Air Quality Index (AQI) in Jamaica 🇯🇲

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, is measured at a score of 22. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Kingston is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 3.9 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 5.5 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 1.3 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Jamaica 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 New Kingston, Spanish Town, Portmore and Montego Bay. 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: Jamaica Right Now

Across 5 monitored cities in Jamaica, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 19 AQI in Portmore (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 50 AQI in Montego Bay (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 5 Good. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 5.6 µg/m³ — approximately 1.1 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Jamaica Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Kingston
1
New Kingston
1

Spanish Town
1
Portmore
1

Montego Bay
1

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Jamaica 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 Jamaica

The median reading across 5 monitored cities is 23 AQI. The national spread is 31 points, from 19 in Portmore to 50 in Montego Bay. Average PM2.5 is 5.6 µg/m³ (1.1× the WHO annual guideline).

All monitored locations are currently in the Good range. Normal outdoor activity is appropriate for most people.

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 Jamaica — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Jamaica?

Live AQI readings for 5 city(ies) across Jamaica are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Jamaica's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Jamaica?

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 Jamaica?

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 Jamaica.