Is the air quality good in Yangon?
As of March 29, 2026, at 10:00 PM PT, Yangon, Myanmar, is experiencing poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index exceeding 150 and placing conditions in the unhealthy range. Elevated PM2.5 concentrations are the dominant pollutant, contributing to haze and reduced visibility across the city.
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 Yangon's air quality map.
While conditions are currently elevated, Yangon’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 23.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 74.5 and classified as “moderate.” This remains well above the World Health Organization guideline, highlighting ongoing urban air quality challenges.
Yangon, Myanmar, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of March 29, 2026, at 10:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Yangon, Myanmar, as of March 29, 2026, at 10:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Yangon?
Short-term improvements in air quality depend on changing weather conditions. Increased wind speeds and rainfall can help disperse pollutants and reduce PM2.5 concentrations.
Hourly air quality forecast for Yangon, Myanmar, as of March 29, 2026, at 10:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
During the late dry season, however, air quality often remains poor due to limited rainfall and stagnant atmospheric conditions. Pollution levels may fluctuate in the coming days, with temporary relief possible if weather patterns shift. More sustained improvement is typically expected with the arrival of the monsoon season, when rainfall helps wash pollutants from the air.
Daily air quality trends for Yangon, Myanmar over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Yangon?
Yangon’s poor air quality is driven by a combination of urban emissions and seasonal regional factors. Vehicle exhaust from a rapidly growing number of cars and diesel-powered buses is a major contributor to fine particulate pollution. In addition, emissions from small industries, construction activities, and diesel generators further degrade air quality in the city (1).
A significant seasonal driver during this period is widespread biomass burning across Myanmar and neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Agricultural burning and forest fires release large amounts of smoke and fine particles, which can be transported over long distances and accumulate over urban areas (2).
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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.
