Mountain View, California Air Quality

Mountain View has a median AQI of 47, earning an air quality grade of B+ — good air quality that ranks better than 22% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2024, Mountain View recorded 201 good air quality days (55% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.

Population: 83,732 • County: Santa Clara

24
Good

Current AQI

Quick Facts

Current AQI24Good
Air Quality GradeB+
Median AQI (2024)47
vs. U.S. CitiesBetter than 22%
Primary PollutantPM2.5
Unhealthy Days/Year1
10-Year Trend→ Stable
Data SourceEPA AQS (historical) · AirNow (live)

Health Recommendation

Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

It's a great day to be active outside!

5-Day AQI Forecast

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Last 90 Days

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Current Pollutant Levels

PM2.5
24
Good

Real-time data from EPA AirNow

Local Air Quality Context

Air quality data for Mountain View is sourced from the Redwood City monitoring area, located approximately 9 miles from city center. This EPA-certified station continuously tracks particulate matter (PM2.5), the primary driver of air quality alerts in this area.

Wildfire smoke is a significant factor in Mountain View'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

Mountain View Median AQI by Year

Annual EPA air quality data for Mountain View — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.

YearMedian AQIGood DaysUnhealthy DaysMax AQIPrimary Pollutant
2024472011111PM2.5
2023432404134Ozone
2022491885119PM2.5
2021531477147PM2.5
20205217420198PM2.5
2019482054136PM2.5
20185315417214PM2.5
20175217412182PM2.5
2016501871101PM2.5

Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) annual summaries. "Unhealthy Days" includes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories.

2024 Air Quality Summary

201
Good Days
161
Moderate Days
1
USG Days
0
Unhealthy Days
111
Max AQI
47
Median AQI

Primary Pollutant Days (2024)

PM2.5334 days
Ozone28 days
NO₂1 days

Days when each pollutant was the primary driver of AQI. Learn about pollutants →

Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain View Air Quality

What is the air quality in Mountain View today?

The current AQI in Mountain View is 24, rated "Good". Air quality is good — outdoor activity is safe for everyone today. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Is air quality in Mountain View getting better or worse?

Air quality in Mountain View has been stable. The median AQI has dropped 3 points (from 50 in 2016 to 47 in 2024).

What is the most common air pollutant in Mountain View?

PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Mountain View, responsible for 334 days (92% of monitored days) in 2024. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.

How many unhealthy air days does Mountain View have per year?

In 2024, Mountain View recorded 55% good air quality days (201 days) out of 363 monitored days. There were 1 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 111.

What air quality grade does Mountain View receive?

Mountain View receives an air quality grade of B+, placing it better than 22% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 47 in 2024, with 201 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.

Air Quality Grade

B+

Better than 22% of US cities

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National Rankings

See how Mountain View compares to every other US city by air quality.

Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankings

Recommended Air Purifiers for Mountain View

Mountain View faces elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke in addition to year-round traffic and industrial sources. We prioritize True HEPA units with high smoke CADR — essential for rapid air cleaning during smoke events.

TOP PICK

Blueair Blue Pure 211+

$319.99
mid

High performance for large rooms with simple operation.

Room Size:540 sq ft
Noise Level:31 - 56 dB
Energy:ENERGY STAR®
Why we recommend it:
  • Good room size match
  • Recommended for your air quality
  • High performance
Key Features:
HEPASilentWashable Pre-filterSimple ControlsEnergy Star360° Air Intake
Best For:
large bedrooms,living rooms,basements
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Other Great Options

Molekule Air Pro

$799.99

Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.

Room size: 1000 sq ft
PECO Technology • Auto-Protect Mode • WiFi
Adequate for room size
View Details →

Honeywell HPA300

$249.99

Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.

Room size: 465 sq ft
True HEPA • Turbo Mode • Timer
Perfect room size match
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Coway Airmega AP-1512HH

$229.99

Best overall value for medium rooms. Excellent performance at an affordable price.

Room size: 361 sq ft
True HEPA • Carbon Filter • Air Quality Indicator
Recommended for your air quality
View Details →

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 →