Capital city in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Air quality in Kathmandu
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Kathmandu was 37 µg/m³ in 2020, about 7.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Basin geography traps smog and dust; PM2.5 is often unhealthy from December to April. Check IQAir and wear an N95.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 37 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Kathmandu.
- PM10: 55.3 µg/m³ (2020).
- Worst months: Nov–Apr.
- Recent average: 39.2 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 |
Air quality across Nepal
Quick answers
Is the air in Kathmandu bad?
Severely polluted: 37 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 7.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Apr.
When is the air worst in Kathmandu?
Basin geography traps smog and dust; PM2.5 is often unhealthy from December to April. Check IQAir and wear an N95.
How does Kathmandu compare with the rest of Nepal?
People in Nepal breathe 53 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 37 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Kathmandu
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Nepal Tourism Board
- Nepal Immigration (arrival form)
- Tribhuvan International Airport
- CIWEC Hospital
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 Spotted something out of date?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.