City in Gauteng, South Africa
Air quality in Johannesburg
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Johannesburg was 22.7 µg/m³ in 2018, about 4.5 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter inversions and veld fires push PM2.5 up; coal power and dust add to it.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22.7 µg/m³ yearly average (2018). Measured at Johannesburg.
- PM10: 41.7 µg/m³ (2018).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 35.8 µg/m³ (2018), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Jun–Aug.
- Recent average: 22.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 |
Air quality across South Africa
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Port Elizabeth | 14 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| Durban | 17 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Johannesburg | 22.7 µg/m³ | Polluted |
Quick answers
Is the air in Johannesburg bad?
Polluted: 22.7 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.5× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Jun–Aug.
When is the air worst in Johannesburg?
Winter inversions and veld fires push PM2.5 up; coal power and dust add to it.
How does Johannesburg compare with the rest of South Africa?
People in South Africa breathe 28 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 22.7 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Gautrain
- Airports Company South Africa
- Joburg 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 Spotted something out of date?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.