Spring allergies usually start in late winter, often as early as February, and commonly ramp up through March and April depending on where you live and which pollens you react to.

Quick Scoop: When Do Spring Allergies Start?

For many people in the U.S. and similar climates, “spring” allergies actually kick in before the calendar spring. Tree pollen is the main early trigger, and those pollens can show up while it still feels like winter outside.

Typical pattern:

  • Early start: Late February to early March for many regions, especially when winter is mild. Tree pollens like oak, birch, maple, cedar, and pine begin to release pollen around this time.
  • Peak phase: March through May is the peak for many spring allergy sufferers, with tree pollen high in early spring and grass pollen rising from late spring into early summer.
  • Extended season: In some areas, symptoms can stretch into June as tree and grass seasons overlap.

A simple example: In places like New Jersey and Illinois, allergists often see symptoms start in March, with tree pollen peaking late April to early May and grass pollen taking over by May–June.

Why Timing Keeps Changing

Recent reports note that allergy seasons are starting earlier and sometimes hitting harder than people expect, partly because warmer winters and earlier thaws let plants start pollinating sooner. This means someone who used to notice allergies in April might now feel them in late February or early March.

Regional climate also matters a lot. In warmer states like Texas or the southern U.S., certain trees can bloom and release pollen in February, so “spring allergies” might show up while it is technically still winter. In tropical or very mild climates, grass and other plants may pollinate for much of the year, so seasonal allergies can feel nearly constant.

Region, Triggers, and Your Personal Start Date

Your personal spring allergy “start date” depends on three main factors:

  1. Where you live – Colder northern regions tend to start later (often March), while warmer southern regions can start as early as February.
  1. What you are allergic to –
    • Tree pollen: Often February–May (earliest starter, big spring trigger).
 * Grass pollen: Commonly April–June, sometimes continuing into early summer.

 * Mold: Can surge in rainy springs and extend symptoms into late spring and even fall.
  1. Year‑to‑year weather – Mild winters and rainy springs can make plants pollinate earlier and more intensely, which extends allergy season.

A quick way to think of it: if your nose starts running and your eyes itch around late winter every year, you may be reacting to early tree pollen even if the calendar still says “February.”

Mini FAQ: What You Can Do

  • When should you start meds?
    Many allergists recommend starting antihistamines or nasal sprays 1–2 weeks before your typical symptom start, especially if you know your pattern each year.
  • How do you know if it’s allergies vs a cold?
    Allergies often cause itchy eyes, clear runny nose, sneezing, and symptoms that last for weeks during a known pollen period, whereas colds usually resolve in about a week and may come with fever or body aches.
  • Are spring allergies in 2026 starting earlier?
    Recent coverage notes that allergy seasons in the U.S. have been arriving earlier than expected in the last few years, and many experts say that trend is continuing, with some areas seeing significant pollen counts already by late winter.

Short TL;DR

Spring allergies usually begin when tree pollen levels rise, often in February in warmer regions and March in cooler ones, peaking from March through May and sometimes lingering into June.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.