Capital city in Kabul Province, Afghanistan
Air quality in Kabul
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Kabul was 119.8 µg/m³ in 2019, about 24.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter smoke from heating and traffic makes Kabul among the most polluted cities from November to February.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 119.8 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Kabul.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
Quick answers
Is the air in Kabul bad?
Severely polluted: 119.8 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 24.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Kabul?
Winter smoke from heating and traffic makes Kabul among the most polluted cities from November to February.
How does Kabul compare with the rest of Afghanistan?
People in Afghanistan breathe 38 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 119.8 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Kabul
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- UK FCDO: Afghanistan travel advice
- US State Department: Afghanistan advisory
- Ariana Afghan Airlines
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 Spotted something out of date?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.