Air Quality Index (AQI) in Rwanda 🇷🇼

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is measured at a score of 38. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Good. The current atmosphere in Kigali is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 6.9 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 7.7 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 0.8 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Rwanda 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 Gisenyi, Butare, Gitarama, Musanze and Byumba. 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: Rwanda Right Now

Across 6 monitored cities in Rwanda, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 34 AQI in Butare (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 54 AQI in Byumba (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 5 Good, 1 Moderate. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 7.7 µg/m³ — approximately 1.5 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Rwanda Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Kigali
1
Gisenyi
1

Butare
1
Gitarama
1

Musanze
1
Byumba
1

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Rwanda 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 Rwanda

The median reading across 6 monitored cities is 40.0 AQI. The national spread is 20 points, from 34 in Butare to 54 in Byumba. Average PM2.5 is 7.7 µg/m³ (1.5× 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 Rwanda — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Rwanda?

Live AQI readings for 6 city(ies) across Rwanda are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Rwanda's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Rwanda?

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 Rwanda?

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 Rwanda.