Los Angeles, CA Air Quality Today
Friday, July 17, 2026 · Data: WeatherAPI • EPA
Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate today, July 17. Ozone is the main driver at 91 µg/m³, and ozone climbs through hot afternoons before easing near sunset. Most people can carry on as usual, though anyone sensitive to ozone or smoke should get long outdoor efforts done in the morning.
Level 2 of 6 on the EPA scale
What's in Los Angeles's Air Right Now
Mountains box in the Los Angeles basin and trap traffic exhaust, so ozone builds on sunny afternoons. The metro sits at or near the top of the American Lung Association's ozone rankings year after year.
PM2.5 (fine particles): 23 µg/m³. Readings between 12 and 35 µg/m³ rate Moderate. Sensitive lungs may notice on longer outings. These particles come from exhaust and smoke and are small enough to reach deep into your lungs.
PM10 (coarse dust): 31 µg/m³. Readings under 54 µg/m³ rate Good. Dust and pollen fragments ride in this size range and irritate your nose and throat.
Ozone: 91 µg/m³. Ozone forms when sunlight cooks car exhaust, so hot afternoons read worst, usually between 2 PM and 7 PM. Mornings stay cleanest.
Nitrogen dioxide: 19.5 µg/m³. NO2 comes almost entirely from traffic and feeds afternoon ozone. Readings run highest near busy roads during the morning and evening commutes.
Is It Safe to Go Outside in Los Angeles Today?
Yes, for most people. Healthy adults and kids can keep their normal routine on a Moderate day in Los Angeles.
If ozone or smoke usually bothers you, plan harder outdoor effort for the morning, before ozone builds. Asthma? Carry your rescue inhaler.
Air Quality and Pollen Are Two Different Numbers
The air quality index tracks pollution: ozone, dust, smoke, and exhaust. Pollen isn't part of the score, so a Good air day in Los Angeles can still be a rough allergy day.
Right now the biggest pollen load in Los Angeles is grass pollen, rated High. If your eyes itch while the air reads clean, pollen is the likely culprit.
Check today's Los Angeles, CA pollen count →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQI in Los Angeles right now?
Today's air in Los Angeles is rated Moderate, level 2 of 6 on the EPA scale. That's the second of six categories. The air is acceptable for almost everyone, with a light caution for people unusually sensitive to ozone or smoke. The reading updates daily, so check back before you head out.
Is it safe to exercise outside in Los Angeles today?
Yes, for most people. Morning is the better window, since ozone peaks between 2 PM and 7 PM. Anyone with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler.
Does Los Angeles have an air quality alert today?
Official alerts come from AirNow.gov and your state air agency, and MyPollenPal doesn't track them directly. Today's EPA category in Los Angeles is Moderate. Days rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse usually line up with an official alert.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / AirNow. "AQI Basics." airnow.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Particulate Matter (PM) Basics." epa.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Ground-level Ozone Basics." epa.gov
Air Quality Is Half the Picture
Pollen fills in the rest. See today's tree, grass, and weed levels for Los Angeles, or sign up for a morning email on days when pollen runs High or Very High.