Is Varanasi Air Quality Safe Today?

Current AQI in Varanasi is 105 (Satisfactory).

Quick Answer

Based on current AQI levels, air quality in Varanasi is Satisfactory. It is manageable for most, but children, elderly, and asthma patients should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.

105
Varanasi air quality
Satisfactory
Main pollutant: PM10 · Trend: rising
AQI Scale
0 Good 50 100 200 300+
Current: 105 — Satisfactory band
What does AQI 105 mean? AQI 105 falls under Satisfactory in India. AQI above 200 is unhealthy and above 300 is severe. At this level, breathing discomfort and irritation can increase, especially for sensitive groups. The main pollutant today is PM10 (avg 105.2), which can trigger breathing issues, cough, and fatigue, particularly near traffic-heavy areas.
What to do today
  • Prefer lighter activity or indoor workouts
  • Limit time outdoors if AQI is trending upward
  • Mask not required for most
  • Ventilate during cleanest hours
  • Air purifier helpful if AQI rises above 200
Best time to go outside
Go 08:00–08:59
Avoid 04:00–04:59
Who should be careful
  • Children & elderly
  • Asthma / lung conditions
  • Pregnant women
Air quality across Varanasi
🌿 IESD Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 97
🌿 Ardhali Bazar, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 103
🌿 Maldahiya, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 105
🚨 Bhelupur, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 116
🚨 Maldahiya, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 105
🚨 Ardhali Bazar, Varanasi - UPPCB
AQI 103
AQI varies by about 19 points across Varanasi today, often due to traffic, construction, and local sources.

Varanasi AQI Trend

Latest history update: 16 Apr 2026, 2 AM.

7-day avg
77.6
Trend
Rising
Yesterday
78
Today
80
76.9
54.6
81.5
76.0
75.7
97.2
78.0
78.1
80.0
08 Apr
09 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
14 Apr
15 Apr
16 Apr

Category split: 9 Satisfactory

Good (≤50) Satisfactory (51–100) Moderate (101–200) Poor (201–300)

Best day: 54.6 (09 Apr) · Worst day: 97.2 (13 Apr)

Learn More

FAQs About Varanasi Air Quality

Is AQI 105 safe in Varanasi?

It is acceptable, but sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor activity, especially near traffic corridors.

What AQI level is dangerous?

AQI above 300 is considered very poor and harmful for everyone.

Should I wear a mask today in Varanasi?

Not required for most people. Keep one handy if you are sensitive or commuting through heavy traffic.

Why can AQI vary a lot across Varanasi?

Today’s spread is about 19 AQI points between the cleanest and most polluted areas. Differences usually come from traffic density, construction, and local wind patterns.

Is PM10 the main concern today?

Yes. PM10 is currently the leading pollutant, which tends to spike near roads and busy junctions. If you feel irritation or coughing outdoors, reduce exposure.