Alabama Allergy Season: Peak, Timing, and Symptoms

If you consider yourself an Alabamian, you may be well aware of what the Alabama allergy season is like. Located in the southeast and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama experiences humid summers and somewhat mild winters compared to many other locations in the US. But what are allergies like in the state of Alabama, and when can you anticipate your sniffles at their worst?

Whether you are brand new to Alabama or simply planning a trip, how can you prepare for Alabama’s allergy season? In this article, we’ll go over when the Alabama allergy season is at its peak as well as the types of plants that cause the worst of your symptoms. Plus, we’ll even give you some good advice when it comes to treating those symptoms so that you can enjoy the great outdoors in Alabama! Let’s dive in.

Alabama Allergy Season: An Overview

Depending on winter frost conditions, most allergies in Alabama begin toward the end of February or the beginning of March. There is little to no relief throughout the spring and summer, with fall allergies largely influenced by frost conditions. If it doesn’t get cold enough, the Alabama allergy season can last until November, if not December.

Much of Alabama maintains a humid and temperate climate, with plenty of growing days if you’re an avid gardener. While this may sound pleasant overall, your nose likely won’t think so. Warmer days and longer growing seasons mean more potential for allergies, which is why the Alabama allergy season can be difficult to anticipate. 

However, winter weather always comes to Alabama, especially to the northernmost regions of the state, near the Appalachian Mountain system. While cold weather limits plant growth and pollen production, this humid state is no stranger to mold and mildew allergies!

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Plants that Cause Allergies in Alabama (By Season)

With seasonal allergies in mind, what types of plants in Alabama cause the most sneezing? From trees to mold spores, here are some potential allergens to pay attention to if you are feeling under the weather in Alabama!

Spring

Notorious for being the most difficult time of year for allergies, springtime in Alabama means that the trees are in bloom. Depending on the type of tree, many begin expelling pollen as early as February, though local frost and weather conditions may affect this date. Most trees and even some plants are active by March, making this a tough time for seasonal allergies. Some common culprits include juniper, hickory, alder, maple, birch, and oak trees.

Summer

Just like much of the rest of the nation, summer spells disaster for those of you with weed and flower allergies. There are many different types of grasses that also cause allergies during the summertime, which is likely not what you want to hear considering just how pleasant the weather can be in Alabama during this time of year! Some common causes of sniffles during the summertime include thistles, plantains, and a variety of grasses such as Bermuda, orchard, rye, and Johnson grass.

Fall

While the months of September through November may bring some relief for many allergy sufferers in Alabama, there is one infamous weed we have yet to mention. Ragweed plagues millions of people in the United States and is indeed prevalent in Alabama during these months. Unfortunately, only a hard frost will kill ragweed, so it has the chance of remaining well into October or November in Alabama.

Winter

As the month of December dawns, many Alabamians find relief from allergies. However, the months of December through January are still times to consider your allergies. As people spend more time indoors during winter, other allergens can emerge. This includes mold, mildew, mites, dust, and other airborne particles. Given the humidity present in Alabama the rest of the year, mold and mildew growth are definitely a possibility!

How to Treat Allergies During the Alabama Allergy Season

When you get down to it, treating your allergy symptoms during the Alabama allergy season is key to your health and enjoyment of the great outdoors. However, this isn’t often the simplest of tasks. Besides waiting until winter and hoping for the best (with plenty of tissues and eyedrops), here are some ways that you can treat your allergies in Alabama.

• Invest in some home remedies. Neti pots, diffusers with essential oils, and local honey are all things that may help relieve your symptoms as well as build up your immunity to your local allergies!
• Keep things clean. By washing yourself, your clothes, and removing dust or other particles from your home, you are ensuring that fewer allergens are present. 
• Stay home when possible. While it isn’t always feasible or fun, remaining indoors on bad pollen count days can help you get relief.
• See your doctor and consider medication. There are many different over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications available to help you treat your symptoms. You may also consider a more involved method with your doctor, including allergy shots or immunotherapy options! 

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