Check pollen levels in your area
Real-time UK pollen forecasts to help you stay one step ahead of hay fever.
Authored by Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCSOriginally published 26 Feb 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
If you get hay fever, you probably don’t need reminding when pollen levels are high. You can feel it. The scratchy throat on the morning commute. The streaming eyes halfway through a meeting. The sudden need to check whether you packed antihistamines before leaving the house.
Pollen levels shift quickly. They change with the weather, the season and where you are in the country. A warm, dry, breezy day in one region can mean something very different in another. That’s why we’ve created the Patient.info pollen map – to give you a clearer picture of what’s happening where you live.
In this article:
Video picks for Hay fever
Continue reading below
Why local matters
Headlines often talk about “high pollen” across the UK, but hay fever isn’t that simple. Tree pollen tends to peak in early spring. Grass pollen is usually the main culprit in late spring and early summer. Weed pollen becomes more common later in the season. On top of that, rainfall, wind and temperature all play a part in how much pollen is actually in the air.
If you’re planning a run, a school sports day, a picnic or even just opening the windows, it helps to know what the levels are locally rather than nationally.
What you’ll see on the map
Back to contentsThe map shows current pollen levels across different parts of the UK, graded from low to very high. It’s designed to be quick to check and easy to understand. You can see:
What the level is in your area
How it compares to surrounding regions
Whether conditions are likely to be manageable or more challenging
It’s not about causing alarm. It’s about helping you plan.
Continue reading below
Using pollen information in real life
Back to contentsFor some people, checking pollen levels becomes part of their daily routine during spring and summer – a bit like checking the weather. If levels are high or very high, you might choose to:
Take antihistamines earlier in the day
Avoid drying clothes outside
Keep car windows closed on longer journeys
Shower and change after spending time outdoors
Time outdoor exercise for after rain, when pollen can be temporarily lower
Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
If symptoms are hard to control
Back to contentsMost hay fever can be managed with treatments from a pharmacy, such as antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays or eye drops. But if symptoms are persistent, affecting sleep, or triggering asthma, it’s worth speaking to a pharmacist or GP for advice.
Keeping an eye on pollen levels won’t prevent hay fever, but it can help you understand patterns and feel a bit more prepared.
Continue reading below
Frequently asked questions
Back to contentsWhat are pollen levels?
Pollen levels refer to the amount of pollen in the air at a given time. They are usually graded from low to very high. The higher the level, the more likely people with hay fever are to develop symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked or runny nose.
Why do pollen levels vary across the UK?
Pollen levels are influenced by local plants, weather conditions and geography. Rain can temporarily lower pollen levels by washing pollen out of the air. Warm, dry and windy conditions tend to increase the spread of pollen.
When is hay fever season?
Hay fever season in the UK usually runs from March to September. However, the exact timing depends on which type of pollen you are sensitive to.
How can checking local pollen levels help?
Checking local pollen levels can help you plan your day. It can also help you understand patterns in your symptoms. For example, you may notice that your hay fever worsens on warm, windy days when pollen is more easily spread.
Can pollen levels trigger asthma?
Yes. For some people, high pollen levels can worsen asthma symptoms. This is sometimes called “hay fever asthma” or allergic asthma.
If you have asthma and notice that your symptoms worsen during high pollen days, it’s important to ensure your inhalers are used as prescribed and to seek medical advice if control is poor.
Patient picks for Hay fever
Allergies, blood and immune system
Hay fever injection: is Kenalog safe?
For 1 in 4 people, warmer weather marks the beginning of an annual struggle against hay fever. The Kenalog hay fever injection has previously offered relief to many in the UK, but the potential risks of this jab has caused the NHS to stop prescribing it. Concerns over side effects have even spurred the UK government to ban social media adverts - although some companies continue to breach this law. We explore the safety concerns of getting the hay fever jab elsewhere.
by Amberley Davis
Allergies, blood and immune system
How to find the right treatment for your hay fever
For many people across the UK, the arrival of spring is a mixed blessing. No sooner have they shaken off the winter gloom, than they're hit with the onset of hay fever season. Characterised by a streaming nose and itchy eyes, the condition can range in severity from annoying to debilitating.
by Abi Millar
Continue reading below
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
26 Feb 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.