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Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, occupies a strategic position in northeastern Ukraine within the Kharkivska Oblast, situated at coordinates 49.9925°N, 36.2311°E. The city lies on the Kharkiv River, a tributary of the larger Lopan River, within the broader Donets River basin, which influences local humidity and pollution dispersion patterns. Geographically, Kharkiv is positioned on the southwestern edge of the Central Russian Upland, characterized by gently rolling plains with an average elevation of approximately 152 meters above sea level, creating subtle terrain variations that can trap pollutants under certain atmospheric conditions. The urban area is surrounded by extensive agricultural zones, particularly to the south and west, where seasonal crop burning occasionally contributes to particulate matter, while to the east, the city borders more industrialized regions, including parts of the Donbas area, though at a distance that typically limits direct industrial impact. Kharkiv's urban-rural gradient is pronounced, with dense Soviet-era infrastructure in the core gradually giving way to suburban and rural landscapes, affecting pollution distribution. The city's location away from major water bodies like the Black Sea means it lacks coastal breezes that could cleanse the air, instead relying on continental wind patterns. Proximity to transportation corridors, including railways and highways, adds mobile emission sources, while the city's role as an educational and industrial hub sustains consistent urban pollution from heating, vehicles, and general urban activity, exacerbated by its basin-like topography that can foster temperature inversions, particularly in colder months.

In Kharkiv, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. During winter, typically from December to February, pollution peaks due to increased reliance on coal and natural gas for heating, combined with frequent temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, leading to higher concentrations of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide; sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities on calm, cold days. Spring, from March to May, sees gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, dispersing pollutants, though late spring can bring occasional dust from agricultural activities, making April and May generally favourable for outdoor pursuits. Summer, from June to August, offers the best air quality, with warmer temperatures reducing heating emissions and more frequent rainfall helping to wash pollutants from the air, although occasional heatwaves can elevate ozone levels, so midday outdoor exercise is best avoided during hot spells. Autumn, from September to November, marks a transition as heating systems restart and atmospheric stability increases, leading to a gradual rise in pollution, with October and November often seeing worsening conditions; sensitive individuals should monitor local air quality reports and consider wearing masks on smoggy days. Throughout the year, wind patterns from the west and northwest generally bring cleaner air, while stagnant conditions from the east can exacerbate pollution, underscoring the need for seasonal awareness in this dynamic urban environment.