Is the air quality good in Hanoi?
As of May 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM (local time), air quality in Hanoi, Vietnam, is poor, with AQI readings exceeding 120, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.
Studies show that Hanoi regularly experiences PM2.5 concentrations above recommended health guidelines, especially during the dry season from November through April. (1)
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 3rd most polluted major city as of May 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Hanoi?
Air quality is forecasted to deteriorate into the unhealthy range by tomorrow as pollution levels continue to build across the region.
Hourly air quality forecast for Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.
In Hanoi, air quality typically improves during the wet season from May through October, when increased rainfall, stronger atmospheric mixing, and cleaner airflows help disperse PM2.5 pollution and reduce particulate concentrations. (2)
Air quality map of Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Hanoi?
Poor air quality in Hanoi is primarily driven by emissions from transportation, industrial activity, residential fuel use, and agricultural burning.
Traffic remains one of the largest contributors to pollution in the city, particularly from motorcycles, buses, and older fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Industrial facilities, construction activity, and residential fuel combustion also release significant amounts of pollution into the air. (3)
Major sources contributing to poor air quality in Hanoi include:
- Vehicle exhaust emissions
- Industrial production and factory emissions
- Residential cooking and heating fuels
- Agricultural waste burning
- Secondary PM2.5 formation in the atmosphere
- Seasonal weather conditions that trap pollutants near the ground
Research also shows that pollution from surrounding regions can travel into central Hanoi, worsening air quality across urban districts during unfavorable weather conditions. (4)
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.
