Is the air quality good in Cairo?
On September 6, 2025, at 3:30 AM PT, Cairo is experiencing poor air quality conditions. The AQI is around 130, which is classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups" (1).
These conditions if exposed for long time can have serious public health implications, including increased risks of asthma attacks, respiratory issues, cardiovascular strain, and emergency room visits, as reflected in personal and public health accounts (2).
Cairo is among the most polluted major city in the world.
According to 2024 data, Cairo’s annual average PM2.5 concentration was 39.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 111, which is nearly 8 times higher than WHO guidelines of 5 µg/m³. This shows that today’s levels are worse than the already concerning annual baseline.
Cairo, Egypt ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city on Sept 6, 2025, 3:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Cairo?
Forecast images indicate a slight improvement in Cairo’s air quality during the evening hours. AQI levels are expected to dip below current highs as daily traffic eases and wind conditions shift.
Hourly air quality forecast for Cairo, Egypt on Sept 6, 2025, 3:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
However, pollution in Cairo is highly dynamic. Weather patterns, combined with persistent local pollution sources, mean that improvements will likely be temporary without long-term interventions in emissions and urban planning.
Air quality map of Cairo, Egypt on Sept 6, 2025, 3:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Cairo?
Cairo’s poor air quality is driven by a mix of urban and regional factors:
- Heavy reliance on vehicle emissions, with congested roads and older fleets releasing large amounts of PM2.5 into the atmosphere (1).
- Industrial activities, including cement and construction, add significant particulate pollution (2).
- Lack of transparent, consistent air quality monitoring makes it difficult to track sources and respond effectively.
- Geographic and weather conditions, such as weak winds and limited rainfall, trap pollutants over the city, preventing natural dispersion.
As highlighted in local accounts, families often face worsening health conditions daily, with asthma attacks, emergency visits, and chronic respiratory issues becoming increasingly common.
This makes Cairo’s air pollution a pressing public health issue that extends beyond residents to affect millions of tourists annually.
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.
