City in Western Province, Sri Lanka
Air quality in Colombo
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Colombo was 23.6 µg/m³ in 2019, about 4.7 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Traffic haze and occasional smoke from north India and local burning; usually moderate.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 23.6 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Colombo.
- Recent average: 28.9 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Colombo bad?
Polluted: 23.6 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.7× the WHO guideline.
When is the air worst in Colombo?
Traffic haze and occasional smoke from north India and local burning; usually moderate.
How does Colombo compare with the rest of Sri Lanka?
People in Sri Lanka breathe 23 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 23.6 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Colombo
Going to Colombo solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Colombo 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)
- Bandaranaike International Airport
- Sri Lanka Railways
- PickMe
- Asiri Health
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 Spotted something out of date?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.