Winston-Salem Air Quality in 2024: Pollution Patterns
How air quality behaves in Winston-Salem: the latest measured AQI, which pollutants dominate, seasonal patterns, and the local drivers of pollution.
Current Air Quality
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Winston-Salem Air Quality in 2024
This page covers what shapes air quality in Winston-Salem over the course of a year: the pollutants that dominate locally, how conditions typically shift between seasons, and the local emission sources behind them. Measured 2024 annual statistics are published by EPA's Air Quality System, not here, so the AQI figure below is the latest observation available when this page was published.
View Current Winston-Salem Air Quality →Latest Measured Reading for Winston-Salem
The most recent EPA AirNow observation for the Forsyth County-Winston-Salem-Greensboro-High Point reporting area puts Winston-Salem's AQI at 41 (Good), with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the dominant pollutant — typical for the Southeast region. Observed 6:00 AM EDT on August 9, 2026. Reported by Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection.
This is a single observation captured when the page was published, not a 2024 average. For measured annual and monthly statistics, use the EPA's Air Quality System reports.
How Winston-Salem Air Quality Shifts Through the Year
Mar–May: Usually Winston-Salem's cleanest stretch. Mild temperatures and better atmospheric mixing keep both ozone and particulates down.
Jun–Aug: Heat and sunlight drive higher ozone and, in the West, wildfire-smoke episodes. Afternoons are typically the worst time to be outside.
Sep–Nov: Air quality generally improves as temperatures drop, though early fall can still carry wildfire smoke in the Southeast region.
Dec–Feb: Cold-air temperature inversions can trap PM2.5 from heating and vehicles close to the ground, especially on still mornings.
Seasonal patterns above describe how pollution typically behaves in this region. They are not measured 2024 averages for Winston-Salem.
Is It Safe to Exercise Outside in Winston-Salem?
With Winston-Salem's AQI at 41 (Good), outdoor exercise is generally safe for most people. Conditions are good for running, cycling, and outdoor sports at any time of day.
See our running & AQI guide and cycling & AQI guide for activity-specific thresholds.
What's Causing Winston-Salem's Air Pollution?
In Winston-Salem, the leading pollutant is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). As part of the Southeast region, the main drivers of air pollution here are:
- •Vehicle emissions worsened by urban sprawl and car dependency
- •Power-plant emissions from the regional energy grid
- •High humidity that traps pollutants near ground level
- •Seasonal wildfire and prescribed-burn smoke
Dig deeper: Winston-Salem PM2.5 levels · Winston-Salem ozone levels
Air Purifier & Monitor Buying Guides
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PM2.5 Levels
Fine particulate matter data →
Ozone Levels
Ground-level ozone data →
Seasonal Guides
Air quality by season →
Health Effects
Learn about air pollution impacts →
Frequently Asked Questions About Winston-Salem Air Quality
What is the current air quality in Winston-Salem?
The current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Winston-Salem, NC is 41, which is considered good.
Is it safe to exercise outdoors in Winston-Salem?
Yes, with an AQI of 41, outdoor exercise is safe for everyone in Winston-Salem.
When is the best time of year to visit Winston-Salem for good air quality?
Spring and early fall typically offer the best air quality in Winston-Salem. Summer months may have elevated ozone levels, while winter can see higher PM2.5 from temperature inversions.
What causes air pollution in Winston-Salem?
Air pollution in Winston-Salem can come from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction, wildfires, and weather patterns. Local geography and seasonal factors also play a significant role.
Explore More Air Quality Data
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