Is the air quality good in Milan?
On January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM Pacific Time (PT), Milan, Italy, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI is 159, classified as "unhealthy," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
Like the weather, air quality conditions can fluctuate. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Milan's air quality map.
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 Milan was 18.1 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 63, which falls into the moderate category and was 4 times the WHO annual guideline.
Milan, Italy, ranked as the 11th most polluted major city on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Milan?
The hourly forecast indicates that air quality is expected to improve steadily throughout the day, with the AQI likely reaching the moderate range by evening as increasing winds help disperse pollutants.
Hourly air quality forecast for Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Milan?
Milan’s recent decline in air quality stems from both regional and local influences. The city’s position in the Po Valley traps industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural pollutants—especially during winter, when stagnant air and temperature inversions prevent dispersion (1).
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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.
