Air Quality in Top 10 Tourist Destinations: Safe or Not?

Are you also planning a trip to your dream Destination? So what to do during your trip planning? First knowing the safety of the place, tickets and availability of the place. Right? But here is the major thing you should consider while visiting! It is air quality because poor air quality concerns the safety of each tourist in the city. Or is it really safe to travel in these cities? So, let us know the Air Quality in Top 10 Tourist Destinations. 

Air quality is a global issue affecting millions of lives every year and resulting in severe health issues. Every year, millions of people visit top places in the world to enjoy their holidays or breaks. But do you know what you can face there while travelling? Understand the air quality in tourist cities with real-time AQI data, PM2.5 levels in real-time, and the annual average of 2024 to help you travel and make an informed decision. 

Air Quality in Top 10 Tourist Destinations: Attractions and Air Quality

1. Tokyo, Japan

Attractions: Shibuya Crossing, historic temples, and Michelin-starred dining define Tokyo, praised for clean air and urban efficiency.

Air Quality in Tokyo:

• Real-time: AQI 31 (Good), PM2.5 17 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Slightly exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines (1.1x) of 15µg/m3 (in the last 24 Hrs).
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 4 µg/m³ (within WHO limits of 5µg/m3).

2. New York City, USA

Attractions: Central Park, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty draw 11.7 million visitors.

AQI in New York City:

• Real-time: AQI 25 (Good), PM2.5 4 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Meets WHO guidelines (15µg/m3 in the last 24 hrs).
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 8 µg/m³ (1.6x above WHO limits).

3. San Francisco, USA

Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and tech innovation attract millions.

Air Quality in San Francisco:

• Real-time: AQI 22 (Good), PM2.5 14 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Meets WHO 24-hour guidelines.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 10 µg/m³ (2x above WHO limits).

4. Paris, France

Attractions: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Champs-Élysées make Paris a cultural powerhouse, ranked No. 1 in tourism infrastructure and sustainability.

Air Quality in Paris:

• Real-time: AQI 75 (Moderate), PM2.5 22 µg/m³ (1.1 cigarettes/day). Exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines by 1.5x.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 10 µg/m³ (2x above WHO annual limits).

5. London, UK

Attractions: Buckingham Palace, the West End, and world-class museums draw 18.8 million international visitors annually.

AQI in London:

• Real-time: AQI 65 (Moderate), PM2.5 16 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines slightly (1.1x).
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 11 µg/m³ (2.2x above WHO limits).

6. Los Angeles, USA

Attractions: Hollywood, beaches, and hiking trails define LA, though air quality remains a challenge.

Air Quality in Los Angeles:

• Real-time: AQI 59 (Moderate), PM2.5 13 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Meets WHO 24-hour guidelines.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 13 µg/m³ (2.6x above WHO limits).

7. Rome, Italy

Attractions: The Colosseum, Vatican City, and ancient ruins make Rome a history lover’s dream.

Air Quality in Rome:

• Real-time: AQI 56 (Moderate), PM2.5 17 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines by 1.1x.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 12 µg/m³ (2.4x above WHO limits).

8. Istanbul, Turkey

Attractions: Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus cruises draw 23 million visitors.

Air Quality in Istanbul:

• Real-time: AQI 57 (Moderate), PM2.5 12 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Meets WHO 24-hour guidelines.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 15 µg/m³ (3x above WHO limits).

9. Bangkok, Thailand

Attractions: Bustling markets, ornate temples, and vibrant street food scenes attract 16.7 million visitors.

Air Quality in Bangkok:

• Real-time: AQI 84 (Moderate), PM2.5 27 µg/m³ (1.6 cigarettes/day). Exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines by 1.8x.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 25 µg/m³ (5x above WHO limits), the worst in this list.

10. Dubai, UAE

Attractions: Burj Khalifa, luxury shopping, and desert safaris make Dubai a global hub, with 18.2 million arrivals.

Air Quality in Dubai:

• Real-time: AQI 72 (Moderate), PM2.5 20 µg/m³ (no cigarette equivalent). Exceeds WHO 24-hour guidelines by 1.3x.
• 2024 Annual: PM2.5 averages 29 µg/m³ (5.8x above WHO limits).

Real-time AQI data was collected on 17th February 2025 at noon.

Key Takeaways from Air Quality in Top 10 Tourist Destinations

1. High-Risk Cities: Bangkok and Dubai show alarming annual PM2.5 levels (5x and 5.8x above WHO guidelines), linked to traffic, industry, and desert dust. Paris and London face moderate risks due to urban density and seasonal pollution spikes.
2. Safe Havens: New York City, San Francisco, and Tokyo perform best in real-time AQI, with Tokyo meeting WHO annual PM2.5 limits due to strict emissions policies.
3. The Cigarette Equivalent: Bangkok’s real-time PM2.5 levels equate to smoking 1.6 cigarettes daily, highlighting health risks for sensitive travellers.
4. Seasonal Variations: Cities like Los Angeles and Rome show better real-time air quality than annual averages, suggesting pollution peaks in specific months.
5. WHO Guidelines: Only Tokyo met the annual PM2.5 limit (5 µg/m³), underscoring the global challenge of curbing air pollution.

Tips for Travelers

• Monitor Real-Time AQI: Always consider the AQI.in to check the real-time air quality conditions of these areas. Or always stay updated about the air quality around you with a pocket air quality monitor. 
• Plan Around Pollution: Visit high-risk cities like Bangkok or Dubai in wet seasons when air quality improves.
• Use Masks: N95 masks reduce exposure to PM2.5 in polluted areas. 
• Support Clean Policies: Choose cities investing in sustainability, like Tokyo and San Francisco