Capital city, Senegal
Air quality in Dakar
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Dakar was 42 µg/m³ in 2018, about 8.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Harmattan dust and traffic haze push PM levels up in dry months; sensitive people should check daily readings.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 42 µg/m³ yearly average (2018). Measured at Dakar.
- PM10: 136 µg/m³ (2018).
- Worst months: Dec–Mar.
- Recent average: 29.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2013 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Dakar bad?
Severely polluted: 42 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 8.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Dec–Mar.
When is the air worst in Dakar?
Harmattan dust and traffic haze push PM levels up in dry months; sensitive people should check daily readings.
How does Dakar compare with the rest of Senegal?
People in Senegal breathe 42 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 42 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Dakar
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Dakar BRT / TER (CETUD)
- Blaise Diagne International Airport
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 Spotted something out of date?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.