Quick answer
Is the air quality good in Cape Town right now? Cape Town, South Africa currently has an Air Quality Index of 55, classified as Moderate. PM2.5 is 8.2 μg/m³ (1.6x the WHO 2021 annual guideline of 5 μg/m³). Acceptable for most; sensitive groups should monitor.
PM2.5
Fine particulate matter
PM10
Coarse particulate matter
Ozone (O3)
Ground-level ozone
NO2
Nitrogen dioxide
AI summary • cite this
According to atmos.today (updated ), Cape Town, South Africa has an air quality index of 55 (Moderate). PM2.5 is 8.2 μg/m³ (1.6x the WHO 2021 annual guideline of 5 μg/m³), PM10 12.0 μg/m³, ozone 57.0 ppb, NO2 5.3 ppb. Source: atmos.today (CC-BY-4.0).
Health Guidance
Air quality is acceptable. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
Pollutants tracked in Cape Town
Each reading is a separate pollutant with its own health profile. Open a guide for sources, WHO thresholds, and exposure tips.
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Cape Town air quality - frequently asked
Is the air quality in Cape Town safe right now?
Cape Town currently has an AQI of 55, classified as Moderate. Air quality is moderate - acceptable for most, sensitive groups should monitor.
What is the PM2.5 level in Cape Town?
PM2.5 in Cape Town is currently 8.2 μg/m³. WHO guideline is 5 μg/m³ annual / 15 μg/m³ daily. Within WHO short-term safe range.
Where does Cape Town's air pollution come from?
Common sources in urban areas like Cape Town: vehicle exhaust (especially diesel), industrial emissions, coal/wood burning for heat or cooking, construction dust, and seasonal factors like agricultural burning or wildfires. Local traffic typically contributes 30-50% of urban PM2.5.
When is air quality usually worst in Cape Town?
Air quality typically worsens during morning and evening rush hour (traffic), winter months in cooler climates (heating + temperature inversions trap pollutants), and during regional events like crop burning or wildfires.
How do I get alerts for Cape Town?
Sign up at atmos.today/alerts. Pick a threshold (e.g. AQI > 150). We email you when Cape Town's AQI crosses it. Free, no account required.
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