Is the air quality good in Athens?
On December 29, 2025, at 1:51 PM PT, air quality in Athens, Greece is unhealthy with an air quality index (AQI) of 155.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently, Athens ranks 14th among the most polluted major cities in the world today.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Athens.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Athens was 11 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 55, which falls into the moderate category and was 2.2 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Athens, Greece ranked as the 15th most polluted major city on December 29 2025, 1:51 PM PT,. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Athens?
Forecasts indicate that air quality in Athens is likely to see an improvement in air quality later on Tuesday morning, as wind blows pollutants east. Air quality improvement will depend on wind and weather conditions as the day progresses.
Hourly air quality forecast for Athens, Greece for December 29, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of the Athens on December 29, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Greece on December 29, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Athens?
Across much of the Western Balkans and Greece, people are facing poor air quality today, December 29, with elevated levels of PM2.5 standing out among pollutants. Although Saharan dust and sand occasionally affect the region, current conditions show minimal influence from these sources (1).
Instead, colder temperatures, increased home heating, and temperature inversions—especially in valley areas—are likely the main drivers behind the degraded air quality in many parts of the region.
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.
