Severe Smoke Risk

Cincinnati, OH Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Stable

Compared to other metro areas, Cincinnati, OH scores poorly.

Historically, June 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.

Cincinnati, OH faces significant air quality challenges, ranking in the bottom tier of annual pollution scores. Despite seasonal fluctuations, year-over-year averages have shown little variance.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: June
Jan50.9
Feb58.0
Mar48.6
Apr49.4
May56.3
Jun70.7
Jul65.5
Aug69.8
Sep57.0
Oct58.6
Nov45.6
Dec46.0

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 Cincinnati, OH?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in Cincinnati, OH are: June (AQI 70.7), August (AQI 69.8), July (AQI 65.5). 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 Cincinnati, OH given the air quality?

Yes, but with caveats. Cincinnati, OH offers an incredible quality of life, but new residents should be aware of the "pollution season." Most homes in the area need robust air filtration systems to maintain safe indoor levels during these few weeks a year.

How is the air quality changing in Cincinnati, OH?

It is holding steady. While some seasons see short-term spikes, the long-term annual average for Cincinnati, OH has remained consistent over the last decade, avoiding the sharp declines seen in other parts of the region.

Do I really need an air purifier in Cincinnati, OH?

Based on the 10-year analysis, absolutely. The levels of PM2.5 recorded during peak events are unsafe for indoor occupation without filtration. A CADR-rated purifier is considered essential appliance for Cincinnati, OH households.

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 Cincinnati, OH 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

The era of assuming Cincinnati, OH's air is always pristine is over. Preparation is the new normal.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025