City, Kazakhstan
Air quality in Almaty
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Almaty was 20 µg/m³ in 2024, about 4.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Heating smog traps pollution in the basin in winter; PM2.5 is often unhealthy. Check IQAir before hikes.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 20 µg/m³ yearly average (2024). Measured at Almaty.
- PM10: 30 µg/m³ (2024).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 60 µg/m³ (2024), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
- Recent average: 27.2 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 |
Air quality across Kazakhstan
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Almaty | 20 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Astana | 60 µg/m³ | Severely polluted |
Quick answers
Is the air in Almaty bad?
Polluted: 20 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Almaty?
Heating smog traps pollution in the basin in winter; PM2.5 is often unhealthy. Check IQAir before hikes.
How does Almaty compare with the rest of Kazakhstan?
People in Kazakhstan breathe 20 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 20 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Almaty
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Almaty International Airport
- Kazakhstan visa and e-visa portal
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 Spotted something out of date?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.