Is the air quality good in Johannesburg?
On May 18, 2026, at 8 PM (local time, UTC +2), air quality in Johannesburg, South Africa. The AQI is 157, classified as "unhealthy," with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.
For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Johannesburg's air quality map.
It is important to note that the annual average PM2.5 concentration in Johannesburg for 2025 was 17.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 66 (“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 May 18, 2026, at 8 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 18, 2026, at 8 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Johannesburg?
Air quality may be slow to improve in Johannesburg. While air quality may improve periodically, poor air quality is expected to linger until at least Thursday, May 21 (1). Seasonal conditions and an increase in localized source pollution could lead to elevated concentrations of PM2.5 in coming days.
Hourly air quality forecast for Johannesburg, South Africa, as of May 18, 2026, at 8 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg’s poor air quality today could driven by industrial emissions from the coal-to-liquids and petrochemical plants in the region (2). Under normal conditions, these facilities release gases that disperse into the upper atmosphere but shifts in wind direction can push a concentrated plume of emissions directly into the Gauteng basin, where Johannesburg is located.
In addition to external industrial pollution, Johannesburg itself can contribute to poor air quality through local sources such as vehicle emissions, coal burning for energy, and other urban pollutants. The city’s geography, nestled in a basin, can trap these pollutants, exacerbating the problem.
Air quality in the city can be poor in autumn and winter due to elevated PM2.5 generated through heating fuels (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.
