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Sign up for pollen alertsPollen Count in Vancouver, British Columbia
What is the pollen count in Vancouver today?
Venture outdoors without the worry of pollen irritating your hay fever with our pollen tracker. Enter your postal code above to find the daily pollen count across Vancouver instantly.
Pollen forecast for Vancouver
Whether you’re shopping at Granville Island Public Market or planning a trip to Stanley Park, you can enjoy the great outdoors by checking the daily and weekly pollen count in Vancouver before you leave the house.
Pollen Month-by-Month in Vancouver
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
With snow covering most of Canada, this month has a low pollen count. Certain types of tree pollen are beginning to wake up in Vancouver – specifically cedar, hazel, and alder trees. Having trouble distinguishing between hay fever and a winter cold? check out our guide to find out the differences.
Vancouver will begin to feel the effects of tree pollen season as birch, oak, elm, maple and willow tree pollen are added to the mix.
In March, ash, poplar, and plane pollen make an appearance. Hay fever in March rises due to elm, willow, and hazel pollen, which are all reaching their peak production.
April showers annouce grass pollen season with Kentucky grass being the first representative of the season. Mulberry and walnut trees come to life again this month.
May welcomes Kentucky, Bermuda, Johnson, orchard, and Timothy grasses which are evenly spreading pollen across Vancouver. Sycamore trees also begin pollenating in May.
By June, pines, birch and oaks dominate the production of tree pollen. Joining the other grasses is Sweet vernal adding its pollen.
In July, grass pollen is peaking in Vancouver, while the majority of tree pollen production is coming to an end for another year.
The good news is that tree pollen production has peaked with the exception of a few late bloomers, and for Vancouver that means allergy season is coming to a close.
Grass pollen is officially on the decline, which signals that hay fever season is finally winding down. Feel free to take a deep breath without causing any runny noses or itchy eyes – and hope that the sun stays around to enjoy the most of it!
As the temperature falls, so does pollen production. Wet weather can also diminish whatever pollen is left in the air.
Enjoy the changing leaf colours without your eyes watering: November’s pollen count tends to be low.
December brings the first official day of winter in Vancouver, which means traditionally low levels of pollen throughout the month.
Top Causes of Pollen in Vancouver
Trees produce pollen in Vancouver predominantly from February until July. Vancouver’s top tree allergens are Alder, Willow, Poplar, Pine, and Birch trees1. In April grass adds its pollen to the air lasting 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 Vancouver’s Allergy Seasons
- Embrace the season by having a package of Kleenex® Ultra On-the-Go 3-Ply Pocket Facial Tissues handy for whenever seasonal allergies my strike.
- Wear sunglasses to prevent watering by pollen reaching your eyes.
- While out and about wash your hands often to remove pollen.
- Have petroleum jelly handy throughout the season, apply around your nostrils and upper lip to trap pollen.2
- Use a highly protective comfortable mask to sift out pollen and allergens in the air.3
- Upon returning indoors, change your clothes and shower to wash off and remove pollen.
- Nasal breathing exercises are perfect for those looking natural solutions as they have been shown to help those using the standard nasal sprays.4
Pollen Hotspots in Vancouver
Pollen season starts earliest in British Columbia and Vancouver is no exception. Beginning in February, tree pollen continues to impact those of us with hay fever right through July. Keep in mind that there are a few tree outliers that pollinate later in the year, so if you’re headed to VanDusen Botanical Gardens or considering walking the Capilano Suspension Bridge, check in with Your Pollen Pal to learn the pollen levels and plan accordingly. Popular destinations like Stanley Park and Queen Elizabeth Park will also pose a pollen problem during high season so look below for our low pollen suggestions.
Allergy Friendly Activities in Vancouver
When the pollen count in Vancouver starts to rise faster than the price of real estate, it’s time to try a hay fever-free activity! Head to one of the city’s regions with the lowest pollen levels or find fun away from the hay fever instigators.
Indoor Activities
Vancouver may be known for its outdoor lifestyle and breathtaking scenery, but it’s also home to fun indoor activities on days when seeking shelter inside (from the rain or pollen!) becomes a necessity.
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Science World
- Museum of Anthropology
- Bloedel Conservatory
- Vancouver Public Library
- FlyOver Canada
Food, Drink and Entertainment
Vancouver has a thriving nightlife scene so don’t let the pollen count stop you from exploring the city after dark. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Dinner Cruise
- 2Craft Beer Brewery Tours
- Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Gastown
- Granville Island Public Market
Getting Outdoors
On high pollen days, the sea will save you. Sunny beaches, boats and even the occasional sea plane are potential ways to get the most of the great outdoors without stuffing up your nose.
- Kitsilano Beach
- Whale Watching
- Vancouver Sea Plane Tour
- English Bay
- Stanley Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Sources:
Pollen Levels
The following table shows the risk level for each type of pollen derived by applying NAB guidelines to our data and taking percentile values from the extended season for each type of pollen.
Severity of pollen is dictated by the PPM number, which stands for Pollen Grains Per Cubic Metre. The weather and time of day can also be a big factor when it comes to how the pollen count can affect you. As pollen falls to the ground when the heat dissipates during the evening, this can mean your seasonal allergy symptoms get worse and is why many allergy sufferers have worse symptoms in the night. On rainy days, you’ll find your allergy symptoms are easier to manage as rain tends to wash pollen away.
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Critical
Tree Pollen
- 0-95
- 96-207
- 208-703
- 704+
Weed Pollen
- 0-20
- 21-77
- 78-266
- 267+
Grass Pollen
- 0-29
- 30-60
- 61-341
- 342+
Types of Pollen
We’ve taken a closer look at the types of pollen out there to help you narrow down which ones will have you reaching for the tissues.
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Ash
Ash trees come in a variety of species (45 to 60 species worldwide), but the most common in Canada is white ash. Ash trees can be found just about anywhere. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, ash trees can produce pollen at almost any time of year depending on the species, but peak primarily in the spring. Ash tree allergy symptoms you might experience include runny nose, coughing, congestion and sneezing. To help avoid some of these symptoms, do your best to stay indoors. If these symptoms become difficult to manage on your own, ask your doctor if allergy medication might be best for you.Peak Season : Spring -
Birch
Birch trees grow in every region of Canada, making them particularly hard to avoid. Birch tree pollen peaks during March to June across Western, Eastern and Atlantic Canada. If you’re allergic to birch tree pollen, you might experience symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Sign up for pollen alerts in your area, and help manage your allergy symptoms by keeping your windows and doors closed as much as possible.Peak Season : Late Winter to Spring -
Elm
Elm trees come from a family of about 35 species. They pollinate mostly in February (sometimes as late as April). However, pollination can still occur at any time of year. If you’re allergic to elm trees, you might endure symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and itchy throat, nose and eyes. Help prevent allergy symptoms by getting personalized pollen alerts and limiting time outdoors when levels are high. You’ll want to wash your bedding and clothes more often too!Peak Season : Winter and Late Summer -
Pine
Pine Trees can be found growing throughout Canada. Fortunately, pine pollen allergies are fairly uncommon, but people can be severely allergic to pine nuts. Pine pollen allergy symptoms can include itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion and coughing. Pine nut allergy symptoms can be as severe as other nut allergies, including symptoms such as anaphylaxis, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. To try to evade pine pollen allergies, get personalized alerts about the pollen count in your area and do your best to stay indoors when pine pollen levels are high.Peak Season : Spring to Early Summer -
Poplar
Poplar trees can be found all over Canada, as it is a popular tree used in landscaping. The most common species of poplar in North America is the Quaking Aspen. Poplar trees typically begin to pollinate in February and continue through May. If you’re suffering from poplar tree allergy symptoms, you might experience coughing, congestion, sneezing and itchy throat, nose and eyes. You can help manage these symptoms by avoiding peak pollen levels with personalized pollen alerts for your area. Cleaning your house often and doing laundry more frequently can also provide relief, as well.Peak Season : Spring -
Juniper
Juniper trees produce pollen grains about 20 to 30 micrometers in size (making them barely visible to the naked eye), which is small enough to become airborne and impact allergy sufferers from miles and miles away. Symptoms from juniper tree pollen allergies can include congestion, sneezing, sore throat and even dark circles under the eyes! To help relieve some of these symptoms, keep your doors and windows closed, dust and clean more frequently, and wash bedding and clothes more often. When you do step out, wearing a mask might help too.Peak Season : Winter to Late Spring -
Maple
Maple trees can be found just about anywhere in the country and are considered an important symbol of Canada. Maple trees pollinate in March and continue through June. Unfortunately, maple tree pollen is extremely allergenic and can travel for miles, making them difficult to avoid for allergy sufferers. If allergic, you might experience symptoms like runny nose, coughing, congestion, sneezing and watery eyes. For a bit of relief, close your windows and doors. Keep your house clean and shower more frequently to ensure pollen doesn’t linger after stepping outside.Peak Season : Spring -
Oak
Oak trees come from a family of 450 species and can be found all over Canada. Oak tree pollen is highly allergenic and has a long allergy season, stretching from February all the way through to July. If you’re allergic to oak tree pollen, you might face allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing and itchy throat, nose and eyes. Be sure to sign up for personalized pollen alerts for your area so you can avoid or limit exposure during peak pollen levels. Clean often and avoid bringing pollen indoors by removing “outside” clothes like shoes, jackets and hats.Peak Season : Winter to Spring
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Ragweed
Ragweed is a weed that grows throughout Canada, especially in rural areas. A single ragweed plant can create up to 1 billion pollen grains! This usually happens around August as warm weather, summer breezes and humidity help release their pollen grains. If you're allergic to ragweed, you might face allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip and itchiness in the eyes, nose and throat. To help keep symptoms at bay, track the pollen count in your area, stay indoors during peak levels and plan ahead when you do step out.Peak Season : Late Summer -
Poaceae
Poaceae (pronounced “po-see-ay”) commonly known as the grass family of flowering plants. As it’s a large family (over 12,000 species), Poaceae pollen is the leading cause of pollen allergy worldwide! If you’re allergic to Poaceae, you might experience allergy symptoms like itchy throat, runny nose, sneezing, watering eyes, blocked sinuses and headaches. To help alleviate symptoms, cover up when going out to prevent unnecessary contact and remove all outside clothing when returning indoors, but ultimately, you’ll want to try to refrain from going outside if you can avoid it.Peak Season : Late Spring to Early Summer
Show Allergy Season Who’s Boss
Looking for more info on seasonal allergies and symptoms? Check out our latest articles to help you put pollen allergies in their place.
Find Comfort From Allergies with Kleenex®
Seasonal or not, allergy symptoms can take a heavy toll on you. Let Kleenex® facial tissues help relieve some of those symptoms.
View all products
Kleenex® Ultra Soft™ Facial Tissues - Upright Box
Ultra absorbent for runny noses and water eyes.
Kleenex® Soothing Lotion™ Facial Tissues - Upright Box
Made with daily moisturizers to help nourish skin
Frequently Asked Questions
- Local Pollen traps, where available.
- Weather data and other anthropogenic factors.
- Vegetation related data around your region.
A tree pollen level above 50 is considered high, while one to 10 is considered low. Be sure to check your local pollen count before venturing outside and plan accordingly.
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