Air Quality Index (AQI) in Benin 🇧🇯

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin, is measured at a score of 54. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Porto-Novo is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 10.7 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 15.1 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 0.5 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Benin based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Parakou, Godomè and Abomey. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: Benin Right Now

Across 9 monitored cities in Benin, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 52 AQI in Cotonou (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 60 AQI in Parakou (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 9 Moderate. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 11.1 µg/m³ — approximately 2.2 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Benin Air Quality: Major Cities Index

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Benin 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.

What Today's Readings Mean in Benin

The median reading across 9 monitored cities is 54 AQI. The national spread is 8 points, from 52 in Cotonou to 60 in Parakou. Average PM2.5 is 11.1 µg/m³ (2.2× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is in the Moderate range. People unusually sensitive to air pollution may want to reduce prolonged outdoor exertion there.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

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 Benin — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Benin?

Live AQI readings for 9 city(ies) across Benin are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Benin's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Benin?

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 Benin?

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 Benin.