Is the air quality good in Washington DC?
On December 6, 2025, at 4:30 AM PT, air quality in Washington DC, USA is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 119.
Residents, especially children, seniors, and people with asthma, may experience aggravated health symptoms due to elevated pollution levels.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Washington DC ranks 22nd among the most polluted major cities in the world today, with other cities like Detroit, Chicago and New York also affected.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Washington DC.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Washington DC was 7.6 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 32, which falls into the good category and was 1.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Washington DC ranked as the 22nd most polluted major city on Dec 6, 2025 4:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Washington DC?
Air quality in Washington DC is expected to improve later today as weather conditions shift (1).
Warmer temperatures and increased atmospheric movement over the weekend are anticipated to disperse trapped pollutants, which aligns with the expected easing of the Arctic cold blast affecting the region (2).
Hourly air quality forecast for Washington DC on Dec 6, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Washington DC on Dec 6, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Washington DC?
The poor air quality is attributed to a blend of environmental and human-driven factors. Key contributors include (3):
- Vehicle emissions from cars, buses, and heavy traffic corridors
- Industrial and construction activity generating dust and particulate matter
- Weather stagnation from the recent Arctic cold blast, limiting pollutant dispersion
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.
