Is the air quality good in Hanoi?
As of January 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM PT, Hanoi, Vietnam, is experiencing very poor air quality with the Air Quality Index (AQI) above 170, placing conditions in the unhealthy range.
These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Hanoi's air quality map.
While air quality conditions in Hanoi today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Hanoi was 45 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 125 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”) and was 8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked as the 10th most polluted major city as of January 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Hanoi?
Short-term improvement in Hanoi depends on changing weather conditions. Stronger winds and occasional rainfall can help disperse trapped pollutants, reducing PM2.5 levels.
However, winter in northern Vietnam often brings temperature inversions and stagnant air that trap emissions close to the ground, allowing poor air quality to persist.
Forecasts suggest some relief may occur as winds strengthen over the coming days, but seasonal patterns keep pollution elevated through much of the winter.
Hourly air quality forecast for Hanoi, Vietnam, as of January 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Daily air quality trends in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Hanoi, Vietnam, as of January 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Hanoi?
Hanoi’s current poor air quality stems from multiple sources. Urban traffic emissions from cars, motorbikes, and diesel vehicles contribute large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter.
Construction dust and industrial emissions add to the pollution burden. Seasonal factors such as dry winter weather and temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface and prevent dispersion.
Agriculture and open burning in surrounding provinces also feed into the city’s pollution, with smog episodes often linked to a combination of local and regional sources (1).
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.
