Is the air quality good in Manila?
On September 8, 2025 2:15 AM PT, air quality in Manila, Philippines was poor, with particulate matter concentrations exceeding safe limits.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Manila is among the most polluted major cities in the world on Monday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Manila.
Manila, Philippines ranked as the 5th most polluted major city on Sept 8, 2025 2:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
While the air quality conditions on September 8 are poor, it is worth noting that Manila’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 17.4 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 61 (“moderate”), 3.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
When will air quality improve in Manila?
The air quality forecast indicates improvement as the day progresses, with pollutant levels expected to decrease later today.
Hourly air quality forecast for Manila, Philippines on Sept 8, 2025 2:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Manila, Philippines on Sept 8, 2025 2:15 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Long term air quality improvement in Metro Manila depends on multiple factors, including the reduction of vehicle emissions, enforcement of industrial emission standards, and real-time data-driven policies.
Recent efforts have led to improvements, such as a 37.6% reduction in PM2.5 levels in Metro Manila since 2016.
Real-time monitoring and policy adjustments, like class suspensions when air quality reaches dangerous levels, are already contributing to temporary improvements (4).
However, the overall air quality is expected to gradually improve as stricter Euro V fuel standards are adopted and more industrial emission controls are implemented.
What is causing poor air quality in Manila?
The poor air quality in Metro Manila is primarily driven by the following factors
- Road traffic accounts for about 70% of air pollution in Metro Manila.
- Firecrackers used during celebrations emit toxic heavy metals and fine particulate matter (3).
- Industrial emissions remain a significant contributor despite monitoring and regulatory efforts (1).
Furthermore, the absence of sufficient real-time, localized air quality data has historically hindered targeted mitigation efforts.
Recent initiatives by the Breathe Metro Manila coalition focus on deploying low-cost sensors and real-time data systems to better track pollution sources and inform decisions (2).
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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.
