Pollen Count in Victoria

What is the pollen count in Victoria today?

Check the pollen count today in Victoria with Your Pollen Pal. Enter your postal code above to find the daily levels in your street or at your planned destination to help minimize the impact of hay fever.

Pollen forecast for Victoria

Keep tabs on the Victoria pollen count over the next few days. Use the tracker for an accurate pollen forecast in any area – get the green light for a day out at Craigdarroch Castle, picnic in Beacon Hill Park or walk around Inner Harbour.

Pollen Month-by-Month in Victoria

1. January

   With snow covering most of Canada, this month has a low pollen count. Certain types of tree pollen are beginning to wake up in Victoria – specifically cedar, hazel, and alder trees. If you’re struggling to distinguish the difference between hay fever and a winter cold, check out our guide to learn the differences.

2. February

   Victoria will begin to feel the effects of tree pollen season as birch, oak, elm, maple and willow tree pollen are added to the mix.

3. March

   In March, ash, poplar, and plane pollen make an appearance. Hay fever in March increases due to elm, willow, and hazel pollen, all of which are reaching their peak production.

4. April

   April showers introduce grass pollen with Kentucky grass being the first representative of the upcoming season. Mulberry and walnut trees come to life again this month.

5. May

   Sycamore trees begin pollenating in May, while grass pollen spreads pollen evenly across Victoria. Grasses prevalent are Kentucky, Bermuda, Johnson, orchard, and Timothy.

6. June

   By June, pines, birch and oaks are the dominate producers of tree pollen in Victoria. Sweet vernal adds its pollen to the other grasses, joining the party.

7. July

   In July, grass pollen is peaking in Victoria, 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, and for Victoria that means allergy season is coming to a close.

9. September

   Grass pollen is finally on the decline, signaling that hay fever is winding down for the season. Enjoy a deep breath of fresh air without the runny noses or itchy eyes – and hope that the sun stays out to make the most of it!

10. October

    As the temperature falls, so does pollen production. Wet weather can also diminish whatever pollen is left in the air.

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 Victoria, which means traditionally low levels of pollen throughout the month.

Top Causes of Pollen in Victoria

Trees produce pollen in Victoria predominantly from February until July. Victoria’s top tree allergens are Alder, Pine, Poplar, and Birch trees¹. An unusual additional pollinator on Vancouver Island is Hemlock. In April grass adds its pollen to the air, which will last through July. Luckily, weed pollen has little presence here so while hay fever symptoms begin early, they will also hopefully dissipate soonest.

How to Stay Prepared for Victoria’s Allergy Seasons

• Have a package of Kleenex® Ultra On-the-Go 3-Ply Pocket Facial Tissues by your side to comfort your stuffy nose for whenever seasonal allergies may arise.
• Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from reaching your eyes potentially causing watering or irritation.
• Frequently wash your hands while out to remove pollen.
• Use a petroleum jelly around your nostrils and upper lip to cut off pollen.²
• Have a highly protective comfortable mask ready to filter pollen and allergens in the air.³
• Once indoors, change your clothes and shower to wash off and remove pollen.
• For those using standard nasal sprays try nasal breathing exercises to naturally assist.⁴

Pollen Hotspots in Victoria

The lush greenery that surrounds Victoria can unfortunately bring tears to the eyes of those of us with allergies, and not the good kind either. The manicured lawns of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, gardens of Craigdarroch Castle, and many trees of Beacon Hill Park can aggravate hay fever symptoms. As beautiful as it is, Abkhazi Garden can also pose a significant pollen risk. Check Your Pollen Pal before making plans!

Allergy Friendly Activities in Victoria

Springtime in Victoria – beginning as early as February but generally between March and May - is when the tree pollen count is at its peak. Pollen from trees and grass are prominent at different times so it’s a good idea to use the tracker to plan your trips and avoid being caught out. When going to the city’s green spaces is not in the cards, there are still plenty of other things to do.

Indoor Activities

Pollen count too high? Stay inside and explore!

• Royal BC Museum
• Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
• Miniature World
• The Bateman Gallery
• Craigdarroch Castle

Food and Drink

Experience a traditional British High Tea with a West Coast twist.

• Government House Tea Room
• Pendray Tea House
• Fairmont Empress
• White Heather Tea Room
• Tea at The Empress

Getting Outdoors

Stick to the sea when hay fever symptoms arise.

• Scenic marine route
• Ogden Point Terminal and Breakwater
• Whale watching
• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Butchart Gardens
• Wildplay Elements Park

Sources:

1. https://www.aerobiology.ca/collection-site/victoria-british-columbia/
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/