Is the air quality good in Kathmandu?
As of April 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time, GMT+5:45), Kathmandu, Nepal, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 190, classified as "unhealthy" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kathmandu's air quality map.
While air quality today is currently very poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 22.4 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data show sustained pollution concerns. In 2025, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 39 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 109, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category and 7.8 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline.
Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked among the most polluted major cities, globally, as of April 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Kathmandu, Nepal, as of April 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Kathmandu?
Short-term improvement depends primarily on weather changes. Stronger winds or heavier rainfall can disperse airborne pollutants and lower PM2.5 levels. However, temperature inversions and calm winds frequently trap polluted air near the surface, allowing smog to linger without significant meteorological shifts.
The problem is at its worst between January and May, and again in November and December. August is historically the cleanest month, when monsoon rains and winds clear the air. Lasting improvement will require stronger enforcement of emission standards and regional cooperation to address transboundary pollution from neighboring countries (1).
Hourly air quality forecast for Kathmandu, Nepal, as of April 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu's bowl-shaped valley topography traps pollution when weather conditions are calm, as without rainfall or wind, smoke and dust remain suspended in the air rather than dispersing (2).
Rampant wildfire incidents across forests including the Chure region, combined with stubble burning, waste burning, and brick kiln operations, are key drivers of deteriorating air quality during March through May, which is the peak forest fire season (3).
Vehicular emissions from a rapidly growing fleet of old, fossil fuel-powered vehicles are the largest contributor to urban pollution, while brick kilns and factories with weak emission controls release sulfur dioxide and other harmful gases (4).
Cross-border pollution from northern India further worsens air quality in southern and eastern Nepal.
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.
