Moderate Smoke Risk

Butte, MT Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Improving

Butte, MT is currently ranked #16 out of 224 cities tracked.

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.

Compared to national averages, Butte, MT has a unique air quality profile driven by seasonal changes. Since 2015, wildfire smoke days have improved, signaling a positive shift in local air hygiene.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: July
Jan54.4
Feb37.1
Mar27.6
Apr25.1
May19.8
Jun22.0
Jul61.9
Aug45.2
Sep47.6
Oct44.8
Nov32.2
Dec42.9

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

Calculate Your Wildfire Defense

Don't guess. Enter your room size to see exactly which machine clears smoke in 15 minutes.

sq ft
Small Bedroom (100)Open Living (800+)
Required Smoke CADR: 192
Recommended

Coway AP-1512HH

The industry standard. Perfect for living rooms.

Coway AP-1512HH
Check Price on Amazon
Clears smoke in ~12.5 mins
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We recommend these units based on independent CADR performance data, not commission.

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 Butte, MT?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in Butte, MT are: July (AQI 61.9), January (AQI 54.4), September (AQI 47.6). 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 Butte, MT given the air quality?

Absolutely. Butte, MT 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.

Is the air quality in Butte, MT improving?

Yes. Our 10-year analysis shows a positive trend. Despite regional wildfire challenges, average particulate levels in Butte, MT have decreased, likely due to favorable weather patterns and reduced local emissions.

Do I really need an air purifier in Butte, MT?

For daily use, likely not. Butte, MT'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 Butte, MT 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

This report isn't meant to scare, but to prepare. Butte, MT has a bright future, provided its residents take air quality seriously.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025