Air Quality Index (AQI) in Nepal 🇳🇵

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is measured at a score of 70. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Kathmandu is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 19.4 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 21.1 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 9.4 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Nepal 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 Bharatpur, Pātan, Birgañj, Biratnagar and Dhangaḍhi̇̄. 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: Nepal Right Now

Across 17 monitored cities in Nepal, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 61 AQI in Madhyapur Thimi (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 132 AQI in Biratnagar (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 14 Moderate, 3 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 26.8 µg/m³ — approximately 5.4 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Nepal Air Quality: Major Cities Index

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Nepal 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 Nepal

The median reading across 17 monitored cities is 81 AQI. The national spread is 71 points, from 61 in Madhyapur Thimi to 132 in Biratnagar. Average PM2.5 is 26.8 µg/m³ (5.4× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion in the affected city.

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 Nepal — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Nepal?

Live AQI readings for 17 city(ies) across Nepal are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Nepal's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Nepal?

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 Nepal?

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 Nepal.