Region in Northern Portugal, Portugal
Air quality in Douro Valley
Meets the WHO guideline
The annual average PM2.5 in Douro Valley was 5 µg/m³ in 2024, about 1.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Summer wildfire smoke can affect the valley in July–September in dry years.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 5 µg/m³ yearly average (2024). Measured at Vila Real, 23 km away.
- PM10: 9.5 µg/m³ (2024).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 4.6 µg/m³ (2024), mostly from traffic.
- Recent average: 4.2 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 |
Air quality across Portugal
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Algarve | 2.9 µg/m³ | Meets the WHO guideline |
| Faro | 2.9 µg/m³ | Meets the WHO guideline |
| Madeira | 5 µg/m³ | Meets the WHO guideline |
| Douro Valley | 5 µg/m³ | Meets the WHO guideline |
| Silver Coast | 6.4 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Sintra | 7.4 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Cascais | 7.4 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Azores | 7.4 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Porto | 8 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
| Lisbon | 9 µg/m³ | Fairly clean |
Quick answers
Is the air in Douro Valley bad?
Meets the WHO guideline: 5 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 1.0× the WHO guideline.
When is the air worst in Douro Valley?
Summer wildfire smoke can affect the valley in July–September in dry years.
How does Douro Valley compare with the rest of Portugal?
People in Portugal breathe 9 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 5 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Douro Valley
Going to Douro Valley solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Douro Valley 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)
- CP Comboios de Portugal: Linha do Douro
- Turismo do Porto e Norte
- Rede Expressos
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 Spotted something out of date?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.