Hay Fever: Symptoms and Timing Explained
Share
When Does Hay Fever Season Start in the UK?
Hay fever season in the UK typically begins in late March and can last all the way through to September, depending on which type of pollen you're allergic to. For millions of sufferers across the UK, understanding when hay fever season starts — and being prepared with the right treatment — can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
The UK Hay Fever Calendar: Month by Month
| Month | Pollen Type | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| January – February | Tree pollen (hazel, alder) | Low |
| March – April | Tree pollen (birch, oak, ash) | Moderate – High |
| May – June | Grass pollen (peak season) | Very High |
| July – August | Grass & weed pollen | High |
| September | Weed pollen (nettle, mugwort) | Moderate |
| October – December | Mould spores | Low – Moderate |
The peak of hay fever season in the UK is May and June, when grass pollen counts are at their highest. This is when the majority of hay fever sufferers experience their worst symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen. When pollen comes into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or throat, the immune system overreacts, triggering a range of symptoms:
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
- Loss of smell
- Headaches and facial pain
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact daily life, work, and sleep during peak season.
Who Gets Hay Fever?
Hay fever affects approximately 1 in 5 people in the UK — that's around 13 million people. It is most common in children and young adults but can develop at any age. You are more likely to develop hay fever if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema.
How to Prepare Before Hay Fever Season Starts
The key to managing hay fever effectively is to start treatment before the season begins. Many GPs and allergy specialists recommend starting antihistamines or nasal sprays 2–4 weeks before your symptoms typically begin. This helps build up a protective effect before pollen counts rise.
Our Top 3 Recommended Hay Fever Treatments
1. Benadryl One A Day Allergy Relief Tablets 30s
Benadryl One A Day provides powerful, long-lasting relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms with just one tablet per day. Its active ingredient, acrivastine, is a fast-acting antihistamine that starts working within 15 minutes.
Key ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg
Key benefits:
- Once-daily dosing for convenient, all-day relief
- Non-drowsy formula suitable for daytime use
- Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes
- Suitable for adults and children over 12 years
- 30 tablets — a full month's supply
Best for: Adults and teenagers who want convenient once-daily hay fever relief without drowsiness
Shop Benadryl One A Day Allergy Relief Tablets 30s →
2. Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray
Beconase is one of the UK's most trusted hay fever nasal sprays, containing beclometasone dipropionate — a corticosteroid that directly targets nasal inflammation at the source. It is particularly effective for nasal symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose.
Key ingredient: Beclometasone dipropionate 50 micrograms per spray
Key benefits:
- Targets nasal inflammation directly at the source for fast, effective relief
- Relieves blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching
- Works best when used regularly throughout the hay fever season
- Can be used alongside antihistamine tablets for enhanced relief
- Suitable for adults and children aged 18 and over
- Available without prescription
Best for: Those with predominantly nasal symptoms; people who want targeted nasal relief; those whose symptoms are not fully controlled by antihistamines alone
Shop Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray →
3. Piriteze Hayfever & Allergy Relief Antihistamine Cetirizine Tablets 30s
Piriteze is a well-known and widely trusted antihistamine brand containing cetirizine hydrochloride — one of the most effective and well-tolerated antihistamines available. It provides 24-hour relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms.
Key ingredient: Cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg
Key benefits:
- Provides 24-hour relief from hay fever, pet allergies, and dust mite allergies
- Non-drowsy formula for most people
- Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin reactions
- Fast-acting — starts working within 1 hour
- Suitable for adults and children aged 6 and over
- 30 tablets — a full month's supply
Best for: Adults and children over 6 who need reliable, once-daily hay fever and allergy relief
Shop Piriteze Hayfever & Allergy Relief Antihistamine Cetirizine Tablets 30s →
Antihistamine Tablets vs Nasal Spray: Which is Better?
| Feature | Antihistamine Tablets | Nasal Spray |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-over symptoms (eyes, nose, skin) | Nasal symptoms specifically |
| Onset of action | Within 1 hour | A few days of regular use |
| Duration | 24 hours | All day with regular use |
| Non-drowsy | Yes (most modern antihistamines) | Yes |
| Can be combined | Yes — safe to use with nasal spray | Yes — safe to use with antihistamines |
For severe hay fever, many doctors recommend using both — an antihistamine tablet for whole-body symptom relief combined with a nasal spray for targeted nasal congestion.
Our Expert Tips for Surviving Hay Fever Season
- Start treatment early — begin antihistamines 2–4 weeks before your symptoms usually start
- Check the pollen forecast — the Met Office publishes daily pollen counts; plan outdoor activities on low pollen days
- Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen periods, especially in the morning and evening
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from hair and skin
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen before it enters the nose
- Avoid drying clothes outside during high pollen days
- Vacuum regularly and use a HEPA filter to reduce indoor pollen levels
When to See Your GP
Most hay fever can be managed effectively with over-the-counter treatments. However, you should see your GP if:
- Your symptoms are severe and significantly affecting your quality of life
- Over-the-counter treatments are not providing sufficient relief
- You develop complications such as sinusitis or worsening asthma
- You are considering immunotherapy (allergy injections) as a long-term solution
"Don't wait until you're suffering to start treatment. The most effective approach to hay fever is to prepare in advance — start your antihistamines before the season begins and keep a nasal spray on hand for when pollen counts spike."
Browse our full range of hay fever and allergy relief products and get prepared before the season starts.