Is the air quality good in Sofia?
On November 17, 2025, at 3 AM PT, there is poor air quality in Sofia, Bulgaria. The AQI is 127 and falls in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Sofia ranked 10th among the most polluted major cities in the world.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Sofia.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Sofia was 11.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 47, which falls into the "good" category and was 2.2 times the WHO annual guideline.
Sofia, Bulgaria was the 10th most polluted major city on November 17 at 3 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Sofia?
Air quality is forecasted to improve later today. Short-term improvements typically occur with shifts in weather patterns such as increased wind or precipitation.
Hourly air quality forecast for Sofia, Bulgaria on November 17. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Sofia, Bulgaria on November 17. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Sofia?
Multiple sources contribute to Sofia’s poor air quality. Key drivers include heavy traffic emissions, especially from older diesel vehicles, as well as elevated particulate matter from industry and residential heating (1).
- Vehicle emissions, particularly from polluting cars restricted seasonally in Sofia’s center (2)
- Residential solid fuel heating, a major contributor to PM2.5 (3)
- Industrial and energy-related emissions linked to coal and fossil fuel use
These combined sources contribute to persistent elevated pollutant levels, especially in winter months.
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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.
