When will NC’s allergy season peak this year? What to know as spring approaches
Spring is less than three weeks away, which means allergy sufferers should start preparing for pollen season.
More pollen in the air means there’s a higher chance of suffering from symptoms like runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes.
But peak pollen counts depend on several factors, including the season, weather and time of day, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy, a medical clinic based in Charlotte.
Here’s when allergy season will peak in NC, how long it will last and how to treat your allergy symptoms.
When will allergy season peak in NC?
Pollen levels could reach their peak sometime in the next few weeks, Dr. Edwin Kim, an associate professor at the UNC School of Medicine who specializes in allergies and immunology, told The Charlotte Observer.
He noted that, in the past, North Carolina has seen pollen as early as the second week of February, but that’s not the case this year.
“We’re starting to see those pollen levels rise pretty quickly,” Kim said. “And I would anticipate, even within the next couple of weeks, for those pollen levels to get really high up and the medicine shelves at the pharmacies to start emptying out.”
How long will allergy season last in NC?
Allergy season typically lasts from around mid-February to late September, Kim said. (Last year, the dense pollen season ended in mid-April, The News & Observer reported.)
But North Carolina’s allergy season should actually be shorter this year due to lower-than-normal temperatures as spring approaches, Kim said.
He explained that allergy season technically lasts through fall in North Carolina because different types of pollen are common at various times of year.
“February and March is when tree pollen season starts, and that would run really through the end of spring and into early summer,” Kim said. “Then mid-summer is usually when the trees slow down, but the grass pollen really starts to peak, so that becomes the major problem until you reach back-to-school. Then, when you get to about September, that’s when ragweed season kicks in.”
Will allergy season be worse in NC this year?
Allergy season should be about the same as last year, Kim said, adding that global warming has contributed to higher pollen counts in recent years.
“I think, with warming climates and stuff like that, it does seem like the trees, grasses and weeds have been growing very strong, and so the last few pollen seasons have gotten very, very potent,” said Kim. “My guess is it would be the same. It just will take a little longer to kick in. But there’s not a reason that I could think of where the pollen would be sort of any milder.”
Kim reiterated that the season should be shorter, though just as strong.
“As the recent snow melts, that’s going to make trees very happy,” Kim said. “So I would imagine [allergy season] would be slightly shorter, but just as potent as in the past.”
What time of day are pollen levels the highest?
Pollen levels are usually highest early in the morning until around midday when plants are releasing pollen, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy.
You can also become more exposed to pollen if it collects on your clothes or in your home during the day, according to the clinic.
What are the symptoms of pollen allergies?
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, pollen can trigger allergy symptoms such as:
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Itchy throat and eyes
Wheezing
How to treat pollen allergies
Medications can help reduce your pollen allergies, according to Carolina Asthma & Allergy.
Some medications that can help include over-the-counter Benadryl, Claritin and Zyrtec. Also suggested are nasal corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications) like Nasacort, Flonase and Zicam. Decongestants Mucinex and Sudafed work well, too.
Allergy shots, which involve a series of injections that contain a specific allergen to help your body build immunity to it, can also improve symptoms over time.
How to reduce your exposure to allergy triggers
There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to things that trigger your allergy symptoms, according to UNC Health:
Avoid spending time outside in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Stay inside on dry, windy days.
As soon as you come inside, remove the clothes you wore outside that may be covered with pollen.
Check for local pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. If high pollen counts are forecast, start taking allergy medications before symptoms start.
Close doors and windows at night or when pollen counts are high. Use the air conditioning in your house and car.
Use high-efficiency air conditioner filters and follow regular maintenance schedules. Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier. Use a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
Have someone else handle yard work, and wear a dust mask if you do outside chores.
This story was originally published March 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM with the headline "When will NC’s allergy season peak this year? What to know as spring approaches."
