City in Antioquia, Colombia
Air quality in Medellín
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Medellín was 20 µg/m³ in 2020, about 4.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Traffic and valley geography trap smog; PM2.5 can reach unhealthy levels in Feb–Mar and Sep–Oct, with occasional pico y placa alerts.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 20 µg/m³ yearly average (2020). Measured at Medellin.
- PM10: 35.9 µg/m³ (2020).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 34.4 µg/m³ (2020), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct.
- Recent average: 20.3 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 |
Air quality across Colombia
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Jardín | 11.1 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| Santa Marta | 13 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| Bogotá | 16 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Barranquilla | 17 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Medellín | 20 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Cartagena | 20.6 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Villa de Leyva | 20.6 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Cali | 23 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Pereira | 47.7 µg/m³ | Severely polluted |
Quick answers
Is the air in Medellín bad?
Polluted: 20 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct.
When is the air worst in Medellín?
Traffic and valley geography trap smog; PM2.5 can reach unhealthy levels in Feb–Mar and Sep–Oct, with occasional pico y placa alerts.
How does Medellín compare with the rest of Colombia?
People in Colombia breathe 18 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 20 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Metro de Medellín
- Aeropuerto José María Córdova
- Medellín tourism
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 Spotted something out of date?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.