Is the air quality good in Bishkek?
On December 2, 2025, 7:38 AM PT, the air quality in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is classified as "very unhealthy". The city is currently ranked as the 5th most polluted major city in the world.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Bishkek.
While the air quality conditions on December 2 are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Bishkek was 21.2 µg/m3. This corresponds to an AQI of 70, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 14 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3.
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ranked as the 5th most polluted major city as of 7:38 AM PT on December 2, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Bishkek?
Air quality is expected to gradually improve later today with changing weather patterns.
Hourly air quality forecast for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on December 2, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Shifts in wind speed and atmospheric pressure may temporarily improve air quality by dispersing pollutants—but these gains could be fleeting, depending on weather conditions.
Air quality map of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on December 2, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Bishkek?
Several factors are driving today’s poor air quality:
- Home heating practices through low-quality coal is a major contributor to poor air quality in winter.
- Urban pollution—primarily from industrial activity and vehicle emissions—continues to dominate local air quality concerns.
- Seasonal atmospheric stagnation is trapping pollutants close to the ground, intensifying their concentration.
- Additionally, external sources like agricultural burning and wildfires in surrounding regions are carrying smoke and particulate matter into city areas.
The United Nations has underscored the urgency of these issues, noting that Central Asia’s air quality crisis demands immediate, coordinated action to reduce pollution across borders.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
