Capital city, Hungary
Air quality in Budapest
Moderate
The annual average PM2.5 in Budapest was 14 µg/m³ in 2020, about 2.8 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter inversions can raise PM2.5 on cold, calm days; summer is generally fine.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 14 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Budapest.
- PM10: 25 µg/m³ (2020).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 27 µg/m³ (2020), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Dec–Feb.
- Recent average: 14 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2014 |
Air quality across Hungary
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest | 14 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| Pécs | 15 µg/m³ | Moderate |
Quick answers
Is the air in Budapest bad?
Moderate: 14 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 2.8× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Dec–Feb.
When is the air worst in Budapest?
Winter inversions can raise PM2.5 on cold, calm days; summer is generally fine.
How does Budapest compare with the rest of Hungary?
People in Hungary breathe 14 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 14 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Budapest transport (BKK)
- Budapest Airport
- Budapest tourism
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 Spotted something out of date?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.