Is the air quality good in Bucharest?
On October 23, 2025, at 2:30 AM PT, Bucharest, Romania, is experiencing poor air quality. The AQI is 121 and falls in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Bucharest ranked 7th among the most polluted cities in the world.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Bucharest.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Bucharest was 15.7 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 58, which falls into the moderate category and was 3.1 times the WHO annual guideline.
Bucharest, Romania ranked as the 7th most polluted major city on Oct 23, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Bucharest?
Short term, forecasts indicate improvement later today as dispersion increases and emissions dilute. Day to day variability will depend on traffic intensity, weather, and local burning activity. (1)
- Near term improvements are most likely during breezy, cooler periods and off-peak traffic hours.
- Seasonal inversions and stagnant conditions can delay improvement.
Hourly air quality forecast for Bucharest, Romania. Source: IQAir.
Medium term progress relies on the city’s air quality management measures to curb traffic and industrial emissions and expand urban greenery. Effective enforcement and infrastructure upgrades are required for sustained reductions. (2)
Air quality map of Bucharest, Romania on Oct 23, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Bucharest?
Multiple sources contribute to today’s elevated pollution:
- Road traffic is the dominant driver, responsible for roughly 60 percent of harmful emissions, amplified by older diesel vehicles and congestion.
- Industrial and thermal power plant operations add nitrogen oxides and particulate matter to the urban mix. (3)
- Waste burning in surrounding localities introduces additional toxic smoke and fine particles.
- Urban form and limited green space reduce natural dispersion and filtration, allowing smog to build up.
These factors raise PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOx concentrations, elevating risks for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.
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.
