Is the air quality good in Dakar?
On April 2, 2026, at 2:30 AM PT, Dakar, Senegal’s air quality reached an AQI of 205, placing it in the “very unhealthy” range.
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 (1).
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dakar, Senegal is ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Thursday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Dakar.
While air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Dakar was 21.8 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 71, which falls into the “moderate" category and was also 4.3 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Dakar, Senegal was the most polluted major city on April 2, 2026 at 2:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Dakar?
Air quality is expected to improve to moderate levels by tomorrow, offering some relief after today’s conditions.
Hourly air quality forecast for Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Over the past 30 days, air quality has generally remained in the good to moderate range. Today, however, conditions have sharply deteriorated, reaching the very unhealthy range (2).
Daily air quality trends in Dakar, Senegal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Dakar?
Poor air quality in Dakar is primarily driven by high concentrations of particulate matter from both natural and human-made sources, making these particles the primary pollutants affecting air quality in the region (3).
A major contributor is road traffic emissions from widespread vehicle use, alongside industrial activities and the combustion of fossil fuels.
In addition, desert dust carried by Harmattan winds significantly contributes to increased airborne particle levels. Rapid urban growth and rising energy consumption further intensify pollution levels across the city (4).
Seasonal dust events, particularly during the Harmattan period, can significantly worsen air quality by introducing large amounts of fine particles into the atmosphere. As a result, these combined factors lead to persistently elevated pollution levels, especially in densely populated and high-traffic areas (5).
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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.
