How Long is Spring Allergy Season?
When your allergy symptoms are at their worst, it might seem like spring allergy season might never end. However, it can help to know how long the season might last, so you can prepare yourself in advance. If you’re one of the 24 million Americans who experience seasonal allergies,2 see how you can experience the changing seasons with relief from your worst allergy symptoms.
When is allergy season?
Spring allergy season varies from locale across the United States, Commonly, the allergy season begins in February and can last until early summer.1
There are typically three seasons for pollen allergies: spring is known for tree pollen, summer for grass pollen, and fall for weed pollen and mold.1 These seasons can overlap, which can feel especially bad for those who suffer from both tree and grass pollen.1
Why spring allergies can feel so bad
Spring is a time of regrowth, and when the temperature gets warmer, trees release pollen.1 Tree pollen is the primary cause of spring allergy season: alder and maple trees can begin to bloom in February, while weeds and grasses can start blooming in March.2 April is the peak of tree pollen season, while June is considered the peak for grass pollen.2
Other factors for spring allergies can include:1
- Location: In warmer areas of the country, pollen season can last longer because there is no winter weather to slow down the pollination process.
- Weather swings: Sometimes the temperature can fluctuate during the spring months. It can still seem like winter one day, and then a glimpse of summer can happen later in the week. These temperature swings can halt and restart pollination. In addition, dry or windy weather can spread allergens around faster.
- Climate change: With rising temperatures during spring and summer, pollination seasons are lasting longer and with more intensity than in past decades.1
How to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies
Reducing your exposure to allergy triggers is the most important way to feel comfortable during spring allergy season. Consider these tips when the weather gets warmer:3
- Stay indoors on dry or windy days, where allergens can spread more easily
- Avoid lawnmowing or gardening or wear a face mask if you do yardwork
- Wash your clothes and take a shower after stepping outside during high pollen times
- Check weather reports for pollen levels before you go outside
- Use an air filter with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering technology
- Regularly clean the filters in your air conditioning and air filter units
- Keep doors and windows closed in the evenings and early mornings
In addition, try an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray, such as Flonase, for regular allergy relief. Not only can Flonase offer 24-hour relief from hay fever and airborne allergy symptoms, but it can also relieve allergy-related frustrations as well.
Sources:
1. How to manage spring allergies. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-manage-spring-allergies/. Accessed 5/17/2024.
2. How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last? University of Maryland Medical System. https://health.umms.org/2021/08/31/allergy-season/. Accessed 5/17/2024.
3. Seasonal allergies: nip them in the bud. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/in-depth/seasonal-allergies/art-20048343/. Accessed 5/17/2024.
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