Air Quality Index (AQI) in Guatemala 🇬🇹

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, is measured at a score of 117. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Sensitive. The current atmosphere in Guatemala City is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 41.9 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 42.7 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 25.1 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Guatemala 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 Villa Nueva, Mixco, Cobán, Quetzaltenango and Jalapa. 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: Guatemala Right Now

Across 28 monitored cities in Guatemala, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 27 AQI in Chichicastenango (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 152 AQI in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 18 Good, 3 Moderate, 6 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 1 Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 18.2 µg/m³ — approximately 3.6 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Guatemala Air Quality: Major Cities Index

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Guatemala 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 Guatemala

The median reading across 28 monitored cities is 45.5 AQI. The national spread is 125 points, from 27 in Chichicastenango to 152 in Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa. Average PM2.5 is 18.2 µg/m³ (3.6× 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 Guatemala — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Guatemala?

Live AQI readings for 28 city(ies) across Guatemala are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Guatemala's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Guatemala?

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 Guatemala?

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 Guatemala.