UK Pollen Calendar | When to Start Hay Fever Treatment

Month by month

Typical UK pollen seasons by month

Seasons shift from year to year with the weather, and in the North East they can start a little later than in southern England. Use the calendar as a general guide.

Typical UK pollen and mould spore seasons by month
Type	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Tree pollen	None or very low	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	Peak	Moderate to high	Low to moderate	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low
Grass pollen	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	Moderate to high	Peak	Peak	Low to moderate	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low
Weed pollen	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	Moderate to high	Low to moderate	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low
Mould spores	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	None or very low	Low to moderate	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	Moderate to high	Moderate to high	Low to moderate	None or very low

None or very lowLow to moderateModerate to highPeak

Birch catkins hanging from a branch against a blue sky — Birch catkins release tree pollen in spring.

When is tree pollen season in the UK?

Tree pollen season usually starts in late winter, when hazel and alder begin to release pollen, sometimes as early as February in a mild year. Birch follows in spring and commonly causes symptoms in April and May, with oak, ash and plane also contributing. If your symptoms begin in early spring, well before the grass has grown, tree pollen is a likely trigger.

When is grass pollen season?

Grass pollen is the most common cause of hay fever in the UK. The season typically starts in late May, peaks through June and early July, and tails off during late July and August. Warm, dry and breezy days usually bring the highest counts. In the north of England, including Newcastle, the season can start slightly later than in the south.

Weed pollen and mould spore season

Nettle, dock, plantain and mugwort keep pollen in the air through summer and into early autumn. Mould spores often rise in late summer and autumn, particularly in warm, damp weather. If your symptoms carry on into September or October, either of these could be part of the picture.

How the weather affects pollen levels

A pollen calendar shows the typical pattern, but the weather decides the detail. A cold spring can hold back tree pollen, and a wet May may delay grass pollen before a sharp rise once warm weather arrives. Pollen tends to build during the morning and can peak again in the early evening. Thunderstorms can break pollen grains into smaller particles, which some people find makes their symptoms worse. During the season, the Met Office publishes a daily pollen forecast for each region.

When should you start hay fever treatment?

Poor timing is one of the most common reasons hay fever treatment seems to fail. Many preventive treatments work best when they are started before pollen levels rise, so knowing your season is the first step to getting it right.

Several months before your season

Immunotherapy for grass or tree pollen usually needs to begin several months ahead of the season, and it requires allergy testing first. Autumn and winter are therefore the best times to ask about immunotherapy.

Two to four weeks before symptoms start

Daily nasal treatments take time to reach their full effect. Starting two to four weeks before your symptoms usually begin gives them the best chance of working. A prescription treatment review makes sure you have the right products and know how to use them properly.

Once the season has started

If you are already struggling, it is not too late to get help. Antihistamines and eye drops act quickly, and a hay fever consultation can review and strengthen your plan part way through the season.

Planning your treatment with Hay Fever Treatment

Our team uses your symptom history to work out which pollen season affects you and when treatment should begin. If the pattern is unclear, allergy testing can confirm your triggers. You then receive a plan that covers what to take, when to start it and what to do on high-pollen days.

For adults with severe symptoms that standard treatment has not controlled, a prescriber can also discuss whether the hay fever injection is suitable, together with its risks and the alternatives.

We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and welcome enquiries from across the North East. Tell us when your symptoms usually start in the quote form, and see how our service works or browse our FAQs for more detail.

FAQs

Questions about pollen seasons

What time of day is the pollen count highest?

Pollen levels often rise during the morning and can peak again in the early evening, when pollen carried upwards during the day settles back down as the air cools.

Is the pollen season the same every year?

No. Timing and severity depend on the weather. A cold spring can delay tree pollen, and a warm, dry summer can make the grass pollen season more intense.

Where can I check the daily pollen forecast?

The Met Office publishes a daily UK pollen forecast during the season, broken down by region, including the North East.

Can I start treatment if my season has already begun?

Yes. Some treatments work quickly, and a mid-season review can improve your current plan. Get in touch through the quote form and we will advise on the best next step.

UK pollen calendar and treatment timing