City in Lesser Poland, Poland
Air quality in Krakow
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Krakow was 22 µg/m³ in 2020, about 4.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter smog from home heating and traffic often reaches unhealthy levels in Nov–Feb, despite a coal-stove ban; check IQAir.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Kraków.
- PM10: 30 µg/m³ (2020).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 33 µg/m³ (2020), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
- Recent average: 28.8 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 Krakow bad?
Polluted: 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Krakow?
Winter smog from home heating and traffic often reaches unhealthy levels in Nov–Feb, despite a coal-stove ban; check IQAir.
How does Krakow 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.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Kraków public transport (ZTP)
- Kraków Airport
- Kraków tourist information
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 Spotted something out of date?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.