Is the air quality good in Cairo?
On January 12, 2026, at 7:07 AM PT, Cairo, Egypt, is experiencing poor air quality. The AQI is 429, classified as "hazardous" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Cairo ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Monday morning.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Cairo.
While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Cairo was 39.9 µg/m³, equating to an AQI of 111 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”) which is 8 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Cairo, Egypt ranked as the most polluted major city on January 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Cairo?
Air quality will continue to be hazardous throughout the day, potentially seeing improvement in the early morning hours of January 13.
Hourly air quality forecast for Cairo, Egypt on January 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Cairo, Egypt on January 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Cairo?
Cairo is experiencing hazardous air quality due, in part, to wind sand and dust blowing in from the western desert (1).
Cairo’s air quality challenges stem from both local and regional sources, exacerbated by swift urban growth and environmental conditions.
The transformation of agricultural land into urban spaces has intensified pollution in crowded areas, while industrial operations and traffic emissions release toxic gases and fine particles that diminish air quality (2).
Seasonal agricultural burning, particularly of rice straw, leads to surges in pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO₂. Furthermore, dust deposits and airborne particles laced with heavy metals like lead and chromium surpass safe thresholds in industrial zones. Together with stagnant air and arid climates, these issues underscore the urgency for sustainable city planning and stricter emission regulations (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.
