When Does Hayfever Season Start And End In The UK?

If you suffer from hayfever, you’ll know how miserable it can make your life. From a runny nose to itchy eyes and endless sneezing, it can feel like you’ve got a permanent cold. But did you know that hayfever isn’t just a summer problem? In the UK, different types of pollen are released at different times of the year, meaning symptoms can strike as early as January and last well into autumn.

The hayfever season in the UK follows a pollen calendar with tree pollen peaking in spring, grass pollen in summer and weed pollen hanging around until late autumn. Understanding when pollen levels are highest and which ones affect you most can help you prepare and manage your symptoms more effectively.

While it can feel pretty disheartening, knowing hayfever is a possibility almost all year round, there’s plenty you can do to stay one step ahead. Whether it’s checking pollen forecasts, adjusting your routine, or finding the right hayfever relief you can get your symptoms under control.

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Understanding The UK Pollen Calendar

If you think hayfever is just a summer issue, think again. The UK pollen calendar shows pollen can be in the air for most of the year with different types of pollen affecting people at different times:

Tree Pollen (late January to mid-May)

This is the first pollen to appear, coming from species like birch, oak, sycamore and hazel. As trees start to come into leaf it can trigger symptoms while we’re still in winter, making the early part of the year a miserable time for sufferers.

Grass Pollen (mid-May to late July)

Just when you think tree pollen has died down, grass pollen pops up to continue the onslaught with peak levels in June. If you suffer symptoms mostly throughout the summer, this is likely to be the culprit.

Weed Pollen (end of June to September)

It’s not enough that weeds invade your garden, they can make your hayfever worse into the autumn too. If you find things are particularly bad still in September, this could be the cause.

What Affects The Start And End Of Pollen Season?

While we know roughly when hayfever season starts and ends, it’s not an exact science - plenty of other factors will affect whether you get away lightly with symptoms or it’s a year when you feel awful for months:

Weather Conditions

A mild winter can cause tree pollen to start early while a harsh one may delay it. Similarly, a hot dry summer may be great for sunbathing but isn’t so fun if you get hayfever. Windy days tend to have the highest pollen levels while rain helps to wash it away.

Geographic Location

Pollen season often starts earlier in the south of the UK due to the milder climate while northern areas will experience it later. Coastal areas tend to have lower levels of pollen than inland regions.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures and CO₂ levels are extending pollen seasons and making some types of pollen more potent, leading to stronger hayfever reactions.

Urban vs Rural

Cities typically have lower pollen counts due to fewer green spaces, but air pollution can make hayfever symptoms worse.

Signs That Pollen Season Is Starting

When you suffer from hayfever knowing when the season starts and when you’re most affected can help you stay ahead of the symptoms.

First off, keep an eye on weather patterns. Warmer weather and drier days are a sign pollen counts are about to rise. Trees like birch and alder start releasing pollen as early as January while the sight of daffodils and tulips pushing through the ground can also be a sign hayfever season is near.

Of course, an onslaught of itchy eyes and mouth, a runny nose and sneezing are a sure sign hayfever season has begun and it may be time to reach for hayfever tablets or a nasal spray.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the local pollen forecasts too, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. These will give you a useful indication that you may need to get some relief, so you can be prepared.

Preparing For Each Pollen Season

Getting ahead of hayfever season can make a big difference in managing your symptoms – you might not eliminate them altogether, but it can certainly make life much more bearable.

Start by taking hayfever medication early, ideally a couple of weeks before pollen counts rise, to help your body build resistance. Make environmental changes like keeping windows and doors closed during peak pollen times, using air purifiers and washing clothes and bedding regularly to reduce allergens indoors. Lifestyle adjustments like showering after being outdoors and wearing wraparound sunglasses can also help limit your exposure.

Plus, don’t forget to monitor pollen forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities accordingly. With the right preparations you can stay one step ahead and keep symptoms at bay.

Year Round Hayfever

If you experience hayfever-like symptoms all year round, you may have perennial allergic rhinitis. Unlike seasonal hayfever, which is triggered by pollen, indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mould spores and household dust can cause sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes no matter what the season.

Since these allergens are found indoors, symptoms may be worse in winter when windows stay closed, and ventilation is reduced. Regular dusting, vacuuming with a HEPA filter and using air purifiers can help reduce your exposure. If you still suffer with symptoms despite prepping your home, antihistamines or nasal sprays can offer you some relief.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Get To Grips With Hayfever Early

While hayfever can make you feel unwell at different times of the year, help is at hand. Aside from taking precautions and keeping an eye on pollen counts, there are medications that can alleviate symptoms and make you feel more like yourself. Piriton Tablets offer long-lasting protection, but they may make you drowsy so take them in the evening and a get a good night’s sleep. If you prefer nasal spray, try Flixonase Nasal Spray or Avamys. Both are designed to offer rapid relief from itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing, getting to work within minutes.

What's Next?

Don’t let hayfever ruin your day - stay ahead of symptoms with the right hayfever medication. From antihistamines to nasal sprays, find the best treatment for you. Shop now and enjoy clearer, more comfortable days no matter what the pollen count. Take control of your allergies and feel better fast.