Worst air pollution Cotonou, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Cotonou is fair. AQI, NO2, and O3 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 21.7/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Cotonou is fair. O3 decreases to good; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 7:00 PM (NO2: 20.3/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app
Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team
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Cotonou's air quality reflects the flat Benin Atlantic coastal lagoon position, with vehicle density, motorcycle density — Cotonou's Zem motorcycle taxis being legendary — and port corridor generating elevated PM2.5 and black carbon from the extraordinary two-stroke motorcycle fleet. Consistent Gulf of Guinea maritime breezes provide coastal ventilation, while dry season Harmattan dust elevates PM10 and Cotonou maintains West Africa's most distinctively motorcycle-defined urban air quality environment throughout most of the year.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 20:00
AQI:
Fair
21.7/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
12.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
21.7/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
21.5/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
5.3/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
15.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
13.5/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 19:00
AQI:
Fair
20.3/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
12.6/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
20.3/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
19.4/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
6.6/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
14.7/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
12.4/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Cotonou right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Cotonou is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 21.7/100. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 21.7/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Cotonou?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Cotonou will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 20.3/100. Pollution peaks around 7:00 PM (NO2: 20.3/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Cotonou?
Cotonou usually sees its poorest air quality when traffic on the surrounding roads as well as harbour and shipping traffic coincide with periods when windblown dust events occur. Strong seasonal winds can lift dust from the surrounding dry terrain and push particulate levels sharply higher. Sea breezes typically keep conditions in check, except during still weather.
Are air quality levels in Cotonou based on measurements or forecasts?
It is forecasts derived by downscaling forecasts provided by EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) by taking into account local conditions such as traffic patterns. CAMS bases its forecast on satellite measurements of particles and chemical compounds in the atmosphere. Airmine’s services were developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team.
Check air quality in other popular cities:
Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 16 July 2026 at 10:33 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)
This forecast is produced independently using Airmine's own atmospheric data and models.
Unless explicitly made clear, the content on this site has not been paid for by external organisations and is Airmine's sole responsibility.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app