The 10 Cities With the Cleanest Air in the World – Ranking

For more and more people, clean air has become an essential factor when looking for travel destinations. Luckily, there are still plenty of places that are successful in their fight against pollution. Which ones? Here are the top ten cities with the cleanest air in the world!

Why Do We Prefer to Travel to Cities with Clean Air?

Though you could easily argue that each corner of the world has something unique to offer that many people put on their travel bucket lists, some destinations are simply less popular than others.

A large part of this can be attributed to poor air quality. Indeed, the link between air pollution and tourism has been established long ago. It’s quite an obvious relationship, really—the last thing you want to worry about when you’re on vacation is becoming sick or feeling like the air is suffocating you.

This creates a clear economic incentive for many cities and governments that should help them finally realize the bottom line: everyone benefits from cleaner air, and it’s not just a minor aspect of human life.

Cleanest Air in the World in 2023

The following list has been prepared according to the 2023 World Air Quality Report, demonstrating the levels of PM2.5 measured over the past year. The results are reported in units of micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3).

You can download the full report here.

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico

First on our list of cities with the cleanest air in the world comes the capital of the tiny Caribbean island nation of Puerto Rico. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy air with a PM2.5 concentration of just 2.7 µg per cubic meter.

2. Wellington, New Zealand

Next on our list is the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. New Zealand’s isolated location definitely plays a role in its placement on this list—given the lack of neighboring states, New Zealand doesn’t have to worry about another country introducing pollution to its territory. The Kiwis averaged an annual result of 3.1 µg/m³, just shy of the best AQI in the world.

3. Canberra, Australia

For the same reason mentioned above, it’s hardly a surprise that Australia follows suit and closes out the podium on our list. The Oceanic Duo excels in maintaining clean air quality, that much has got to be said. In Canberra, PM2.5 reached approximately 3.8 µg/m³ during the twelve-month period, as one of the cities with the cleanest air in the world.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland snags the fourth spot as the first European country on the 2023 list. Measurements have shown that the levels of PM2.5 in the city hover around 3.9 µg/m³ per year, which is an excellent result, just a tad behind third place.

5. Hamilton, Bermuda

The capital of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda closes out the top 5 on our list, coming in with a wonderful result as well. This part of the island enjoyed a great air quality, with levels as low as 4.1 µg/m³ per year. As the second Caribbean island on this list, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Central American islands are a great destination for health-conscious tourists (who also happen to enjoy crystal-clear waters and gloriously sunny conditions).

6. Tallinn, Estonia

You might be surprised to see this, but this is the first continental city with a low PM2.5 concentration. The Estonian capital proves itself time and time again as an area that promotes innovation and remains at the forefront of sustainable urban development, environmental policies, and smart city initiatives. Tallinn comes in at number 6 on this list with a score of 4.6 µg/m³ per year.

7. Helsinki, Finland

Importantly, this is the last city on our list that scored below 5 on the WHO PM2.5 air quality guideline. Finland, and more specifically, its capital Helsinki, consistently ranks among the top livable cities/countries in the world. Certainly, they accomplish this feat in no small part due to their fruitful commitment to air quality initiatives. Helsinki takes spot number 7 with 4.9 µg/m³ annually.

8. Nassau, Bahamas

Breaking into the list with a PM2.5 concentration of 5.2 µg/m³, Nassau once again highlights the natural advantages of island environments. The Bahamian capital benefits from consistent ocean breezes that help disperse pollutants, ensuring residents and visitors enjoy some of the cleanest air in the region.

9. Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s capital continues its tradition of environmental leadership, securing its place with a PM2.5 level of 5.4 µg/m³. Stockholm remains a shining example of how urban centers can balance modern living with sustainability.

10. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Rounding out the list, Port of Spain registers an annual PM2.5 concentration of 5.7 µg/m³. As one of the cleanest cities in the Caribbean, it benefits from coastal winds and a growing focus on eco-conscious urban planning. While its industrial activity presents challenges, the city continues to make strides in maintaining air quality.

The Takeaway

The above list shows exactly where the cleanest air in the world is, according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization that state that long-term exposure to PM2.5 should remain under the threshold of 5 µg µg/m³. If you’re curious, you can find these guidelines right here: WHO global air quality guidelines.

Want your region or city to make this list next time? If you’re ready to take the fight against pollution, contact us at Airly. Our top-of-the-line, AI-powered sensors can grant you actionable insight into air pollution levels and enable you to tackle problems directly.