Pollen Season in Atlanta: What to Expect and When It Hits Hardest

If you live in Atlanta, are planning to move here, or are just visiting during spring, pollen season is almost impossible to ignore. The city’s trees, grasses, and weeds all take turns releasing pollen, which can make the air feel thick and yellow — and make allergy symptoms flare.

Here’s a clear guide to when pollen season happens in Atlanta, how it changes through the year, and what patterns locals have come to expect.

Atlanta’s Pollen Seasons at a Glance

Atlanta doesn’t have just one pollen season. Instead, there are three main waves:

1. Tree pollen season – late winter through spring
2. Grass pollen season – late spring through summer
3. Weed and ragweed season – late summer through fall

A simple way to picture the year:

Dates can shift slightly from year to year depending on temperature, rainfall, and overall weather patterns.

When Is Tree Pollen Season in Atlanta?

For most people, tree pollen is what defines “pollen season in Atlanta.”

Typical timing

• Starts: Late February (sometimes as early as mid-February in a warm year)
• Peaks:March and early April
• Tapers off: Late April into early May

Atlanta’s relatively mild winters allow trees to bud and release pollen early. After a few warm weeks, you may notice:

• A light yellow dust on cars, decks, and patio furniture
• More people around the city using tissues, eye drops, or masks outdoors
• Local weather reports mentioning “high tree pollen counts”

Common tree pollen sources in Atlanta

You’ll find a mix of native and ornamental trees contributing to pollen levels around the city, including:

• Pine (behind the famous yellow dust, especially visible on cars and sidewalks)
• Oak
• Birch
• Cedar and juniper
• Maple
• Sweetgum

Tree pollen can travel quite a distance in the air, so even if you’re in a more urban neighborhood around Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you can still feel the impact of trees growing in parks, along streets, and in surrounding suburbs.

Grass Pollen Season in Atlanta

Once tree pollen begins to fall off, grass pollen typically takes over.

Typical timing

• Starts: Around May
• Peaks:Late May through June
• Can continue: Into July and sometimes August, depending on rainfall and mowing habits

Grass pollen is common in:

• Residential yards in neighborhoods like Grant Park, East Atlanta, and Kirkwood
• Parks and fields, such as Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and local sports fields
• Roadside and vacant lots where grass is allowed to grow taller

You may not see grass pollen the way you see tree pollen dust, but people sensitive to it often notice itchy eyes, sneezing, or congestion when:

• Lawns are freshly mowed
• They spend time at outdoor sports events or picnics
• They walk or run in open grassy areas

Weed and Ragweed Season in Atlanta

As summer progresses, weeds become the main pollen source. For many residents, this is the “second big wave” of allergy season after spring.

Typical timing

• Starts:August
• Peaks:September and October
• Tapers off: By late October or early November, when cooler weather sets in

Common weed pollens

In and around Atlanta, the main contributors often include:

• Ragweed (a major fall allergen)
• Plantain
• Pigweed and lamb’s quarters
• Other common roadside and vacant-lot weeds

Weeds often grow:

• Along interstates and major roads like I-75/85, I-20, and the Perimeter (I-285)
• In vacant lots or undeveloped areas
• Around rail lines and industrial areas
• On the edges of parks, trails like the Atlanta BeltLine, and utility corridors

This season can be especially noticeable on dry, windy days, when pollen spreads more easily.

Is There a Break From Pollen in Atlanta?

Many Atlanta residents notice that late fall through mid-winter tends to bring some relief.

• November – January usually brings lower pollen levels, especially after the first hard frost.
• Some mold spores and low levels of other allergens can still be present, especially after rain or in damp areas.
• On unusually warm winter days, a few plants may start releasing pollen early, leading to a brief spike.

However, compared to the intensity of March–April and August–October, these months are often the easiest time of year for people sensitive to pollen.

How Atlanta’s Weather Affects Pollen Season

Atlanta’s humid subtropical climate plays a major role in how and when pollen appears.

Warm winters and early springs

• When winter is mild, trees may bud earlier, pushing pollen season forward into February.
• A sudden warm spell can trigger a sharp rise in counts over just a few days.

Rain, humidity, and wind

• Rainy days can temporarily wash pollen out of the air, offering short-term relief.
• Dry, breezy days often mean higher pollen in the air, especially for tree and weed pollen.
• High humidity can sometimes make the air feel heavier and stickier, but doesn’t always lower pollen levels on its own.

Urban vs. suburban areas

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP), Atlanta still has plenty of tree cover, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Druid Hills.
• Outside the Perimeter (OTP), more wooded lots and larger yards can mean more exposure to trees, grasses, and weeds.
• Even if you spend most of your time in high-rise areas like Midtown or Downtown, pollen still travels widely on the wind.

Typical Month-by-Month Pollen Pattern in Atlanta

Use this as a general guide, knowing that exact dates can change year to year:

• January:

  • Overall low pollen
  • Some days may be higher if there’s an early warm-up

• February:

  • Late month: Tree pollen begins to rise
  • Sensitive individuals may notice the first symptoms

• March:

  • Full tree pollen season
  • Often one of the highest months for pollen in Atlanta

• April:

  • Tree pollen often still very high, especially early in the month
  • By late April, pollen dust may begin to lessen, but counts can remain elevated

• May:

  • Tree pollen tends to decline
  • Grass pollen picks up, keeping symptoms around for many people

• June – July:

  • Grass pollen remains active
  • Some weed pollen may start to appear

• August:

  • Weed pollen, including ragweed, becomes more noticeable
  • Start of the fall allergy wave

• September – October:

  • Peak weed/ragweed pollen
  • Symptoms may flare for people who felt better over the summer

• November – December:

  • Pollen generally low
  • Many Atlantans experience their most comfortable months if they’re sensitive to seasonal pollen

What Visitors to Atlanta Should Know About Pollen

If you’re coming to Atlanta from another region:

• Spring visitors (March–April):

  • Expect visible yellow pollen and potentially strong tree pollen counts.
  • Outdoor attractions like Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or the BeltLine may be more challenging if you’re sensitive.

• Summer visitors (May–July):

  • Grass pollen can still cause symptoms, particularly if you’re spending time in parks, ball fields, or grassy neighborhoods.

• Fall visitors (August–October):

  • Ragweed and other weed pollens are common, so hiking or spending time in more natural or overgrown areas may trigger symptoms for some people.

If pollen affects you strongly, many travelers choose to:

• Plan more indoor activities during peak pollen hours on high-count days
• Keep windows closed in hotels or short-term rentals when pollen is high
• Check local pollen forecasts through weather apps or TV stations based in Atlanta

Local Resources and Information in Atlanta

For up-to-date information on pollen levels in the Atlanta area, residents often turn to:

• Local TV weather reports:

  • Stations in Atlanta commonly include a daily pollen or allergy index during peak seasons.

• Weather and allergy-focused apps:

  • Many popular weather apps include city-specific pollen forecasts for Atlanta and nearby suburbs.

• Public health and environmental agencies:

  • Regional and state agencies sometimes provide general seasonal guidance about air quality and outdoor conditions, including pollen trends.

When trying to understand the current pollen situation in Atlanta, checking a daily forecast can help you see whether tree, grass, or weed pollen is dominating and how intense it is expected to be.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta’s Pollen Season

• Tree pollen: Late February through April, with a major peak in March
• Grass pollen: Mainly May through July
• Weed and ragweed pollen:August through October
• Lowest pollen period: Typically November through January

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, it’s helpful to think of pollen not as a single season, but as a cycle that shifts from trees to grasses to weeds over the course of the year. Understanding these general patterns makes it easier to plan outdoor time, especially if you’re sensitive to seasonal changes in the air.