Capital city, North Macedonia
Air quality in Skopje
Polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Skopje was 22.9 µg/m³ in 2025, about 4.6 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Winter heating and valley inversions make Skopje among Europe's most polluted capitals; check IQAir and consider a mask or purifier.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 22.9 µg/m³ yearly average (2025). Measured at Skopje.
- PM10: 41.5 µg/m³ (2025).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 34.4 µg/m³ (2025), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: Nov–Feb.
- Recent average: 25.5 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2020 | |
| 2019 |
Air quality across North Macedonia
| Place | PM2.5 | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Ohrid | 18.8 µg/m³ | Polluted |
| Skopje | 22.9 µg/m³ | Polluted |
Quick answers
Is the air in Skopje bad?
Polluted: 22.9 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 4.6× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Nov–Feb.
When is the air worst in Skopje?
Winter heating and valley inversions make Skopje among Europe's most polluted capitals; check IQAir and consider a mask or purifier.
How does Skopje compare with the rest of North Macedonia?
People in North Macedonia breathe 22 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 22.9 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Skopje Alexander the Great Airport
- City of Skopje
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 Spotted something out of date?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.