Capital city, Kyrgyzstan
Air quality in Bishkek
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Bishkek was 22 µg/m³ in 2024, about 4.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Coal heating and traffic cause heavy winter smog, among the worst in Central Asia; check IQAir.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22 µg/m³ yearly average (2024). Measured at Bishkek.
- PM10: 40 µg/m³ (2024).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 48 µg/m³ (2024), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
- Recent average: 29 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Bishkek bad?
Polluted: 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Bishkek?
Coal heating and traffic cause heavy winter smog, among the worst in Central Asia; check IQAir.
How does Bishkek compare with the rest of Kyrgyzstan?
People in Kyrgyzstan breathe 20 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 22 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Manas International Airport
- Kyrgyzstan 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 Spotted something out of date?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.