City in Sindh, Pakistan
Air quality in Karachi
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Karachi was 44.3 µg/m³ in 2019, about 8.9 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Dust, traffic fumes and port industry keep PM2.5 moderate to unhealthy through the year; winter is worst.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 44.3 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Karachi.
- Worst months: Nov–Jan.
Air quality across Pakistan
Quick answers
Is the air in Karachi bad?
Severely polluted: 44.3 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 8.9× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Jan.
When is the air worst in Karachi?
Dust, traffic fumes and port industry keep PM2.5 moderate to unhealthy through the year; winter is worst.
How does Karachi compare with the rest of Pakistan?
People in Pakistan breathe 58 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 44.3 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Karachi
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Aga Khan University Hospital
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.