Colorado spring allergy season hits earlier this year

Colorado’s allergy season is already here.

If you feel like you have been sneezing since Valentine’s Day, you’re not imagining things.

Colorado’s 2026 allergy season started weeks early, with high pollen counts reported by mid-February.

A record warm and dry winter pushed trees into early pollination, according to Dr. Levi Keller at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Experts warn the season could be longer and more intense than usual — and grass pollen may arrive early this summer, too.

To stay ahead of symptoms:

• Start allergy medications now rather than waiting for symptoms to peak.
• Shower and change clothes immediately after time outdoors.
• Keep windows closed on windy or dry days to block pollen.

For those with more severe symptoms, experts suggest wiping pets down before they come inside to minimize allergens being brought into the home.

Lastly, research is mixed on whether or not air purifiers can improve allergy symptoms.

Spring in Colorado is beautiful. It’s just sneezier this year.

Read more about our dry winter conditions here.