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Real-time pollen data for Rochester — updated daily.
Rochester's tree pollen season arrives later and hits harder than most of the country because upstate New York's long winters compress the entire blooming cycle into a narrow window. Once temperatures finally warm in mid-to-late April, multiple tree species release pollen almost simultaneously rather than in the staggered sequence seen in warmer climates. Oak is the dominant tree allergen in the Rochester metro area, producing massive pollen loads from May through June. Maple (including box elder) and birch are major spring allergens, with birch being particularly potent — birch pollen is one of the most allergenic tree pollens in the Northeast. Hickory and walnut trees contribute significant pollen from May into June. Willow, elm, ash, poplar, and cottonwood all pollinate during the compressed spring window. The Genesee River valley running through the city center creates a natural corridor that channels and concentrates tree pollen, while Lake Ontario's moderating influence on near-shore temperatures can delay blooming by a week or more compared to areas just a few miles inland — meaning Rochester's lakeside and inland neighborhoods can experience peak tree pollen at different times.
Grass pollen is a major allergen in the Rochester area, with the region's lush lawns, parks, golf courses, and agricultural fields producing substantial pollen loads through spring and summer. Timothy grass is the primary grass allergen in upstate New York — it thrives in the region's cool, moist climate and produces highly allergenic pollen from late May through July. Ryegrass (perennial ryegrass), orchard grass, sweet vernal grass, and bluegrass (Kentucky bluegrass) are also prevalent throughout the Rochester metro area. The Finger Lakes agricultural region surrounding Rochester includes extensive hay fields, pastures, and farmland where grass pollen production is particularly heavy. Rochester's characteristic lake-effect cloud cover and frequent spring rains promote vigorous grass growth, and when dry, sunny periods follow wet spells, pollen release can be explosive. Lawn mowing during summer months creates localized pollen and mold spore bursts that affect nearby residents.
Ragweed is Rochester's single worst allergen and the defining feature of fall allergy season in upstate New York. Ragweed pollinates from mid-August through the first hard frost — typically late October in the Rochester area — and produces billions of pollen grains per plant that can travel hundreds of miles on prevailing winds. Upstate New York sits in the heart of the Northeast ragweed corridor, where the combination of disturbed agricultural land, roadside ditches, vacant lots, and construction sites provides ideal ragweed habitat. A single ragweed plant can produce up to one billion pollen grains in a season. Wormwood (mugwort) is another significant fall allergen in the Rochester area. Nettle, dock, lamb's quarters, pigweed, and sheep sorrel contribute additional weed pollen. Climate change is extending Rochester's ragweed season — warmer fall temperatures and delayed first frosts mean ragweed pollen persists later into October and even November in recent years, adding weeks to what was already a punishing season.
Indoor allergens are arguably Rochester's most significant allergy challenge because the city's long, cold winters force residents indoors for five or more months. Mold is the defining indoor allergen issue in Rochester — Lake Ontario's lake-effect moisture creates persistently high humidity levels that make basement mold nearly universal in the region's older housing stock. Rochester's housing inventory includes many homes built in the early-to-mid 20th century with stone or block basements that wick moisture, creating ideal conditions for Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium mold growth. Dust mites thrive in Rochester's humidity, particularly in bedrooms and carpeted areas. Pet dander is a significant year-round allergen — cat dander is actually the most common allergen across New York State. Cockroach allergen is present in older urban housing. During winter months when homes are sealed against the cold, indoor allergen concentrations build to their highest levels, and forced-air heating systems circulate mold spores and dust throughout the home.
Severity: Moderate (Indoor) / Low (Outdoor)
Rochester's winters are among the coldest and snowiest in the eastern United States, with average January temperatures in the low 20s°F and annual snowfall exceeding 100 inches due to Lake Ontario's lake-effect snow machine. Outdoor pollen is essentially zero during this period. However, indoor allergens reach peak concentrations as homes remain sealed against the cold for months. Forced-air heating systems circulate dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander continuously. Basement mold thrives in the moisture-laden air characteristic of Lake Ontario-region homes. The temperature differential between frigid outdoor air and heated indoor air creates condensation on windows and walls, feeding mold growth. By late March, early tree pollen from elm and maple may begin on warm days, but Rochester's winter typically maintains its grip through most of March.
Severity: High to Severe
Rochester's worst allergy period arrives when spring finally breaks winter's hold. Because the growing season starts late compared to southern and western states, multiple tree species bloom simultaneously rather than sequentially — oak, maple, birch, hickory, walnut, willow, ash, and cottonwood all release pollen within a compressed four-to-six week window. By late May, grass pollen (timothy, ryegrass, orchard grass, bluegrass) begins overlapping with lingering tree pollen, creating a double-allergen assault that peaks in June. The Genesee River valley channels pollen through the heart of the city. Rainy periods promote explosive growth followed by intense pollen release during subsequent dry, windy days. Mold spore counts also rise rapidly as snow melts and accumulated leaf litter and organic matter decompose in warming temperatures. This compressed spring season can feel more intense than longer pollen seasons in warmer climates precisely because the allergen load hits so hard in such a short timeframe.
Severity: Moderate to High
Summer brings warm, humid conditions with grass pollen tapering through July while ragweed begins its assault in mid-August. Rochester's summer humidity — amplified by Lake Ontario's moisture — creates ideal conditions for outdoor mold growth, particularly Alternaria and Cladosporium, which peak during warm, humid months. The surrounding Finger Lakes agricultural region contributes both grass pollen and mold spores from hay production and crop harvesting. By September, ragweed reaches peak intensity while mold spores remain elevated from decaying vegetation and damp conditions. Thunderstorm asthma events — where storms break pollen grains into smaller particles that penetrate deep into the lungs — are a documented risk during summer severe weather in the Great Lakes region. The transition from summer to fall is subtle in Rochester, masking the shift from grass-dominant to ragweed-dominant pollen.
Severity: Moderate (October) to Low-Moderate (November–December)
Early fall is dominated by ragweed, which persists until the first hard frost — historically mid-to-late October in Rochester, though climate change has pushed this later in recent years. Mold spores spike dramatically in October as falling leaves create damp, decomposing layers across lawns, gutters, and wooded areas. This combination of ragweed pollen and mold makes October one of Rochester's most difficult allergy months despite cooler temperatures. By November, outdoor allergens decline sharply as freezing temperatures kill ragweed and halt mold production. However, the transition to indoor heating begins the cycle of rising indoor allergen concentrations. Lake-effect precipitation events begin, adding moisture to the already humid regional climate. By December, Rochester returns to the indoor allergen dominance pattern that will persist through winter — mold, dust mites, and pet dander in sealed, heated homes.
Rochester sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, and the lake's influence on local climate is profound. Lake-effect moisture — the same phenomenon responsible for Rochester's legendary snowfall — also maintains higher humidity levels throughout the year compared to inland areas. This persistent moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth, particularly in basements. Rochester's older housing stock (many homes dating to the early-to-mid 1900s) often features stone or block basements that wick moisture from the surrounding soil, creating chronically damp environments where mold colonies thrive. If you live in a home with a basement in Rochester, a high-quality dehumidifier running year-round (targeting below 50% relative humidity) is not optional — it's essential for controlling mold-driven allergy symptoms. Have basements professionally assessed for mold if you experience chronic congestion, particularly during winter months.
The Genesee River flows north through the center of Rochester before emptying into Lake Ontario, and the river valley creates a natural atmospheric corridor with significant implications for allergy sufferers. River valleys tend to trap cooler, denser air near the surface — particularly during early morning and evening hours — creating fog and temperature inversions that concentrate pollen and mold spores at breathing level. If you live in neighborhoods along the Genesee River corridor or in the lower elevation areas of the city, you may experience higher allergen concentrations than residents on higher ground. Morning joggers and commuters along the river trails should be aware that early morning fog events can coincide with peak pollen concentration. During spring and fall, the valley effect is most pronounced.
Rochester's allergy season is compressed compared to warmer climates — instead of gradual allergen transitions spread over 8-10 months, Rochester packs its worst pollen into a roughly 5-month window (late April through late October). This compression means allergen levels can go from zero to severe within days when spring finally arrives. The critical strategy is to begin allergy medications two to three weeks before your expected symptom start date, not when symptoms hit. For tree pollen sufferers, that means starting medications in early-to-mid April even if there's still snow on the ground. For ragweed sufferers, begin preparations in late July or early August. Waiting until symptoms are already severe means you're playing catch-up all season.
Rochester sits in the heart of the Northeast ragweed corridor, and ragweed is unquestionably the region's most impactful single allergen. A single ragweed plant can produce up to one billion pollen grains, and ragweed pollen travels hundreds of miles on wind currents — meaning even areas without significant local ragweed are affected. The ragweed season runs from mid-August until the first hard frost, typically late October but extending later in recent years due to climate change. Peak ragweed intensity is usually late September. The Finger Lakes agricultural region surrounding Rochester provides abundant disturbed land where ragweed thrives. During peak ragweed season, pollen counts in Rochester can exceed 200 grains per cubic meter — levels at which virtually all ragweed-sensitive individuals experience significant symptoms. Track daily ragweed counts and limit outdoor time on peak days, particularly mid-morning through early afternoon when pollen is most airborne.
Rochester's winters force residents indoors from roughly November through March — over five months of sealed, heated indoor environments where allergen concentrations build progressively. Forced-air heating systems distribute dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander throughout the home with every heating cycle. The key intervention is HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and primary living areas, combined with regular HVAC filter changes (monthly during heating season rather than quarterly). Wash bedding in hot water weekly to control dust mites. If you have pets, keep them out of bedrooms to create at least one low-allergen sleeping environment. Consider having your HVAC ducts professionally cleaned before each heating season to reduce accumulated allergen deposits.
HeyAllergy provides telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in New York State — delivering specialist care directly to your Rochester home without navigating winter weather or long wait times for in-person specialists. A virtual consultation identifies your specific triggers through allergy blood testing at a convenient local lab, then creates a personalized treatment plan addressing the exact combination of tree, grass, ragweed, mold, and dust mite allergens driving your symptoms. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and treat the root cause of allergies by building immune tolerance over time. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 6 months. Starting at $47 per month. HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans.
April through June is the worst period for tree and grass pollen, with multiple species blooming simultaneously in Rochester's compressed spring season. September is typically peak ragweed intensity. October combines lingering ragweed with peak mold from decomposing leaves. Winter months (November through March) are dominated by indoor allergens — mold, dust mites, and pet dander — concentrated in sealed, heated homes.
The most common allergens are oak, maple, birch, hickory, timothy grass, ryegrass, ragweed, mold (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus), and dust mites. Ragweed is the single most impactful allergen in upstate New York. Mold is particularly problematic due to Lake Ontario's persistent moisture and Rochester's older basement-heavy housing stock. Cat dander is the most common perennial allergen across New York State.
Lake Ontario's lake-effect moisture maintains higher humidity levels than inland areas year-round. Rochester's housing stock includes many older homes with stone or block basements that wick moisture, creating chronic dampness ideal for mold growth. Winter condensation from temperature differentials between heated interiors and frigid exteriors feeds mold on windows and walls. Decomposing leaves in fall and snowmelt in spring add seasonal mold spikes to the chronic baseline.
Yes. HeyAllergy provides telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in New York State. Book a virtual consultation from anywhere in New York, have allergy blood tests ordered at a local lab, and start a personalized treatment plan without visiting a clinic. No referral needed and no waitlist.
HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy uses customized liquid drops placed under your tongue daily containing precise doses of the specific allergens triggering your symptoms — whether oak, birch, timothy grass, ragweed, mold, or dust mites. Over time, your immune system builds tolerance, reducing allergic reactions and medication dependence. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 6 months.
HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans, including United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Oscar, and Tricare. Contact your insurance provider with Tax ID: 85-0834175 to confirm your specific telemedicine coverage.
Yes, though the pattern differs dramatically from warmer climates. Outdoor pollen runs from late April through late October (tree pollen, then grass, then ragweed). Mold spores are elevated from spring through fall. During the five-plus winter months (November through March), indoor allergens — mold, dust mites, pet dander — dominate as homes remain sealed against the cold. There is no truly allergen-free season in Rochester.
Yes. Warmer fall temperatures are delaying the first hard frost, extending ragweed season by weeks. Earlier spring warming is advancing tree pollen season. Rising CO2 levels are increasing pollen production per plant. Lake Ontario's warmer water temperatures may be intensifying lake-effect moisture and associated mold growth. Rochester allergists report patients experiencing longer and more intense symptom periods compared to a decade ago.
Rochester — population approximately 211,000 and the third-largest city in New York State — sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, and the Great Lake's influence on the city's allergy environment is impossible to overstate. Lake-effect weather is most famous for burying Rochester under 100+ inches of snow annually, but the same moisture-delivery mechanism operates year-round, maintaining humidity levels significantly higher than inland areas of upstate New York. This persistent moisture creates the region's most distinctive allergy challenge: chronic mold growth in homes, basements, and outdoor environments. Rochester's older housing stock — much of it built in the first half of the 20th century — features stone, block, and poured concrete basements that wick ground moisture into living spaces, creating conditions where mold colonies establish and persist year after year. For allergy sufferers, this means that even during the winter months when outdoor pollen is zero, indoor mold exposure can drive continuous symptoms that many residents mistake for perpetual colds.
The Genesee River flows north through the heart of Rochester before emptying into Lake Ontario, and the river valley creates atmospheric conditions that directly affect allergen concentrations. River valleys trap cooler, denser air near the surface during morning and evening hours, creating fog and temperature inversions that hold pollen and mold spores at breathing level rather than allowing them to disperse vertically. The Genesee gorge — a dramatic 200-foot-deep canyon running through the city at High Falls and the Rochester Museum district — channels wind patterns that can concentrate or redirect airborne allergens through downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. During Rochester's compressed spring pollen season, the valley effect means that neighborhoods along the river corridor and in lower-elevation areas of the city experience higher allergen concentrations than hilltop neighborhoods in places like Brighton, Pittsford, or Penfield.
Rochester's allergy season operates on a fundamentally different calendar than warmer climates. While cities in the South and West may experience pollen spread across 8-10 months, Rochester compresses nearly all its outdoor allergen exposure into roughly five months — late April through late October. This compression occurs because the city's long, cold winters hold vegetation dormant until temperatures reliably warm in spring, at which point multiple tree species bloom simultaneously rather than in the gradual sequence seen in warmer regions. The result is that Rochester's peak allergen days can rival or exceed those of southern cities in intensity, despite the much shorter season. Oak, maple, birch, hickory, and walnut trees all releasing pollen within a narrow window creates overwhelming exposure for multi-sensitized individuals. The rapid transition from tree to grass to ragweed pollen means there is virtually no relief during the outdoor allergy season once it begins.
Rochester sits in the heart of what allergists call the Northeast ragweed corridor — the swath of the eastern United States where ragweed thrives in disturbed agricultural land, roadside ditches, construction sites, and vacant lots. Ragweed is unquestionably the single most impactful allergen in the Rochester metro area. A single ragweed plant can produce up to one billion pollen grains in a season, and the lightweight pollen travels hundreds of miles on prevailing winds. The Finger Lakes agricultural region surrounding Rochester provides vast expanses of the disturbed and cultivated land where ragweed flourishes. Peak ragweed season runs from mid-August through the first hard frost — historically late October in Rochester, though warmer fall temperatures in recent years have pushed the frost date later, extending the ragweed misery by weeks. During peak intensity in late September, ragweed counts in the Rochester area can exceed levels that trigger symptoms in virtually all sensitized individuals.
Rochester's winters — typically running from November through March with temperatures frequently below freezing and heavy lake-effect snowfall — force residents into sealed, heated indoor environments for more than five months each year. This extended indoor season creates a distinct allergy pattern where indoor allergens (mold, dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergen in older urban housing) become the dominant symptom drivers for nearly half the year. Forced-air heating systems — the most common heating type in Rochester homes — distribute allergens throughout the home with every heating cycle, turning the HVAC system into an allergen delivery network. The combination of sealed windows, recirculated air, humidity from cooking and bathing, and accumulated allergen deposits in ductwork means that indoor air quality in Rochester homes during winter can be significantly worse than outdoor air quality even on high-pollen summer days. For many Rochester allergy sufferers, addressing indoor allergens through HEPA filtration, dehumidification, and HVAC maintenance provides greater symptom relief than any seasonal pollen intervention.
Rochester's unique combination of compressed outdoor pollen seasons and extended indoor allergen exposure creates year-round symptoms that benefit from specialist allergist care — but accessing that care during upstate New York winters can be challenging. HeyAllergy eliminates weather-related barriers with telemedicine appointments from your Rochester home with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in New York State. A virtual consultation identifies your specific triggers through allergy blood testing at a convenient local lab, then creates a personalized treatment plan addressing the exact combination of outdoor and indoor allergens driving your symptoms across all seasons. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and build your immune system's tolerance to your specific triggers over time — addressing the root cause rather than just masking symptoms with medications. HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans. Starting at $47 per month, with most patients noticing improvement within 3 to 6 months.
