Air Quality Index (AQI) in Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Papua New Guinea

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is measured at a score of 28. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Port Moresby is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 5.1 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 7.3 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 1.2 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Papua New Guinea 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 Lae, Arawa, Mount Hagen and Popondetta. 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: Papua New Guinea Right Now

Across 5 monitored cities in Papua New Guinea, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 2 AQI in Arawa (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 71 AQI in Mount Hagen (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 2 Good, 3 Moderate. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 10.0 µg/m³ — approximately 2.0 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Papua New Guinea Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Port Moresby
1
Lae
1

Arawa
1
Mount Hagen
2

Popondetta
1

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea

The median reading across 5 monitored cities is 56 AQI. The national spread is 69 points, from 2 in Arawa to 71 in Mount Hagen. Average PM2.5 is 10.0 µg/m³ (2.0× 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 Papua New Guinea — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Papua New Guinea.

What is the current air quality in Papua New Guinea?

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

Where does Papua New Guinea's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Papua New Guinea?

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 Papua New Guinea?

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 Papua New Guinea.