Madison Air Quality in 2024: Pollution Patterns
How air quality behaves in Madison: 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.
Madison Air Quality in 2024
This page covers what shapes air quality in Madison 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 Madison Air Quality →Latest Measured Reading for Madison
The most recent EPA AirNow observation for the Madison Area reporting area puts Madison's AQI at 25 (Good), with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the dominant pollutant — typical for the Upper Midwest region. Observed 5:00 AM CDT on August 9, 2026. Reported by Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources.
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 Madison Air Quality Shifts Through the Year
Mar–May: Usually Madison'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 Upper Midwest 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 Madison.
Is It Safe to Exercise Outside in Madison?
With Madison's AQI at 25 (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 Madison's Air Pollution?
In Madison, the leading pollutant is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). As part of the Upper Midwest region, the main drivers of air pollution here are:
- •Vehicle emissions in metropolitan areas
- •Agricultural dust from large-scale farming
- •Wood-burning during long, cold winters
- •Regional transport from other Midwest industrial areas
Dig deeper: Madison PM2.5 levels · Madison 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 Madison Air Quality
What is the current air quality in Madison?
The current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Madison, WI is 25, which is considered good.
Is it safe to exercise outdoors in Madison?
Yes, with an AQI of 25, outdoor exercise is safe for everyone in Madison.
When is the best time of year to visit Madison for good air quality?
Spring and early fall typically offer the best air quality in Madison. Summer months may have elevated ozone levels, while winter can see higher PM2.5 from temperature inversions.
What causes air pollution in Madison?
Air pollution in Madison 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
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Even with good outdoor air in Madison, indoor PM2.5, dust and allergens build up. A True-HEPA purifier keeps a bedroom or office consistently clean.
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