High Smoke Risk

Nogales, AZ Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Declining

This places Nogales, AZ in the top 39% of US cities for air quality.

Plan your outdoor activities carefully in December, the statistical peak for AQI spikes in AZ.

Health Recommendation

Sensitive groups should consider monitoring daily forecast apps significantly closer.

10-Year Annual PM2.5 Average

Analysis: Annual average Median AQI from 2015 to 2025.

Compared to national averages, Nogales, AZ has a unique air quality profile driven by seasonal changes. Alarmingly, annual PM2.5 averages have worsened over the last decade, largely driven by winter inversion.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: December
Jan73.9
Feb47.7
Mar35.1
Apr34.5
May36.4
Jun38.1
Jul38.9
Aug36.0
Sep46.6
Oct61.1
Nov58.5
Dec78.9

Values represent historical Average Monthly AQI (PM2.5). Higher is worse.

Calculate Your Wildfire Defense

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sq ft
Small Bedroom (100)Open Living (800+)
Required Smoke CADR: 192
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Wildfire smoke is 2.5 microns wide—too small for normal filters. Using an undersized purifier is dangerous false security.

Common Questions

When is the worst time for air quality in Nogales, AZ?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in Nogales, AZ are: December (AQI 78.9), January (AQI 73.9), October (AQI 61.1). These months typically see the highest concentrations of PM2.5 due to fine particulate matter trapped by local geography.

Is it safe to move to Nogales, AZ given the air quality?

Absolutely. Nogales, AZ has some of the cleanest air in the country. While no place is immune to occasional regional smoke, the long-term data shows it is a safe and healthy environment for residents.

Why is the air in Nogales, AZ getting worse?

The primary driver is industrial activity and inversion layers. While local vehicle emissions have largely stabilized, fine particulate matter trapped by local geography frequently settles in the Nogales, AZ valley, driving up the annual PM2.5 averages.

Do I really need an air purifier in Nogales, AZ?

For daily use, likely not. Nogales, AZ's air quality consistently rates as "Good." However, owning one as a precaution for wildfire season or allergy relief is still a smart decision for sensitive groups.

How accurate is this data?

This report is built on official EPA Air Quality System (AQS) data. We aggregated daily summary files from 2014 to present to build these charts. Unlike real-time apps that estimate, this is the verified historical record.

Broader Risk Analysis

Is Nogales, AZ safe from other disasters?

Air quality is just one factor. Check our sister site for a complete analysis of tornado, hurricane, and flood risks.

Full Safety Report →

Summary

Ignoring these trends won't make the particle pollution go away. Smart filtration is the best insurance policy for Nogales, AZ homeowners.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025