Latin America Air Quality Index
From Amazonian fire smoke to high-altitude basin inversions — Latin America faces diverse air quality challenges shaped by geography, urbanization, and land use change.
Cities at a Glance
Most vs. Least Polluted (2024)
Annual average PM2.5 comparison
Country Pages
Key Pollution Drivers in Latin America
Amazonian Fires
Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru lose millions of hectares to agricultural burning annually (July–October). Smoke travels thousands of kilometers, affecting São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and even Buenos Aires.
Altitude Inversions
Mexico City (2,240m), Bogotá (2,600m), La Paz, and Quito all sit in high-altitude basins. Thermal inversions trap vehicle exhaust and industry emissions beneath mountain ridges for weeks.
Old Vehicle Fleets
Latin American cities have some of the world's oldest diesel bus fleets. Bogotá, Lima, and Mexico City are implementing BRT and electric bus transitions, but legacy fleets still dominate.
Seasonal AQI Patterns by Country
Monthly average AQI (approximate)
| Month | Brazil | Colombia | Peru | Mexico | Chile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55 | 88 | 75 | 100 | 82 |
| Feb | 52 | 95 | 72 | 105 | 78 |
| Mar | 58 | 80 | 80 | 115 | 65 |
| Apr | 60 | 70 | 88 | 110 | 58 |
| May | 65 | 62 | 95 | 98 | 72 |
| Jun | 70 | 68 | 102 | 88 | 130 |
| Jul | 95 | 82 | 108 | 82 | 145 |
| Aug | 130 | 75 | 105 | 78 | 140 |
| Sep | 140 | 65 | 98 | 80 | 105 |
| Oct | 80 | 60 | 90 | 85 | 80 |
| Nov | 62 | 72 | 82 | 92 | 75 |
| Dec | 58 | 85 | 78 | 98 | 88 |