Is the air quality good in Kathmandu?
As of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM PT, Kathmandu, Nepal, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 170, 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.
To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.
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 unusually poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 20.6 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data show sustained pollution concerns. In 2024, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 45.1 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 128, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category and 9.2 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline.
Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Kathmandu?
Short-term improvement in air quality depends primarily on weather changes. Stronger winds or heavier rainfall can disperse airborne pollutants and lower PM2.5 levels.
However, winter conditions in the Kathmandu Valley often bring temperature inversions and calm winds, which trap polluted air near the surface for extended periods and allow smog to linger.
Without significant meteorological shifts toward wetter or windier conditions, elevated pollution may continue through much of the season.
Hourly air quality forecast for Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Daily air quality trends in Kathmandu, Nepal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu’s poor air quality arises from a mix of local, regional, and seasonal factors. The valley’s bowl-like topography traps pollutants and limits natural ventilation. Local sources such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial outputs, and brick kilns add large amounts of PM2.5 and other pollutants. Household solid fuel burning for cooking and heating further contributes particulate matter (1).
In winter, the lack of rainfall and widespread agricultural and open burning in surrounding areas intensify smog episodes. Transboundary pollution from neighboring regions also drifts into the valley, compounding the health impacts of degraded air.
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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.
