City, Brazil
Air quality in São Paulo
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in São Paulo was 17 µg/m³ in 2019, about 3.4 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Dry-season haze and smoke from distant fires can lift PM2.5 in Aug–Sep, with low humidity.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 17 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Sao paulo.
- PM10: 29 µg/m³ (2019).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 39 µg/m³ (2019), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Aug–Sep.
- Recent average: 17.2 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2013 |
Air quality across Brazil
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro | 11 µg/m³ | Moderate |
| São Paulo | 17 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Belo Horizonte | 30.1 µg/m³ | Very polluted |
Quick answers
Is the air in São Paulo bad?
Polluted: 17 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 3.4× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Aug–Sep.
When is the air worst in São Paulo?
Dry-season haze and smoke from distant fires can lift PM2.5 in Aug–Sep, with low humidity.
How does São Paulo compare with the rest of Brazil?
People in Brazil breathe 13 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 17 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Metrô São Paulo
- SPTrans
- GRU Airport
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
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 Spotted something out of date?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.