Is the air quality good in Tashkent?
On November 20, 2025, at 12:10 AM PT, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is experiencing very poor air quality. The AQI is over 200, classified as "very unhealthy" 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. Tashkent ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city in the world on Thursday noon (local time), with nearby cities like Samarkand also affected.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Tashkent.
While today’s air quality is relatively far worse, Tashkent’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 31.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 92 (“moderate”), about 6.3 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. This highlights that despite some day-to-day improvements, the city’s overall pollution levels remain a significant concern.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city as of November 20, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Tashkent?
Air quality is forecast to gradually improve by this evening, with AQI levels expected to fall into the moderate category (below 100).
Hourly air quality forecast for Tashkent, Uzbekistan as of November 20, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Daily forecasts show that air quality in Tashkent has remained at “unhealthy” levels since the start of November, climbing to “very unhealthy” over the past two days. Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend and into next week.
Daily air quality forecast for Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Tashkent, Uzbekistan as of November 20, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Tashkent?
Tashkent's air pollution stems from a mix of natural and human-made sources. Windblown dust accounts for about 36% of PM2.5 pollution during summer, driven by its arid, desert-adjacent climate and surrounding mountains that trap particles.
Heating systems, particularly in winter, contribute roughly 28% of PM2.5 through coal and fuel oil burning, including use in greenhouses and residential setups (1).
Transport emissions add around 16%, largely from aging vehicles and low-quality fuels that release significant amounts of particulates and black carbon.
Industrial and energy-sector activities, including factories and power plants, contribute about 13% of PM2.5 pollution.
Seasonal factors such as temperature inversions, weak winds, and stagnant air conditions further worsen air quality by trapping pollutants close to the ground (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.
