Bhopal's air is generally decent for a city its size — the lakes and greenery help — and the year-round average AQI often sits in the "Moderate" band. See the live AQI, the last 7 days and a plain verdict on whether it's a good day to run or walk outdoors below, then read what the numbers actually mean.
Bhopal AQI right now
Safe to run or walk today?
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Last 7 days
Live hourly estimate on the Indian (CPCB) scale. The official AQI is a 24-hour average.
Live data: Open-Meteo · Indian (CPCB) scale · open-meteo.com
What does AQI mean?
AQI stands for Air Quality Index — a single 0–500 number that rolls several pollutants into one easy figure. The lower the number, the cleaner the air. Day to day, the ones that matter most are PM2.5 and PM10 — dust particles fine enough to be breathed deep into the lungs. This page shows a live estimate from those two on the Indian (CPCB) scale.
AQI categories (CPCB)
| AQI | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Clean air; no impact. |
| 51–100 | Satisfactory | Minor discomfort for very sensitive people. |
| 101–200 | Moderate | Some discomfort for those with asthma or heart issues. |
| 201–300 | Poor | Discomfort for most on prolonged exposure. |
| 301–400 | Very Poor | Respiratory effects; avoid outdoor exertion. |
| 401–500 | Severe | Affects even healthy people; stay indoors. |
How Bhopal's AQI changes through the year
The pattern is clear: worst in winter (November–January), when cool, still air and temperature inversions trap dust and smoke near the ground (levels peak around Diwali and in the early morning); and cleanest during the monsoon (July–September), when rain washes the air. In summer, dust storms can push PM10 up. For the full weather and climate picture, see Bhopal weather.
What to do on poor-air days
- Time hard outdoor exercise for later morning or afternoon rather than the early morning, when levels are often a little lower.
- When the AQI is above 200, move intense workouts (running, cycling) indoors.
- People with asthma or heart conditions, the elderly and young children should take extra care.
- On very poor days, keep windows shut; wear a good mask (N95) if you must be out.