Santa Barbara, California Air Quality
Santa Barbara 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 trending worse over the past decade, a concern for local residents and health officials. Particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary concern, often linked to vehicle traffic, industrial activity, and wildfire smoke. In 2025, Santa Barbara recorded 54 good air quality days (30% of monitored days) and 1 unhealthy days.
Population: 202,039 • County: Santa Barbara
Current AQI
Quick Facts
| Current AQI | 57 — Moderate |
| Air Quality Grade | B |
| Median AQI (2025) | 54 |
| vs. U.S. Cities | Better than 5% |
| Primary Pollutant | PM2.5 |
| Unhealthy Days/Year | 1 |
| 10-Year Trend | ↓ Worsening |
| 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 Santa Barbara is sourced from the Santa Barbara monitoring area, located approximately 2 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 Santa Barbara'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
Santa Barbara Median AQI by Year
Annual EPA air quality data for Santa Barbara — median AQI, day-category breakdown, and primary pollutant per year.
| Year | Median AQI | Good Days | Unhealthy Days | Max AQI | Primary Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 54 | 54 | 1 | 186 | PM2.5 |
| 2024 | 49 | 193 | 2 | 146 | PM2.5 |
| 2023 | 45 | 232 | — | 95 | PM2.5 |
| 2022 | 48 | 198 | — | 93 | PM2.5 |
| 2021 | 44 | 240 | 1 | 101 | PM2.5 |
| 2020 | 48 | 199 | 13 | 174 | PM2.5 |
| 2019 | 45 | 242 | 1 | 105 | Ozone |
| 2018 | 51 | 173 | 2 | 114 | PM2.5 |
| 2017 | 51 | 181 | 17 | 313 | PM2.5 |
| 2016 | 50 | 191 | 12 | 313 | 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 Santa Barbara Air Quality
What is the air quality in Santa Barbara today?
The current AQI in Santa Barbara is 57, 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 Santa Barbara getting better or worse?
Air quality in Santa Barbara has been worsening. The median AQI has risen 4 points (from 50 in 2016 to 54 in 2025), a concern for local health officials.
What is the most common air pollutant in Santa Barbara?
PM2.5 is the primary air pollutant in Santa Barbara, responsible for 156 days (86% of monitored days) in 2025. Particulate matter originates from vehicle exhaust, wildfires, construction, and industrial activity.
How many unhealthy air days does Santa Barbara have per year?
In 2025, Santa Barbara recorded 30% good air quality days (54 days) out of 181 monitored days. There were 0 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups days and 1 Unhealthy days (AQI above 100). The highest single-day AQI recorded was 186.
What air quality grade does Santa Barbara receive?
Santa Barbara 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 54 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 Santa Barbara
National Rankings
See how Santa Barbara compares to every other US city by air quality.
Best Air Quality Cities →All city rankingsRecommended Air Purifiers for Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara 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.
Honeywell HPA300
Powerful workhorse for large rooms. Built to last.
- ✓Perfect room size match
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Other Great Options
Blueair Blue Pure 211+
High performance for large rooms with simple operation.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH
Best overall value for medium rooms. Excellent performance at an affordable price.
Winix 5500-2
Feature-rich purifier at a great price. Good for allergies.
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 →