Updated daily – based on real-time AQI data for 30 globally recognized clean cities.
Cities that consistently appear in the top 10 for best air quality share several common factors: strong environmental policies, reliance on renewable energy, and natural advantages such as coastal winds or mountain airflows that help disperse pollutants. Many also invest heavily in public transport and limit car traffic in their urban cores.
Decades ago, industrialized countries in Europe often struggled with smog and high particulate levels. Thanks to stricter EU air quality directives and national policies, cities such as Stockholm, Zurich, and Vienna now rank among the cleanest in the world. In recent years, Australia and New Zealand cities have also become global leaders, with fresh winds from the Southern Ocean maintaining consistently low AQI values.
Even the cleanest cities can experience temporary drops in air quality due to events such as wildfires, temperature inversions, or seasonal pollen peaks. For example, Canberra and Vancouver can be affected by wildfire smoke in summer, while Northern European cities sometimes face higher pollution during cold, windless winter days. Despite this, these cities quickly recover and maintain excellent long-term averages.
With rising awareness of climate change and public health, more cities worldwide are transitioning to clean energy and electric mobility. The examples set by these top 10 cities show that low AQI is possible even in modern urban environments. Countries investing early in renewables and sustainable planning are most likely to dominate future rankings.