Smog in Pietermaritzburg — Live Data: AQI, Fine Dust, Wind, UV and Health Advice

Pollution and air quality forecast for Pietermaritzburg. Today is Thursday, August 27, 2026. The following air pollution values have been recorded for Pietermaritzburg:

1. particulate matter (PM2.5) dust - 13 (Moderate)
2. particulate matter (PM10) suspended dust - 15 (Good)
3. ozone (O3) - 46 (Good)
4. nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - 8 (Good)
5. sulfur dioxide (SO2) - 11 (Good)
6. carbon monoxide (CO) - 250 (Good)

Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for Pietermaritzburg, Thursday, August 27, 2026: 2.

What is the current level of PM2.5 in Pietermaritzburg? (particulate matter (PM2.5) dust)
Today's PM2.5 level is: 13 (Moderate) For comparison, the highest level of PM2.5 in Pietermaritzburg in the last 7 days was: 45 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) and the lowest: 12 (Sunday, August 23, 2026).

What is the level of PM10 today in Pietermaritzburg? (particulate matter (PM10) suspended dust)
The current level of particulate matter PM10 in Pietermaritzburg is: 15 (Good)

How is the O3 level today in Pietermaritzburg? (ozone (O3))
46 (Good)

How high is the level of NO2? (nitrogen dioxide (NO2))
8 (Good)

What is the level of SO2 pollution? (sulfur dioxide (SO2))
11 (Good)

How high is the CO level? (carbon monoxide (CO))
250 (Good)

Current data Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 3:00 AM

Pietermaritzburg

Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 3:00 AM

🌦️ Weather · 16-day Forecast — South Africa

16-day weather forecast for South Africa: today around 27°C (clear sky), lows near 12°C. Daily temperature and conditions, updated every day. A moderate breeze (about 17 km/h) is partially dispersing pollutants today.

☀️ UV Index · 16-day Forecast — South Africa

The UV index in South Africa today is 5.5 (moderate) — unprotected fair skin can burn in about 35 minutes.

📍 Air quality in nearby cities

Live PM2.5 around Pietermaritzburg — compare nearby locations.

• Durban 15 µg/m³
• MaseruLesotho 29 µg/m³
• Cape Town 105 µg/m³
• Johannesburg 17 µg/m³
• Soweto 17 µg/m³
• Pretoria 8 µg/m³
• Port Elizabeth 5 µg/m³
• Benoni 16 µg/m³

Frequently asked questions

Is the air safe to breathe in Pietermaritzburg today?

The current average PM2.5 across Pietermaritzburg is about 13 µg/m³, rated “Good”. Air quality is good — outdoor activities are fine for everyone.

What is the current PM2.5 level in Pietermaritzburg?

Right now PM2.5 in Pietermaritzburg averages about 13 µg/m³ (“Good”). PM2.5 are fine particles small enough to reach the lungs and bloodstream.

Which day last week had the worst air in Pietermaritzburg?

Over the past week, the highest daily PM2.5 in Pietermaritzburg was recorded on Thursday, August 20 (about 45 µg/m³).

What is the UV index in Pietermaritzburg today?

The UV index in Pietermaritzburg today is 5.5 (moderate) — unprotected fair skin can burn in about 35 minutes.

Does today's wind help disperse smog in Pietermaritzburg?

A moderate breeze (about 17 km/h) is partially dispersing pollutants today.

How is air quality measured?

Air quality here is based on PM2.5 — the concentration of fine particulate matter in µg/m³. Lower values mean cleaner air. Data is updated daily from Open-Meteo.