City in Canterbury, New Zealand
Air quality in Christchurch
Fairly clean
The annual average PM2.5 in Christchurch was 10 µg/m³ in 2012, about 2.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter wood-burner smoke can push PM2.5 to unhealthy levels on still, cold nights.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 10 µg/m³ yearly average (2012). Measured at Christchurch.
- PM10: 21 µg/m³ (2012).
- Worst months: Jun–Aug.
Air quality across New Zealand
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington | 5 µg/m³ | Meets the WHO guideline |
| Auckland | 6 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Rotorua | 7.5 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Taupo | 9 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Queenstown | 10 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Christchurch | 10 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
Quick answers
Is the air in Christchurch bad?
Fairly clean: 10 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 2.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Jun–Aug.
When is the air worst in Christchurch?
Winter wood-burner smoke can push PM2.5 to unhealthy levels on still, cold nights.
How does Christchurch compare with the rest of New Zealand?
People in New Zealand breathe 7 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 10 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Christchurch Airport
- Metro Christchurch (Environment Canterbury)
- ChristchurchNZ
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 Spotted something out of date?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.