Capital city, Romania
Air quality in Bucharest
Moderate
The annual average PM2.5 in Bucharest was 15 µg/m³ in 2021, about 3.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Traffic and winter heating push PM2.5 to unhealthy levels on cold, still days; check IQAir.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 15 µg/m³ yearly average (2021). Measured at Bucuresti.
- PM10: 26 µg/m³ (2021).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 35 µg/m³ (2021), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Dec–Feb.
- Recent average: 18.2 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2021 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 |
Air quality across Romania
Quick answers
Is the air in Bucharest bad?
Moderate: 15 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 3.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Dec–Feb.
When is the air worst in Bucharest?
Traffic and winter heating push PM2.5 to unhealthy levels on cold, still days; check IQAir.
How does Bucharest compare with the rest of Romania?
People in Romania breathe 16 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 15 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Bucharest
Going to Bucharest solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bucharest meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Metrorex
- Bucharest Airports
- Bolt Bucharest
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 Spotted something out of date?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.