United States
Air quality in Chicago is good. Safe for outdoor exercise.
Data from Open-Meteo • Updated 5:34:50 AM
Chicago's air quality is influenced by industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and weather patterns off Lake Michigan. Lake breezes can help disperse pollutants on some days but trap them on others. Summer brings elevated ozone levels, while winter inversions can concentrate particulate matter.
Based on hourly averages, 2023–2025 · Data: Open-Meteo / CAMS
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<a href="https://www.aeriqo.app/cities/chicago"><img src="https://www.aeriqo.app/api/badge/chicago" width="300" height="64" alt="Live air quality in Chicago (Aeriqo)" loading="lazy"></a>
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Try it freeChicago generally sees AQI values between 30 and 65, mostly in the Good range. Hot summer days can push ozone levels into Moderate or higher, particularly away from the lakefront.
Morning runs along the lakefront trail benefit from cleaner lake breezes. Spring and fall offer the most consistently good air quality for outdoor exercise.
Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park, North Branch Trail: best and worst areas for running in Chicago.
Deep dive into pollutants, thresholds, and how air quality affects your running performance.
Quick threshold lookup for every AQI level. Know when to run and when to stay indoors.
