Imperial Beach, California Air Quality
Imperial Beach has a median AQI of 54, earning an air quality grade of B — good air quality that ranks better than 5% of US cities. Air quality has been improving steadily over the past decade, a positive sign for residents. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Imperial Beach recorded 116 good air quality days (43% of monitored days) and 20 unhealthy days.
Population: 25,764 • County: San Diego
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 58 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 54 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 5% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 20 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↑ Improving |
| Data Source | EPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live) |
Health Recommendation
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
5-Day AQI Forecast
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Imperial Beach is sourced from the San Ysidro monitoring area, located approximately 4 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks ground-level ozone, the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.
Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Imperial Beach's air quality, with regional fires capable of pushing AQI from Good to Unhealthy within hours during fire season (typically July through October). On smoke-impacted days, staying indoors with windows closed and running an air purifier with a HEPA filter is the most effective protection.
AQI Trend (10 Years)
Air Quality Days by Year
Imperial Beach Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Imperial Beach — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 54 | 116 | 20 | 161 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 71 | 47 | 52 | 161 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 67 | 61 | 44 | 150 | Ozone |
| 2022 | 63 | 42 | 26 | 156 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 67 | 52 | 16 | 133 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 74 | 33 | 49 | 192 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 66 | 38 | 25 | 169 | PM2.5 |
| 2018 | 67 | 28 | 35 | 143 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 68 | 41 | 62 | 174 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 68 | 30 | 42 | 164 | PM2.5 |
Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.
2025 Air Quality Summary
Primary Pollutant Days (2025)
Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →
Frequently Asked Questions About Imperial Beach Air Quality
What is the air quality in Imperial Beach today?
The current AQI in Imperial Beach is 58, rated "Moderate". Air quality is moderate — unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Is air quality in Imperial Beach getting better or worse?
Air quality in Imperial Beach has been improving. The median AQI has dropped 14 points (from 68 in 2016 to 54 in 2025), a positive trend for residents.
What is the most common air pollutant in Imperial Beach?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Imperial Beach, responsible for 178 days (65% of monitored days) in 2025. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight reacts with emissions from vehicles and industry, typically peaking on hot summer afternoons.
How many unhealthy air days does Imperial Beach have per year?
In 2025, Imperial Beach recorded 43% good air quality days (116 days) out of 272 monitored days. There were 15 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 5 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 161.
What air quality grade does Imperial Beach receive?
Imperial Beach receives an air quality grade of B, placing it better than 5% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 54 in 2025, with 116 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 5% of US cities
Nearby Cities
Protect Your Health
With a median AQI of 54, indoor air purification is recommended
See Recommended Purifiers ↓Get AQI Alerts
Receive notifications when air quality changes in Imperial Beach
National Rankings
See how Imperial Beach compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Imperial Beach
Ozone is Imperial Beach's primary pollutant. Standard HEPA filters don't capture ozone molecules — you need activated carbon or PECO technology to chemically break them down. We highlight those units here.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
- ✓Good room size match
- ✓Recommended for your air quality
- ✓High performance
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Other Great Options
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
RabbitAir MinusA2
Stylish wall-mountable design with customizable artwork panels.
Not sure which air purifier is right for you?
Learn more about different types of air purifiers and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Read our complete buying guide →