Is the air quality good in Skopje?
On December 17, 2025, at 6 AM PT, Skopje, North Macedonia, is experiencing poor air quality with an AQI of 219, classified as "very unhealthy" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
These conditions can severely impact everyone, causing respiratory distress, aggravated heart conditions, and reduced lung function, with heightened risks for children, the elderly, and those with vulnerabilities. Recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities, sealing homes, wearing masks outdoors, and using air purifiers to mitigate exposure.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently, Skopje ranks as 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Wednesday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Skopje.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Skopje was 21.6 µg/m3, corresponding to an AQI of 70 (“moderate”), and was 4.3 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3.
Skopje, North Macedonia ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city on Dec 17, 2025 at 6 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Skopje?
Hourly forecasts indicate that air quality in Skopje is expected to improve by tomorrow, as weather conditions become more favorable and help disperse accumulated pollutants.
Air quality forecast for Skopje, North Macedonia on Dec 17, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Daily data over the past 30 days indicate that air quality has generally remained in the good to moderate range, with occasional days reaching to unhealthy for sensitive groups range. However, today’s rise in pollution levels represents an unusual and severe episode.
Daily air quality forecast for Skopje, North Macedonia, for the last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Skopje, North Macedonia on Dec 17, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Skopje?
The poor air quality in Skopje is primarily caused by elevated particulate matter pollution, which intensifies during the winter season (1).
Key contributing factors:
- Residential heating emissions, including wood and solid fuel burning.
- Traffic emissions from older vehicles with limited pollution controls.
- Geographic factors, as Skopje lies in a valley that traps polluted air.
- Wintertime atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants near the surface.
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.
