Capital city, Mongolia
Air quality in Ulaanbaatar
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar was 60 µg/m³ in 2019, about 12.0 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Coal and wood smoke from ger districts makes winter air among the world's worst. Cooler, drier months are worst; masks help.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 60 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Ulaanbaatar.
- PM10: 124 µg/m³ (2019).
- Worst months: Oct–Mar.
- Recent average: 73 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 | |
| 2016 | |
| 2015 | |
| 2014 | |
| 2013 |
Quick answers
Is the air in Ulaanbaatar bad?
Severely polluted: 60 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 12.0× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Oct–Mar.
When is the air worst in Ulaanbaatar?
Coal and wood smoke from ger districts makes winter air among the world's worst. Cooler, drier months are worst; masks help.
How does Ulaanbaatar compare with the rest of Mongolia?
People in Mongolia breathe 43 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 60 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Ulaanbaatar
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Mongolia National Tourism Organization
- SOS Medica Mongolia
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 Spotted something out of date?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.