City in Silesia, Poland
Air quality in Katowice
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Katowice was 22 µg/m³ in 2020, about 4.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Silesia has some of Poland's worst winter smog, from coal and wood heating and traffic. Check air-quality apps.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Katowice.
- PM10: 31 µg/m³ (2020).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 35 µg/m³ (2020), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Mar.
- Recent average: 29.6 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 |
Air quality across Poland
Quick answers
Is the air in Katowice bad?
Polluted: 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Mar.
When is the air worst in Katowice?
Silesia has some of Poland's worst winter smog, from coal and wood heating and traffic. Check air-quality apps.
How does Katowice compare with the rest of Poland?
People in Poland breathe 17 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 22 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Katowice
Going to Katowice solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Katowice 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)
- Metropolitan Transport Authority (ZTM) Katowice
- Katowice Airport
- City of Katowice
- PKP Intercity
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 Spotted something out of date?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.