Moderate Smoke Risk

Moscow, ID Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Declining

This places Moscow, ID in the top 1% of US cities for air quality.

Historically, July brings the highest volume of particulate matter.

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.

Is Moscow, ID safe from wildfire smoke? The data points to July being the critical month. Alarmingly, annual PM2.5 averages have surged over the last decade, largely driven by wildfire smoke.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: July
Jan27.3
Feb11.9
Mar4.8
Apr15.6
May22.3
Jun28.7
Jul55.3
Aug52.8
Sep47.2
Oct39.2
Nov39.7
Dec20.5

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

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Small Bedroom (100)Open Living (800+)
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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 Moscow, ID?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in Moscow, ID are: July (AQI 55.3), August (AQI 52.8), September (AQI 47.2). These months typically see the highest concentrations of PM2.5 due to smoke from fires hundreds of miles away.

Is it safe to move to Moscow, ID given the air quality?

Absolutely. Moscow, ID 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 Moscow, ID getting worse?

The primary driver is climate-induced wildfire activity. While local vehicle emissions have largely stabilized, smoke from fires hundreds of miles away frequently settles in the Moscow, ID valley, driving up the annual PM2.5 averages.

Do I really need an air purifier in Moscow, ID?

For daily use, likely not. Moscow, ID'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 Moscow, ID 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

We expect this unpredictability to continue. The best time to buy an air purifier was 10 years ago. The second best time is today.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025