Is the air quality good in São Paulo?
As of May 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM (local time), São Paulo, Brazil, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI was 110, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. São Paulo ranked 4th among the most polluted cities in the world on Wednesday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of São Paulo.
It is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for São Paulo was 12.2 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 50 (“moderate”), and 2.4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
São Paulo, Brazil ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on May 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in São Paulo?
Air quality is forecasted to improve later in the day as weather conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersion.
Air quality forecast for São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in São Paulo?
Poor air quality in São Paulo is being driven by a combination of wildfire smoke, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions.
Research published in 2025 found that smoke from fires across Brazil and neighboring regions significantly increased PM2.5 pollution in São Paulo State during dry seasons, especially during periods of drought and extreme heat (1).
Vehicle emissions are also a major contributor to pollution in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area. A 2025 emissions study found that older gasoline and diesel vehicles produced disproportionately high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate pollution (2).
Researchers have also warned that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of pollution episodes in São Paulo due to prolonged droughts and more intense fire seasons (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.
