Mexico City Air Quality: “Acceptable” with Moderate Health Risk
Mexico City, June 25, 2026 – The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate of Mexico City released its air quality report for the capital and the conurbated area of the State of Mexico. The agency updates the air quality status in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico hourly and daily, allowing residents to take precautions regarding outdoor activities and enabling authorities to implement measures such as environmental contingencies and double ‘Hoy No Circula’ (No Driving Today) restrictions.
Current Air Quality Status
As of 3:00 PM EST on June 25, the air quality in Mexico City and the State of Mexico is classified as “Acceptable,” with a “Moderate” risk to health. This assessment is based on data collected by the Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate. Residents, especially sensitive groups, are advised to consider this report when planning outdoor activities.
UV Radiation Index
The Ultraviolet (UV) Ray Index reached level 7, indicating that “protection is needed” for those venturing outdoors. Authorities have issued the following recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with UV radiation:
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing.
- Use a hat and UV-filter glasses.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.
- Seek shade or remain indoors when possible.
Air Quality by Boroughs and Municipalities
The Atmospheric Monitoring Directorate operates 16 stations across Mexico City to monitor air quality. The latest report shows the following results for each borough:
- Tlalpan (AJM): Acceptable
- Benito Juárez (BJU): Acceptable
- Azcapotzalco (CAM): Acceptable
- Coyoacán (CCA): Good
- Cuajimalpa (CUA): Good
- Gustavo A. Madero (GAM): Acceptable
- Cuauhtémoc (HGM): Acceptable
- Iztacalco (IZT): Acceptable
- Venustiano Carranza (MER): Acceptable
- Miguel Hidalgo (MGH): Acceptable
- Álvaro Obregón (PED): Good
- Cuajimalpa (SFE): No data or under maintenance
- Iztapalapa (SAC): Acceptable
- Tláhuac (TAH): No data or under maintenance
- Coyoacán (UAX): Acceptable
- Iztapalapa (UIZ): Acceptable
For the State of Mexico, 13 monitoring stations reported the following air quality:
- Atizapán (ATI): Good
- Chalco (CHO): No data or under maintenance
- Cuautitlán Izcalli (CUT): Acceptable
- Naucalpan (FAC): Acceptable
- Nezahualcóyotl (FAR): No data or under maintenance
- Ecatepec (LLA): Acceptable
- Anexo de Tlalnepantla (LPR): Acceptable
- Nezahualcóyotl (NEZ): Acceptable
- Ecatepec (SAG): No data or under maintenance
- Tlalnepantla (TLA): Acceptable
- Tultitlán (TLI): Acceptable
- Coacalco (VIF): Acceptable
- Ecatepec (XAL): No data or under maintenance
Some municipalities and boroughs appear multiple times due to having more than one atmospheric monitoring station.
Mexico Among Latin America’s Most Polluted Cities
Mexico is among the Latin American countries with the highest atmospheric pollution, with Mexico City slightly surpassing Santiago de Chile in fine particulate matter concentration. The 2024 World Air Quality Report by IQAir highlights that air pollution in Mexico is a significant concern, primarily due to the high concentration of PM2.5 fine particles, which are the most hazardous to health. In 2024, the PM2.5 concentration in Mexico was approximately 3.5 times higher than the annual reference value recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The primary pollutant in Mexico and cities like Monterrey is PM2.5, composed of organic chemicals, dust, soot, and metals originating from vehicles, factories, and material burning. These microscopic particles can enter the bloodstream and are associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and other serious health conditions.
