Is the air quality good in Delhi?
On October 14, 2025, at 10:20 PM PT, Delhi, India, is experiencing "very unhealthy," air quality with an AQI above 200. Some neighborhoods show higher levels, posing risks to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Air quality is dynamic and can change rapidly. Delhi ranked as the most polluted major city on Wednesday morning (local time), with Mumbai and Kolkata also impacted.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Delhi.
While today’s air quality conditions are far worse than the 2024 average AQI of 178 (PM2.5 slightly over 105), classified as “unhealthy,” the city’s air remains far from safe, over 21 times the WHO guideline, showing that Delhi continues to face dangerously high pollution levels, especially during the winter season, even on its “better” days.
Delhi, India ranked as the most polluted major city on Oct 15, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Delhi?
Air quality in Delhi is expected to remain poor throughout the day and into the night as well. Limited improvement may occur if wind activity increases and disperses pollutants.
Hourly air quality forecast for Delhi, India on Oct 15, 2025. Source: IQAir.
The daily forecast suggests that Delhi’s air quality has remained in the “unhealthy” range for most of the past 30 days and is expected to stay the same over the next few days, with AQI levels predicted at 155 on Thursday, 165 on Friday, and 165 on Saturday.
Daily air quality forecast for Delhi, India for last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
With the ongoing seasonal transition, some brief relief may occur however, sustained improvement will depend on reductions in emissions, favorable weather conditions, and stronger regional cooperation.
Air quality map of Delhi, India on Oct 15, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Delhi?
Delhi’s severe air pollution stems from a mix of local and regional factors. Vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust play a major role in worsening urban air quality in the city (1).
Crop residue burning in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana releases large quantities of smoke, contributing significantly to Delhi’s toxic haze during the post-monsoon season (2).
Seasonal weather patterns, including temperature inversions and light winds during winter, trap pollutants close to the ground, amplifying smog intensity.
Additionally, Delhi’s location within the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain allows cross-border pollution from other regions in India to exacerbate local air quality challenges (3).
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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.
