Myanmar Air Quality Index (AQI)
Myanmar faces air quality challenges from three converging sources: agricultural burning in the dry zone (November–April), traditional coal and biomass brick kilns ringing major cities, and an aging vehicle fleet with no modern emission standards. Monitoring infrastructure is limited — satellite data shows 94% of Myanmar's 55 million people breathe air exceeding WHO annual guidelines.
Most Polluted Cities
- MandalayAQI 135
- YangonAQI 105
Relatively Cleaner Cities
- NaypyidawAQI 88
Major Myanmar Cities — Air Quality
Yangon
Yangon Region · Pop. 7.6M
Myanmar's commercial capital and largest city runs on an aging vehicle fleet with minimal emission standards. Colonial-era roads were not designed for 7 million people — traffic congestion means vehicles idle for hours, releasing NOx and PM2.5. Brick kilns ring the city's outskirts, firing clay with coal and biomass in inefficient traditional kilns. The dry season (November–April) concentrates pollution as winds slow and temperature inversions form over the Irrawaddy Delta.
Mandalay
Mandalay Region · Pop. 1.5M
Myanmar's second city sits in the dry zone center of the country — rainfall averages just 850mm/year, meaning little natural air washing. The surrounding Mandalay Plains are intensively farmed; post-harvest rice straw burning in November–January creates severe PM2.5 episodes. Mandalay is also Myanmar's jade trading hub — mining operations in Kachin State generate dust that drifts south. Traditional brick kilns using wood and coal fire year-round.
Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw Union Territory · Pop. 1.2M
Myanmar's purpose-built capital (since 2006) is one of the world's least densely populated capital cities — 8,000 km² with just 1.2 million people. Low vehicle density and extensive green space keep annual averages relatively low. However, surrounding agricultural fires during the dry season and forest fires in the adjacent Bago Yoma hills drive significant seasonal spikes.
Brick Kilns: Myanmar's Hidden Air Pollution Source
Myanmar's construction boom has made it one of Asia's largest brick-producing countries. Traditional Bull Trench Kilns (BTKs) and Fixed Chimney Kilns (FCKs) ring every major city, burning coal and biomass in inefficient, unregulated open designs.
- Brick kilns operate year-round during the dry season (October–May) when clay can be fired
- A single kiln firing cycle can push local PM2.5 above 150 μg/m³ within 2km downwind
- Yangon has over 200 brick kilns within 50km; Mandalay surroundings host even more
- Improved kiln technologies (Zigzag kilns) exist but adoption is limited due to capital costs
- No national emission standards for brick kilns are currently enforced
Myanmar Seasonal Air Quality Guide
Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
BestSouthwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall that suppresses dust and washes PM2.5 from the air. Best air quality window — AQI often drops below 50 in Yangon. Burning season ends.
Cool Dry Season (Oct–Jan)
ModerateBrick kilns restart as rains end. Agricultural harvest burning begins in the Irrawaddy Delta. AQI moderate. Mandalay's rice straw burning peaks November–January.
Hot Dry Season (Feb–May)
WorstPre-monsoon heat plus forest/slash-and-burn agriculture creates worst air quality. Mandalay regularly exceeds AQI 200. Yangon suffers temperature inversions. Check air quality daily.
Note on Data Quality
Myanmar has a limited network of official air quality monitoring stations. The figures on this page are derived from satellite-based PM2.5 estimates (NASA MERRA-2, MODIS aerosol optical depth), supplemented by available IQAIR and WHO ground station data. Actual on-ground readings in specific neighborhoods may vary significantly. We recommend using personal air quality monitors when visiting major urban areas during the dry season.