Is the air quality good in Taipei?
As of March 29, 2026, at 9:10 AM PT, Taipei, Taiwan, is experiencing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index (AQI) of 135, placing conditions in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range.
People who are more sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath may occur.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Taipei ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Taipei.
While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Taipei was 10.4 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 43 (“good”), and was twice the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Taipei, Taiwan, ranked 2nd among the most polluted major cities as of March 29, 2026, at 9:10 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Taipei?
Air quality in Taipei is expected to improve gradually by tomorrow, returning to moderate levels as weather conditions become more favorable.
Hourly air quality forecast for Taipei, Taiwan, as of March 29, 2026, at 9:10 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Over the past 30 days, air quality has generally remained within good to moderate levels. However, today there has been a noticeable spike, with conditions deteriorating into the unhealthy for sensitive groups range.
Daily air quality trends in Taipei, Taiwan, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Taipei, Taiwan, as of March 29, 2026, at 9:10 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Taipei?
The current poor air quality is driven by a combination of local emissions and unfavorable atmospheric conditions.
Key contributing factors include vehicle emissions and industrial pollution, along with limited air dispersion, all of which contribute to the accumulation of pollutants in the air (1).
Additionally, weakened wind patterns and low atmospheric mixing heights are trapping pollutants near the surface, allowing PM2.5 concentrations to increase. Poor atmospheric dispersion further exacerbates this issue, while external pollution sources also contribute to the overall buildup (2).
Urban environments face additional challenges, as natural mitigation measures such as vegetation are insufficient to offset emissions, resulting in further deterioration of air quality (3).
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as significant healthcare and economic burdens (4).
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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.
