Delhi AQI: Lowest Jan-Nov Average Since 2018 (Except Lockdown)
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Delhi Air Quality: November Sees Lowest Pollution Levels Since 2018
Delhi experienced its lowest average air pollution levels for the January-November period since 2018, according to data released by the Press Trust of India (PTI) on November 27, 2025. November 27th itself recorded pollution levels comparable to those seen in 2020 and was the lowest for that date since 2018.
PM2.5 and PM10 Levels Decline
The average PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) level this year stood at 85 micrograms per cubic metre. This is lower than the 98 micrograms per cubic metre recorded in 2024, 90 in 2023 and 2022, 95 in 2021, 85 in 2020, 99 in 2019, and 103 in 2018, as reported by PTI.
PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) levels also saw a decrease. The average PM10 level was 183 micrograms per cubic metre this year, compared to 205 in 2024, 193 in 2023, 202 in 2022, 200 in 2021, 167 in 2020, 210 in 2019, and 228 in 2018.
| Year | PM2.5 (µg/m³) | PM10 (µg/m³) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 85 | 183 |
| 2024 | 98 | 205 |
| 2023 | 90 | 193 |
| 2022 | 90 | 202 |
| 2021 | 95 | 200 |
| 2020 | 85 | 167 |
| 2019 | 99 | 210 |
| 2018 | 103 | 228 |
Prolonged Period of ‘Very Poor’ air Quality
Despite the overall improvement in average pollution levels, Delhi experienced the second-longest period of ‘very poor’ or worse air quality as 2019. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained above 300 for 23 consecutive days, according to data from