Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ethiopia 🇪🇹

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is measured at a score of 80. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Addis Ababa is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 24.6 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 43.0 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 7.7 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Ethiopia 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 Jijiga, Gonder, Mek'ele, Nazrēt and Awasa. 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: Ethiopia Right Now

Across 44 monitored cities in Ethiopia, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 23 AQI in Negēlē (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 156 AQI in Welk’īt’ē (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 4 Good, 33 Moderate, 6 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 1 Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 20.5 µg/m³ — approximately 4.1 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Ethiopia Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: Ethiopia Regions

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia

The median reading across 44 monitored cities is 62.0 AQI. The national spread is 133 points, from 23 in Negēlē to 156 in Welk’īt’ē. Average PM2.5 is 20.5 µg/m³ (4.1× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is Unhealthy. Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion and check the city reading before planning exercise or travel.

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 Ethiopia — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Ethiopia?

Live AQI readings for 44 city(ies) across Ethiopia are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Ethiopia's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Ethiopia?

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 Ethiopia?

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 Ethiopia.