Capital city, Peru
Air quality in Lima
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Lima was 22.2 µg/m³ in 2024, about 4.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter humidity and traffic pollution cause a grey haze; air quality is moderate and worse in some inland districts.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22.2 µg/m³ yearly average (2024). Measured at Lima.
- PM10: 42.4 µg/m³ (2024).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 34.4 µg/m³ (2024), mostly from traffic.
- Recent average: 27.7 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Lima bad?
Polluted: 22.2 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.4× the WHO guideline.
When is the air worst in Lima?
Winter humidity and traffic pollution cause a grey haze; air quality is moderate and worse in some inland districts.
How does Lima compare with the rest of Peru?
People in Peru breathe 31 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 22.2 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Lima
Going to Lima solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Lima 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)
- Lima Airport Partners
- Autoridad de Transporte Urbano (ATU)
- PROMPERÚ (Peru Travel)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.