Pacific Grove, California Air Quality
Pacific Grove has a median AQI of 40, earning an air quality grade of A — excellent air quality that ranks better than 60% of US cities. Air quality has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Ground-level ozone is the primary concern, typically peaking on warm sunny days due to vehicle and industrial emissions. In 2025, Pacific Grove recorded 140 good air quality days (77% of monitored days).
Population: 14,951 • County: Monterey
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 32 — Good |
| Air Quality Grade | A |
| Median AQI (2025) | 40 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 60% |
| Primary Pollutant | Ozone |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 0 |
| 10-Year Trend | → Stable |
| Data Source | EPA 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
Last 90 Days
Current Pollutant Levels
Real-time data from EPA AirNow
Local Air Quality Context
Air quality data for Pacific Grove is sourced from the Carmel Valley AMS monitoring area, located approximately 14 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 Pacific Grove'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
Pacific Grove Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Pacific Grove — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 40 | 140 | — | 62 | Ozone |
| 2024 | 39 | 292 | — | 71 | Ozone |
| 2023 | 42 | 274 | 1 | 115 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 39 | 299 | — | 80 | Ozone |
| 2021 | 41 | 261 | — | 80 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 39 | 259 | 15 | 275 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 39 | 303 | 1 | 144 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 42 | 258 | 7 | 157 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 41 | 265 | 1 | 121 | Ozone |
| 2016 | 37 | 290 | 11 | 185 | Ozone |
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 Pacific Grove Air Quality
What is the air quality in Pacific Grove today?
The current AQI in Pacific Grove is 32, 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 Pacific Grove getting better or worse?
Air quality in Pacific Grove has been stable. The median AQI has risen 3 points (from 37 in 2016 to 40 in 2025).
What is the most common air pollutant in Pacific Grove?
Ozone is the primary air pollutant in Pacific Grove, responsible for 90 days (49% 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 Pacific Grove have per year?
In 2025, Pacific Grove recorded 77% good air quality days (140 days) out of 182 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 0 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 62.
What air quality grade does Pacific Grove receive?
Pacific Grove receives an air quality grade of A, placing it better than 60% of US cities. This is based on a median AQI of 40 in 2025, with 140 good air quality days. The EPA monitors air quality in this area continuously using certified monitoring stations.
Air Quality Grade
Better than 60% of US cities
Nearby Cities
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National Rankings
See how Pacific Grove compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Pacific Grove
Ozone is Pacific Grove'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
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Other Great Options
Molekule Air Pro
Commercial-grade with patented PECO technology for destroying pollutants.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
RabbitAir MinusA2
Stylish wall-mountable design with customizable artwork panels.
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Read our complete buying guide →