Is the air quality good in Hanoi?
As of March 31, 2026, at 3:00 AM PT, Hanoi, Vietnam, is experiencing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index (AQI) above 160, placing conditions in the 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.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Hanoi's air quality map.
While air quality conditions in Hanoi today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Hanoi was 45.9 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 126 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”) and was 9.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked as the most polluted major city as of March 31, 2026, at 3:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Hanoi?
Air quality is expected to gradually improve by tomorrow, reaching the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range.
Hourly air quality forecast for Hanoi, Vietnam, as of March 31, 2026, at 3:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Over the past 30 days, air quality has mostly remained in the moderate range, with two brief spikes into the unhealthy category earlier in March. Today, levels have again risen into the unhealthy range.
Daily air quality trends in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Hanoi, Vietnam, as of March 31, 2026, at 3:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Hanoi?
Poor air quality in Hanoi is driven by a combination of human activities and environmental factors.
Emissions from traffic, particularly the high volume of motorcycles and vehicles, are a major contributor, alongside industrial operations such as factories and power plants. Ongoing construction and rapid urban development generate significant dust, while the burning of biomass and agricultural residues further adds to pollution levels.
In addition, the widespread use of fossil fuels in residential and commercial settings continues to increase emissions (1).
Air pollution in the city is also influenced by external and seasonal factors. Pollutants can be transported over long distances from surrounding industrial regions, adding to local concentrations. At the same time, certain weather conditions, especially during the dry season, can trap pollutants near the surface and limit their dispersion (2).
Rapid urbanization and rising energy demand further intensify emissions, making air pollution an ongoing and complex challenge for Hanoi (3).
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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.
