Air Quality Index (AQI) in South Africa 🇿🇦

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, is measured at a score of 71. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Pretoria is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 19.6 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 20.6 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 9.6 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across South Africa 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 Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Soweto and Port Elizabeth. 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: South Africa Right Now

Across 65 monitored cities in South Africa, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 37 AQI in Grahamstown (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 170 AQI in Soweto (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 7 Good, 33 Moderate, 13 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 12 Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 33.0 µg/m³ — approximately 6.6 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

South Africa Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: South Africa Regions

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for South Africa 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 South Africa

The median reading across 65 monitored cities is 85 AQI. The national spread is 133 points, from 37 in Grahamstown to 170 in Soweto. Average PM2.5 is 33.0 µg/m³ (6.6× 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 South Africa — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in South Africa?

Live AQI readings for 65 city(ies) across South Africa are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does South Africa's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in South Africa?

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 South Africa?

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 South Africa.