Allergy Season in Boston, Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Boston, MA has a cold winter that gives allergy sufferers a break from their seasonal allergies during the colder months. However, Boston still has an abundance of pollen during the rest of the year. This can make it hard for residents to know how to effectively treat their symptoms.

With Wyndly, you can find long-term solutions to your allergy troubles. Schedule a consultation with our allergy doctors today to get a personalized treatment plan, or read on to learn more about Boston’s seasonal allergies.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies typically refer to allergies that are triggered by pollen. Pollen is only released by plants during certain times of the year. Because of this, these allergies aren’t year-round. The primary producers of pollen in Boston are grasses, trees, and weeds.

When Is Boston, MA Pollen Season?

You can experience symptoms at any time of the year, depending on your allergies. Pollen allergies will typically flare up in the spring, summer, and fall, while indoor allergies can cause allergic reactions at any point in the year.

In Boston, summer primarily produces grass pollen, while tree pollen is the main spring allergen. Weeds produce pollen in the fall, so these allergies will worsen in late summer and up until the end of allergy season.

Boston is in the Northeastern Mixed Forest allergy region. Each region has slightly different allergens and allergy seasons, so we've compiled the region-specific information for allergy season in Massachusetts.

When Does Allergy Season Start?

Boston allergy season starts in the spring. Because Boston has a cold winter, seasonal allergies will commonly begin in March. While this is a bit shorter of an allergy season than some other places, Boston still has a fairly bad allergy season.

What Months Are Boston Allergy Season?

In Boston, you’ll want to keep an eye on pollen counts in April, May, and September. These months are when seasonal allergies are typically at their peak. During these months, try limiting your time outdoors or going out in the evening when pollen counts tend to be lower.

If you have seasonal allergies and are traveling to Boston during April, May, or September, make sure you have an allergy treatment plan that works for you before your trip. During your trip, check the local pollen count daily to adjust your plans accordingly.

When Does Allergy Season End?

Boston winters are cold. This means that residents get a break from their seasonal allergies after the first freeze of winter. Even though Boston may not have as many outdoor allergens to worry about during the winter, indoor allergens can still cause issues for many allergy sufferers.

If you suffer from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, pet dander, or mold, you might notice that they worsen during the winter if you spend more time inside than usual.

Common Allergens

Some of the most common allergens in Boston include:

• Ryegrass
• Bermuda grass
• Redtop grass
• Timothy grass
• Sweet vernal grass
• Mugwort
• Ragweed
• Russian thistle
• Wormwood
• Marsh elder
• Aspen tree
• Willow tree
• Ash tree
• Mulberry tree

Read more about allergies in Boston.

What Are Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?

The allergy symptoms you will experience in Boston are identical to those of regular seasonal allergies. However, your symptoms will vary based on the severity of your allergies and the time of year you are in Boston.

Symptoms you might experience in Boston include:

• Stuffy nose
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Congestion
• Headaches
• Sneezing fits
• Brain fog
• Rash or hives
• Aggravated asthma symptoms

How to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies in Boston?

The best way to prepare for seasonal allergies in Boston is to take an allergy test to determine your allergy triggers. Wyndly’s at-home allergy kit is the easiest way to test in Boston. Get your allergy test today to identify your allergies!

Understanding what allergies are causing your symptoms will make it easier for you to avoid your triggers and find effective treatments.

Who Are Boston Allergy Doctors?

The most common types of allergy doctors are allergists, immunologists, and ENTs, all of whom are available in Boston. There are several relevant factors to consider when choosing an allergy doctor, but the most important thing is choosing a provider you trust.

It is also important to work with a doctor who will consider both your test results and your allergy history to make sure they make sense together. You should also note how long you will need to wait to be seen by them and how convenient it is for your schedule.

At Wyndly, our allergy doctors will work with you to get long-term relief from your symptoms. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan based on your allergy test results and history.

Allergy Symptom Relief and Treatment

Allergies can feel difficult to manage, but there are several different methods you can try out to decrease or eliminate your allergy symptoms.

Limit Exposure

Limiting your exposure to allergens is one method of decreasing your symptoms. Here are a few ways of doing so in Boston.

• Check daily pollen count: Keep an eye on pollen levels and try limiting your time outside on high pollen count days. Pollen tends to be at its highest in the morning and afternoon in Boston. Evening hours will be the best time to go outside during the Boston allergy season.
• Stay on top of yardwork: Maintaining a tidy yard can reduce the pollen released directly around your home.
• Wear a mask outdoors: Wearing a dust mask when you go outside in Boston can help prevent pollen from getting into your airways.
• Clean regularly: Pollen can get in your home and on you and your clothes. Be sure to clean your house and do laundry frequently. Make sure to keep your pets clean if they go outside to prevent them from tracking in pollen.
• Close your windows: Opening your windows will allow more pollen into your home. If you can, keep your windows closed and run your A/C instead for the duration of Boston’s allergy season.
• Install a HEPA filter: Installing a HEPA filter on your A/C can help reduce the pollen levels circulating in your home.

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely available in Boston, and they provide short-term relief from your allergy symptoms. If you find that antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops don’t provide enough relief from your seasonal allergies, you can look into allergy treatments that will provide long-term relief instead of just masking your symptoms.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

The best long-term allergy solution in Boston is sublingual immunotherapy. Sublingual immunotherapy involves introducing small amounts of your allergens to your immune system. Through this exposure, your body becomes desensitized to your allergies, providing long-term relief. Sublingual immunotherapy is just as effective as allergy shots, with the added benefit of taking it from the comfort of your home.

Getting sublingual immunotherapy in Boston is easy and convenient. You can get it shipped right to your home!

The Best Allergist in Boston for Seasonal Allergies

Are you looking for long-term allergy relief in Boston? Wyndly has a solution for you. Our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for your allergies. Just take our easy online assessment, and get one step closer to living allergy-free!