Is the air quality good in Johannesburg?
As of July 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM (local time, GMT+2), air quality in Johannesburg, South Africa, is poor, with an AQI of 153, which falls within the "unhealthy" range.
Johannesburg ranks as the 3rd most polluted major city in the world at this hour. These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Johannesburg's air quality map.
The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Johannesburg for 2025 was 17.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 66, classified as "moderate" and 3.42 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Johannesburg, South Africa, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, on July 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Johannesburg?
Air quality is forecast to remain poor through tomorrow, with unhealthy pollution levels expected to continue.
Hourly air quality forecast for Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
Improvement will likely depend on changing weather conditions, including stronger winds or rainfall that help disperse accumulated pollutants. Until then, residents should continue monitoring local air quality conditions and reduce outdoor exposure when possible.
Air quality map of Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg's poor air quality is caused by a combination of local emissions, regional pollution sources, and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Industrial facilities and coal-fired power generation are among the largest contributors to fine particulate pollution in and around the city. Household use of coal, wood, and other biomass fuels for cooking and heating, particularly during winter, further increases PM2.5 concentrations (1).
Traffic emissions, including exhaust, brake and tire wear, and dust resuspended from busy roads, also contribute to urban particulate pollution. In addition, regional mining, quarry operations, and coal-related activities transport pollution into Johannesburg, adding to local emissions (2).
Young residents and community organizations have also highlighted poor air quality as an ongoing public health concern and continue to advocate for stronger air quality monitoring, cleaner transportation, and improved pollution control measures (3).
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.
