UK Pollen Calendar: When Hay Fever Peaks by Month

This UK pollen calendar shows the typical seasons for the most common pollen types, so you can plan ahead. Pollen levels vary by weather and region, but patterns are consistent year to year: tree pollen tends to arrive first, grass pollen peaks through early summer, and weed pollen follows later in the season.

Use this as a guide for adjusting your evening routine and your bedding care during peak months, especially if you wake with a blocked nose, itchy eyes or restless sleep.

Typical UK pollen seasons by month

Typical pollen seasons by species — month-by-month severity guide


High

Moderate

Low

Inactive

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Trees
Hazel MOD












Alder MOD












Yew












Elm












Willow












Birch HIGH












Ash MOD












Plane












Oak












Pine












Lime












Grasses
Grass HIGH












Timothy HIGH












Ryegrass HIGH












Weeds
Nettle












Dock / Sorrel












Plantain












Mugwort MOD












Fungal Spores
Alternaria MOD












Cladosporium












Timing varies by region — seasons start later in the north and at higher altitudes. Urban areas typically have lower counts than rural areas. Coastal locations tend to have lower pollen than inland sites. Severity varies year to year depending on weather conditions.
Sources: Met Office, University of Worcester
National Pollen & Aerobiology Research Unit



Sleep better during pollen season

When pollen levels rise, your sleep environment matters more than ever. Small changes to your bedding and routine can help reduce irritation, improve comfort, and support a more restful night.

Choosing breathable, temperature-regulating materials can make a noticeable difference, helping to keep your bed fresh, cool and comfortable throughout allergy season.

Shop breathable bedding: bamboo bedding, cotton bedding, silk pillowcases and mattress protectors.

Pollen season tends to arrive in waves. Tree pollen usually appears first in spring, grass pollen often peaks from late spring into summer, and weed pollen is more common through summer into early autumn. Day to day levels will change with weather, but those seasonal patterns are fairly consistent year to year.

For many people, grass pollen is the main culprit in early summer. If symptoms ramp up around June and July, grass pollen is often driving it, especially on warm, dry and breezy days.

Yes. Pollen can travel indoors on clothing, hair and skin, and it can also come in through open windows. Over time, it can settle on sheets and pillowcases, which may contribute to overnight irritation if you are sensitive. A simple routine during peak months can help keep the bed feeling calmer.

If you are prone to hay fever, outdoor drying can reintroduce pollen onto freshly washed bedding. Drying inside, or using a tumble dryer on high pollen days, can help keep sheets and pillowcases feeling cleaner at bedtime.

Keep it simple. Wash bedding a little more regularly during peak weeks, avoid bringing pollen into the bedroom on outdoor clothes, and keep the room cool. Breathable, easy-to-wash layers can also help the bed feel fresher, especially if you tend to sleep warm.

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