Is the air quality good in Lima?
On September 15, 2025, at 10:00 PM PT, Lima, Peru, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 100, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.
To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors for cleaner breathing air.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Lima ranked 5th among the most polluted cities in the world on Tuesday midnight (local time), with nearby cities like Callao also affected.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Lima.
While the air quality conditions on September 16 are unusually poor, it is worth noting that Lima’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 18.2 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 63 (“Moderate”), which is already 3.6 times higher than the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Today’s levels are significantly worse. Instead of the relatively “moderate” baseline, Lima’s air pollution has more than doubled compared to last year’s average, turning an already concerning situation into a serious health risk for everyone outdoors.
Lima, Peru ranked as the 5th most polluted major city on Sept 16, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Lima?
Hourly forecasts indicate that Lima’s air quality is expected to improve by noon, with the AQI dropping below 65 as stronger winds help disperse pollutants.
Hourly air quality forecast for Lima, Peru on Sept 16, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Hourly air quality forecast for Lima, Peru for last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Daily trends show that the city generally remains in the “moderate” range, though occasional spikes above 100, such as on August 30 and September 15, push air quality into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.
However, fluctuating weather conditions and ongoing pollution sources suggest that consistent, long-term improvement will remain difficult without broader environmental interventions.
Air quality map of Lima, Peru on Sept 16, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Lima?
Lima’s air pollution is driven by several urban and regional factors. The largest contributor is vehicle emissions, which account for about 58% of PM2.5 pollution, mainly due to an aging fleet and heavy traffic congestion (1).
Industrial activities, particularly cement and lime production, add another 26% of PM2.5 emissions. In addition, construction and road dust, combined with open burning, release large amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere, especially during hot and dry seasons (2).
Finally, geographic and climate conditions, including weak winds, minimal rainfall, and the basin-like topography of Lima, trap pollutants and prevent their dispersal, worsening the city’s air quality.
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.
