Moderate Smoke Risk

Vancouver, WA Air Quality Report & Trends

Analysis & History

The Verdict

Improving

This places Vancouver, WA in the top 37% of US cities for air quality.

Plan your outdoor activities carefully in July, the statistical peak for AQI spikes in WA.

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, Vancouver, WA has a unique air quality profile driven by seasonal changes. Since 2015, wildfire smoke days have cleared up, signaling a positive shift in local air hygiene.

Seasonal Risk Calendar

The "Smoke Season" Calendar

Worst Month: July
Jan38.7
Feb37.9
Mar40.7
Apr37.9
May39.8
Jun40.0
Jul54.0
Aug50.2
Sep39.8
Oct44.9
Nov48.7
Dec46.4

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

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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 Vancouver, WA?

Based on 10 years of data, the worst months for air quality in Vancouver, WA are: July (AQI 54.0), August (AQI 50.2), November (AQI 48.7). 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 Vancouver, WA given the air quality?

Absolutely. Vancouver, WA 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 Vancouver, WA improving?

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

Do I really need an air purifier in Vancouver, WA?

For daily use, likely not. Vancouver, WA'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 Vancouver, WA 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

Knowledge is safety. Now that you see the seasonal patterns, you can prepare your home before the sky turns orange.

Data VerifiedUpdated 2025