Although the association between ambient particulate matter and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been investigated, the effect of particulate matter (PM) on MetS is inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the association between long-term ambient PM exposure and MetS risk. The data from five databases were extracted to analyze the association between ambient PM exposure and MetS risk. A random-effects model was performed to estimate the overall risk effect. The present systematic review and meta-analysis illustrated that an increase of 5 μg/m3 in annual PM2.5 or PM10 concentration was associated with 14% or 9% increases of MetS risk, respectively (PM2.5, RR = 1.14, 95%CI [1.03, 1.25]; PM10, RR = 1.09, 95%CI [1.00, 1.19]). The population-attributable risk (PAR) was 12.28% for PM2.5 exposure or 8.26% for PM10 exposure, respectively. There was statistical association between PM2.5 exposure and risk of MetS in male proportion ≥50%, Asia, related disease or medication non-adjustment subgroup as well as cohort study subgroups, respectively. The significant association between PM10 exposure and risk of MetS was observed in male proportion ≥50% and calories intake adjustment subgroups, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed the robustness of our results. No publication bias was detected. In conclusion, there was positive association between long-term PM exposure and MetS risk. 12.28% of MetS risk could be attributable to PM2.5 exposure.