When is pollen worst in State College?

State College runs the classic three-wave calendar: tree pollen Mar–May, grass May–Jul, then ragweed Aug–Oct. The two worst stretches are the spring tree peak and the late-summer ragweed peak. Currently, grass pollen is what's driving counts this month.

What's in the air in State College right now?

Right now grass pollen leads in State College at a Moderate (3/5) level. The species actually in the air today: Pine, Oak, and Grasses. On a quiet live day, State College's seasonal calendar fills in what's typically airborne this time of year.

Is tree or grass pollen higher in State College in spring?

In spring, tree pollen leads in State College — trees pollinate Mar–May, ahead of grass (May–Jul). The handoff is the tail of the tree window: tree counts taper as grass climbs, so an early-spring flare is more likely tree pollen and a late-spring one more likely grass.

What makes State College's pollen season distinctive?

State College sits in the cold-temperate Northeast zone, which means a sharply defined calendar — a hard winter lull, then a compact spring tree burst before grass and a long ragweed fall. That shapes when symptoms hit and which allergen to watch.

How do I reduce pollen exposure in State College?

Through State College's peak windows (tree Mar–May, grass May–Jul, ragweed Aug–Oct), keep windows shut and run AC on recirculate; counts run highest on dry, warm, windy mornings, so push outdoor activity to late afternoon or just after rain, which clears pollen from the air. A HEPA purifier indoors, a saline rinse after being outside, showering before bed, and starting antihistamines a week or two before your worst local window all measurably cut symptoms.

What pollen index counts as high?

Pollen is reported on a categorical scale — None, Low, Moderate, High, and Very High. "High" and above means most allergy sufferers notice symptoms even with brief outdoor exposure, and sensitized people should limit time outside and pre-medicate. "Low" to "Moderate" usually only affects highly sensitive individuals.

State College, Pennsylvania Pollen Count

State College pollen count and allergy forecast — tree, grass, and ragweed seasons and what’s pollinating now

State College, PA · Pollen count right now

Grass pollen is Moderate in State College today

Tree: Very Low 1/5Grass: Moderate 3/5Tomorrow: Moderate

Today’s pollen by type

TreeVery Low1/5
GrassModerate3/5
Weed / RagweedOut of season

Active now: Pine, Oak, Grasses.

State College pollen calendar

Typical peak months for each pollen type in this climate region. The highlighted column is the current month.

JFMAMJJASOND

TreeMar–May

GrassMay–Jul

WeedAug–Oct

Allergy relief

Zyrtec 24-Hour Allergy Relief (Cetirizine 10 mg)
A once-daily, non-drowsy oral antihistamine. Start it a couple of weeks before your worst pollen season for the best symptom control.
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NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit (Saline Nasal Irrigation)
A saline rinse physically flushes pollen out of the nasal passages. Use it after time outdoors during peak season to cut the allergen load before symptoms build.
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How State College’s pollen count works

The calendar above is tuned to State College’s cold-temperate Northeast climate, not a national average: tree pollen peaks Mar–May, grass May–Jul, and ragweed Aug–Oct here. Those windows are why grass pollen is the one in season in State College right now.

Right now grass pollen leads in State College at a Moderate (3/5) level. The species actually in the air today: Pine, Oak, and Grasses. Counts run highest on warm, dry, windy mornings and drop after rain, which washes pollen out of the air — reported on the None / Low / Moderate / High / Very High scale.

Frequently asked

When is pollen worst in State College?: State College runs the classic three-wave calendar: tree pollen Mar–May, grass May–Jul, then ragweed Aug–Oct. The two worst stretches are the spring tree peak and the late-summer ragweed peak. Currently, grass pollen is what's driving counts this month.
What's in the air in State College right now?: Right now grass pollen leads in State College at a Moderate (3/5) level. The species actually in the air today: Pine, Oak, and Grasses. On a quiet live day, State College's seasonal calendar fills in what's typically airborne this time of year.
Is tree or grass pollen higher in State College in spring?: In spring, tree pollen leads in State College — trees pollinate Mar–May, ahead of grass (May–Jul). The handoff is the tail of the tree window: tree counts taper as grass climbs, so an early-spring flare is more likely tree pollen and a late-spring one more likely grass.
What makes State College's pollen season distinctive?: State College sits in the cold-temperate Northeast zone, which means a sharply defined calendar — a hard winter lull, then a compact spring tree burst before grass and a long ragweed fall. That shapes when symptoms hit and which allergen to watch.
How do I reduce pollen exposure in State College?: Through State College's peak windows (tree Mar–May, grass May–Jul, ragweed Aug–Oct), keep windows shut and run AC on recirculate; counts run highest on dry, warm, windy mornings, so push outdoor activity to late afternoon or just after rain, which clears pollen from the air. A HEPA purifier indoors, a saline rinse after being outside, showering before bed, and starting antihistamines a week or two before your worst local window all measurably cut symptoms.
What pollen index counts as high?: Pollen is reported on a categorical scale — None, Low, Moderate, High, and Very High. "High" and above means most allergy sufferers notice symptoms even with brief outdoor exposure, and sensitized people should limit time outside and pre-medicate. "Low" to "Moderate" usually only affects highly sensitive individuals.

More for State College

See the full State College, PA weather forecast — hour-by-hour outlook, NOAA radar, satellite, and air quality.