Capital city in Vientiane Prefecture, Laos
Air quality in Vientiane
Very polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Vientiane was 25.8 µg/m³ in 2019, about 5.2 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Haze from regional crop burning hits Feb–April; fine particle levels can be unhealthy.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 25.8 µg/m³ yearly average (2019). Measured at Vientiane.
- Worst months: Feb–Apr.
Quick answers
Is the air in Vientiane bad?
Very polluted: 25.8 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 5.2× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in Feb–Apr.
When is the air worst in Vientiane?
Haze from regional crop burning hits Feb–April; fine particle levels can be unhealthy.
How does Vientiane compare with the rest of Laos?
People in Laos breathe 26 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 25.8 µg/m³ measured here.
More about Vientiane
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Laos 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 Spotted something out of date?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.