Air Quality
2.8/5
21.7 µg/m³Sensitive Groups
Air Quality Profile
Orkney reports an annual PM2.5 of 21.7 µg/m³. That's meaningfully above the WHO 2021 guideline of 5 µg/m³ yet within the EU annual limit of 25 µg/m³.
Orkney
South Africa
South AfricaAnnual Average
ModerateWHO annual classification
21.7µg/m³
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PM2.5
1919 µg/m³ — Moderate
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1818 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Moderate
2424 µg/m³ — Moderate
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2929 µg/m³ — Poor
3333 µg/m³ — Poor
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Fair
1717 µg/m³ — Moderate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
1919 µg/m³ — Moderate
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1818 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Moderate
2424 µg/m³ — Moderate
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2929 µg/m³ — Poor
3333 µg/m³ — Poor
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Fair
1717 µg/m³ — Moderate
Best months: Apr, Nov–DecWorst months: Jul–Sep
Fair10–15 µg/m³Moderate15–25 µg/m³Poor25–35 µg/m³
Based on WUSTL PM2.5 dataset (2020–2024) · WHO 2021 thresholds
Confidence: ●●●
Air Quality Profile
Orkney reports an annual PM2.5 of 21.7 µg/m³. That's meaningfully above the WHO 2021 guideline of 5 µg/m³ yet within the EU annual limit of 25 µg/m³.
OrkneySouth Africa
South AfricaAnnual Average
ModerateWHO annual classification
21.7µg/m³
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PM2.5
1919 µg/m³ — Moderate
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1818 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Moderate
2424 µg/m³ — Moderate
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2929 µg/m³ — Poor
3333 µg/m³ — Poor
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Fair
1717 µg/m³ — Moderate
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
1919 µg/m³ — Moderate
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1818 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Moderate
2424 µg/m³ — Moderate
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2929 µg/m³ — Poor
3333 µg/m³ — Poor
2626 µg/m³ — Poor
2020 µg/m³ — Moderate
1515 µg/m³ — Fair
1717 µg/m³ — Moderate
Best months: Apr, Nov–DecWorst months: Jul–Sep
Fair10–15 µg/m³Moderate15–25 µg/m³Poor25–35 µg/m³
Based on WUSTL PM2.5 dataset (2020–2024) · WHO 2021 thresholds
Confidence: ●●●
Who thrives in Orkney
Things to consider in Orkney
PM2.5 annual average of 21.7 µg/m³ exceeds the WHO interim target of 15 µg/m³. The WHO guideline value is 5 µg/m³.
Data sources: WHO (air quality), OECD (safety).
Why not Orkney?
Why not Orkney? Honestly, air quality could be better — Orkney's 21.7 µg/m³ annual PM2.5 is above WHO guidelines, though still within ranges common for larger cities.
Frequently asked about Orkney
▶How many sunny days does Orkney have per year?
Orkney averages approximately 322 sunny days per year, based on historical climate data.
▶What is the air quality in Orkney?
Orkney has an annual PM2.5 concentration of 21.7 µg/m³, classified as "Moderate" by WHO standards. Above WHO targets. Some respiratory effects possible with prolonged exposure.