• Allergies

How to Navigate Allergy Season in New York City

Medically reviewed and edited by Cara Konzel, MS, RN, ACNP-BC

Many New York residents and visitors may find themselves struggling with intense bouts of seasonal allergies.

The environmental conditions in the city contribute to an almost year-round allergy season, making it especially frustrating for individuals dealing with allergies.

Luckily, seasonal allergies are easily managed with the right strategies — and LifeMD has you covered.

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What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies — also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis — are reactions to allergens that only appear during certain times of the year.

They are typically triggered by airborne allergens — like pollen and mold spores — that may be more prevalent in specific seasons.

In New York, these allergens vary in concentration throughout the year, often peaking during the spring and fall. We’ll discuss this in more detail later.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Symptom intensity from seasonal allergies can differ based on your sensitivity level to allergens.

Generally, people tend to experience allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing

• A stuffy, itchy or runny nose

• Red, watery, or itchy eyes

• A sore or itchy throat

• Ear congestion and discomfort

• Fatigue

• Headaches

If your symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your daily activities, speak to your doctor for professional advice and the possibility of doing an allergy test.

When is Allergy Season in New York?

Each season in New York brings elevated levels of different allergens, and there is no single time when allergy sufferers might experience seasonal flare-ups.

The timing and severity of allergy season can also vary from year to year, depending on the weather and other environmental factors.

Generally, you can expect allergies to flare up during the following seasons:

• Spring (late March to June): Spring is typically the first major seasonal allergy period in New York. As it gets water, trees and flowers begin blooming, releasing more pollen into the air. A pollen allergy is a common cause of discomfort in the spring.

• Summer (late June to August): Summer can also cause symptoms to flare up, particularly for individuals with grass pollen allergies. Grasses like Timothy, Bermuda, and Orchard — which are common in New York — bloom during summer and can trigger allergy symptoms.

• Fall (September to November): During the fall, individuals with weed pollen and mold spore allergies tend to experience severe symptoms. These allergens are more prevalent in cooler weather.

• Winter (December to February): Although severe allergies during the winter are uncommon, indoor allergens — like dust mites and pet dander — can cause symptoms to flare up.

By knowing when your sensitivities may cause allergies to develop, you can better plan your activities in and around the city.

Why are Allergies So Bad in New York?

Seasonal allergies can be particularly bad in New York due to a combination of environmental, geographical, and urban factors.

These factors may contribute to a longer and more intense allergy season, causing severe and persistent symptoms.

Urban landscape

New York’s urban environment plays a significant role in how allergens are distributed.

The abundance of trees, grasses, and plants in New York City's parks and streets contributes to higher levels of airborne allergens like pollen.

Once the allergens are airborne, they can then become trapped in ‘allergen canyons’ — these are pockets of air created by tall buildings and skyscrapers.

When this happens, it can lead to even higher concentrations of substances that can trigger your allergies.

Climate and weather patterns

The climate in New York can impact allergen levels and may increase your risk of developing allergy symptoms.

The city's unpredictable weather can change the environment, causing more allergens like pollen to be released, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

For example, prolonged periods of wind or dryness may cause pollen to spread more widely, leading to an increased risk of allergen exposure.

Bouts of rain may also provide temporary relief by washing allergens away, but pollen production may surge afterwards and intensify existing seasonal allergies.

Air pollution

Urban areas like New York City tend to have higher air pollution levels due to more vehicle and industrial emissions.

Pollution can irritate the respiratory tract, sensitizing it to allergens, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

Some studies suggest that pollution can interact with pollen and make it more allergenic. This means that pollen can worsen allergy symptoms in urban regions.

How Can You Manage Allergies While in New York?

Manage symptoms with medication

Treating seasonal allergies often involves over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. These may include:

• Antihistamines (Claritin or Xyzal)

• Oral decongestants (Sudafed)

• Nasal sprays (Flonase)

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor can also recommend long-term allergy treatment options like immunotherapy (allergy shots).

This treatment involves injecting small quantities of an allergen — like tree pollen — into the body to increase your tolerance.

Immunotherapy can progressively lessen severe allergic reactions and minimize the immune system's overreaction to allergens over time.

Check pollen counts in your area

Regularly checking pollen levels in your area — especially when planning outdoor activities — can help you minimize your exposure to allergens.

When you reduce your exposure to allergens, you can avoid severe or persistent pollen allergy symptoms that may impact your daily life.

On days with a high pollen count, stay indoors or participate in activities that can help you avoid allergens that may trigger uncomfortable symptoms.

If you can’t avoid going outside during pollen season, try to do so in the early morning or late evening when allergen levels are typically lower.

Create an allergen-free home environment

Indoor allergens can also cause seasonal allergies, especially during the colder months when you might spend less time outside.

To reduce the concentration of allergens in your home, implement the following strategies:

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters, which are effective at trapping more than 90% of common household allergens

• Regularly clean your home to prevent allergen accumulation

• Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels below 50% to prevent the growth of mold and dust mites

• Use allergen-free bedding and mattress protectors to limit your nighttime exposure

Ensuring that your home is free from allergens can also help reduce your exposure to them and keep severe symptoms at bay.

Wear protective clothing

Wearing protective clothing outdoors during allergy seasons helps avoid allergen exposure. This can include:

• Wearing sunglasses and a hat to shield your eyes and hair from pollen

• Using a mask to cover your nose and mouth

• Changing your clothes and shoes after being outside

Ensuring that your face is protected from allergens can help limit your exposure and reduce the risk of coming into contact with irritating substances.

This goes a long way to manage your symptoms and reduce their severity.

Make lifestyle adjustments

Implementing certain lifestyle changes can help manage allergies and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. These may include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated

• Avoiding foods with a high pollen percentage, such as bananas, melons, and figs

• Exercising regularly to improve your overall health

When Should You See a Doctor About Seasonal Allergies?

While it’s usually possible to manage seasonal allergies with OTC medication and lifestyle adjustments, specific circumstances may require a visit to the doctor.

If you are experiencing any of the following, consult your doctor:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms that haven’t improved with treatment

• Symptoms that significantly disrupt your sleep, work, and day-to-day activities

• Feeling extremely tired or dizzy after taking OTC medications

These situations may indicate that your allergies are more severe and require an alternative treatment approach.

You should also see your doctor if you experience signs of an asthma attack — like wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing — as this could indicate a medical emergency.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing Allergies?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating seasonal allergies, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing your allergies while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.

Cara Konzel, MS, RN, ACNP-BC

Cara earned her BA in Biology, BS in Nursing, and MS in Nursing — all from the University of Rochester. Cara's approach to medicine and patient care is grounded in years of experience and extensive knowledge. She combines compassion and personalized attention to ensure her patients feel valued, understood, and empowered to participate in their own health journey. Cara enjoys spending time with her three children, caring for her aging parents, and gardening.

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