Is the air quality good in Serbia?
As of November 6, 2026, air quality in some parts of Serbia is poor, with several cities experiencing “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.
By 11:00 AM (local time), some urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 150, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.
While conditions remain poor, Serbia’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 19.8 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 71, classified as “moderate.” This level is 4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing Serbia 38th globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report.
Air quality map of Serbia and neighboring countries as of 11:00 AM (local time) on November 6, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Serbia?
As of November 6, 2026, several cities across Serbia are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:
Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Serbia’s air quality map.
When will the air quality improve in Serbia?
Serbia’s air pollution follows a clear seasonal pattern, with concentrations highest during the heating season from October through April and lower in the warmer months (1). Conditions are likely to remain poor through winter, with relief typically arriving as the heating season ends in April.
Short-term improvement depends on wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing, while lasting progress requires cleaner household heating.
What is causing poor air quality in Serbia?
The root causes of air pollution in Serbia include residential heating with wood and coal, coal-fired power generation, industrial activity, and traffic emissions. The energy sector, particularly coal-fired power plants, contributes the largest share of annual emissions nationwide (2).
During winter, household heating becomes a major source of emissions as residents burn wood and other solid fuels in individual heating devices. Shallow nighttime boundary layers further trap these emissions close to the ground, worsening pollution (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.
