Capital city, Ethiopia
Air quality in Addis Ababa
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Addis Ababa was 20.5 µg/m³ in 2019, about 4.1 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Traffic fumes and smoke from cooking fires affect air quality, especially in the dry season.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 20.5 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Addis Ababa.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
- Recent average: 26.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Addis Ababa bad?
Polluted: 20.5 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.1× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Addis Ababa?
Traffic fumes and smoke from cooking fires affect air quality, especially in the dry season.
How does Addis Ababa compare with the rest of Ethiopia?
People in Ethiopia breathe 24 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 20.5 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Addis Ababa
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Ethiopian e-visa portal
- Ethiopian Airlines
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.