Pollen Count in Edmonton, Alberta

What is the pollen count in Edmonton today?

Check the pollen count today in Edmonton with Your Pollen Pal. Find out the different local levels to help plan your day in an allergy safe way.

Pollen forecast for Edmonton

Find out Edmonton’s pollen count for the days ahead. Use this information to plan when to head to West Edmonton Mall versus visiting one of the city’s many parks. Make sure your hay fever allergy doesn’t spoil your plans in Edmonton.

Pollen Month-by-Month in Edmonton

1. January

   With snow covering most of Edmonton, this month has a low pollen count. Allergies in January can be attributed to animals or mold. Check out our guide if you’re struggling to distinguish the difference between a winter cold and hay fever!

2. February

   So long as the freezing temperatures continue in Edmonton, pollen seldom makes its presence felt this early in the year.

3. March

   The first month of spring welcomes tree pollen season. Trees in this  season include Cedars, Hazels, Alders, Elms, Maples, Willows, Poplars, Pines and Oaks.

4. April

   Welcoming Kentucky grass, the first representative of the approaching grass pollen season encouraged by April showers. Tree pollen remains the dominant pollen producer in Edmonton during April.

5. May

   Sycamore trees begin pollenating in May, while Kentucky, Bermuda, Johnson, orchard, and Timothy grasses are also spreading their pollen evenly across Edmonton.

6. June

   June welcomes pines, birch and oaks as the primary producers of tree pollen. Joining the pollen party is sweet vernal grass.

7. July

   In July, grass pollen is peaking in Edmonton, while the majority of tree pollen production is coming to an end for another year.

8. August

   The good news is that tree pollen production has peaked with the exception of a few late bloomers. For Edmonton, ragweed is now the dominant pollen producer, along with dock, nettle, mugwort and plantain.

9. September

   Luckily, Ragweed is on the decline which signals that hay fever season is winding down. Feel free to take a deep breath without the runny noses or itchy eyes – and hope that the sun stays around to make the most of it!

10. October

    With any luck, the last of the weed pollen is on its way out, although some may hang around until the first frost of winter in Edmonton.

11. November

    Enjoy the changing leaf colours without your eyes watering: November’s pollen count tends to be low.

12. December

    December brings the first official day of winter in Edmonton, which means traditionally low levels of pollen for the next few months.

Top Causes of Pollen in Edmonton

Trees produce pollen in Edmonton from March until July. Edmonton’s most common tree allergens are Pine, Birch, Alder, Maple, and Poplar trees¹. Grass pollen is in the air from April until July as well, followed by weed pollen. Ragweed pollen is the dominant strain in Edmonton, beginning in August through September (or until cooler temperatures take over.)

How to Stay Prepared for Edmonton’s Allergy Season

• Have a package of Kleenex® Ultra On-the-Go 3-Ply Pocket Facial Tissues ready to comfort your runny or stuffy nose for whenever seasonal allergies strike.
• Have a pair of sunglasses handy to prevent pollen reaching your eyes.
• Wash your hands often to remove pollen.
• Use petroleum jelly around your nostrils and on your upper lip to cut off pollen².
• Wear a highly protective, comfortable mask to filter out the possibilities of pollen³.
• Change your clothes and shower upon returning home to wash off and remove pollen.
• If you’re looking for a natural solution, nasal breathing exercises can assist those using the standard nasal sprays⁴ .

Pollen Hotspots in Edmonton

During high pollen months, Edmonton’s many parks are best prepared for or avoided altogether. Specifically, the ever-popular Elk Island National Park, as well as the Muttart Conservatory, William Hawrelak Park, Mill Creek Ravine, Rundle Park, Terwillegar Park and Fort Edmonton Park.

Allergy Friendly Activities in Edmonton

While national parks and outdoor theme parks are thriving scenes for socializing, there are plenty of other things to do in Edmonton away from pollen. We’ve featured just a few of our favourite hay fever-friendly activities in Edmonton, just use Your Pollen Pal to check out the daily levels before you travel!

Indoor Activities

If you’re headed to Edmonton, you’ve likely heard of the biggest tourist attraction the city offers, which happens to be the biggest mall in North America. The mall is home to over 800 stores, 20 restaurants, mini golf, a bowling alley, a skating rink and an underground aquarium.

• West Edmonton Mall
• World Water Park
• Galaxyland
• High Level Bridge Street Car
• Muttart Conservatory
• Winspear Centre

Museums

There’s more to do in Edmonton than visiting West Edmonton Mall! Try one of their fascinating museums for an experience you won’t soon forget.

• Royal Alberta Museum
• Art Gallery of Alberta
• Telus World of Science Museum
• Alberta Aviation Museum
• Alberta Railway Museum

Sources:

1. https://www.aerobiology.ca/fr/collection-site/edmonton-alberta/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
3. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/are-face-masks-helping-people-allergies
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3392338/