Air Quality Index (AQI) in Antarctica 🇦🇶

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Antarctica

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in McMurdo Station, the capital of Antarctica, is measured at a score of 1. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in McMurdo Station is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 0.2 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 0.3 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 0.3 µg/m³.

Antarctica Air Quality: Major Cities Index

McMurdo Station
1

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Antarctica is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in Antarctica — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Antarctica.

What is the current air quality in Antarctica?

Live AQI readings for 1 city(ies) across Antarctica are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Antarctica's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in Antarctica, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in Antarctica?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in Antarctica?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across Antarctica.