditions. Spring (March-May) brings transitional weather with occasional rainfall that helps cleanse the air, though agricultural burning in surrounding regions can temporarily elevate pollution levels. Summer (June-August) features the cleanest air overall due to stronger sea breezes and thermal convection that disperse pollutants, though high temperatures can accelerate ozone formation from industrial precursors. The Mediterranean summer dryness also reduces fog and humidity that might otherwise trap pollutants. Autumn (September-November) sees a gradual deterioration as weather patterns stabilize, industrial activity increases after summer slowdowns, and reduced rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate. Sensitive groups including those with respiratory conditions should be particularly cautious during winter inversion periods and autumn transition months when pollutant concentrations peak. The best months for outdoor activity are typically June through August when dispersion conditions are optimal, while December through February warrant reduced strenuous outdoor exposure, especially during morning hours when inversions are strongest. Wind patterns from the sea generally improve air quality, while stagnant conditions with light winds from the mountains create the poorest air quality episodes.