Colorado Springs’ allergy season is unfortunately not one short stretch of the year. Tree pollen starts things off early, grass pollen can take over as spring turns to summer, and weed pollen keeps symptoms active and irritating going well into fall.

AAFA’s 2026 findings report ranked Colorado Springs No. 15 among the most challenging metro areas in the country for seasonal pollen allergies. That ranking reflects more than one rough week in spring. With earlier and heavier tree pollen, a longer grass season, earlier weed activity, and the added effects of dry air, wind, and changing weather, it becomes easier to see why allergy symptoms can feel so persistent here.

What Makes a City an “Allergy Capital”?

When a city shows up high in AAFA’s Allergy Capitals report, it usually means allergy sufferers there are dealing with more than a little extra pollen. The ranking is designed to reflect how severe seasonal allergies are overall for people living in that metro area.

To figure that out, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America compares the 100 largest metro areas in the entirety of the United States using three main measures: pollen levels for trees, grasses, and weeds, how often people rely on over-the-counter allergy medication, and how easy it is to find a board-certified allergist or immunologist nearby. In other words, the report looks at both exposure and the difficulty of managing symptoms once they start.

Common Types of Pollen Allergies

In Colorado Springs, allergy season can feel uneven from one part of the year to the next. One trigger often gives way to another, and the area’s dry, windy conditions can make those seasonal shifts feel even more noticeable.

Tree Pollen

Tree pollen is often the first major wave of the year. In Colorado, it commonly starts around early March and can last into late May, though timing can shift depending on how mild or harsh the winter was. When that season begins, many people start noticing the usual round of sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and throat irritation.

Grass Pollen

As spring moves forward, grass pollen often becomes the next problem. Allergy specialists in Colorado generally place that stretch from around May into mid-August. Because the season lasts well into summer, it can feel like symptoms barely have time to ease before the next round of irritation sets in.

Weed Pollen

Later in the year, weed pollen often takes over. In Colorado, that season usually begins around mid-August and can hang on into fall until a few hard frosts finally slow it down. In the Pikes Peak region, windy and dry conditions can make that late-season stretch especially frustrating for allergy sufferers.

How Climate Change Is Affecting Allergy Seasons

Allergy season is shaped by larger weather and climate patterns.

Climate change affects allergy season because:

• Warmer Temperatures Can Stretch Out Pollen Season: Climate Central reports that warmer, earlier springs are lengthening the growing season across much of the country, giving plants more time to release pollen, from early spring into late fall.
• Heavy Moisture Can Lead to More Plant Growth: AAFA says intense rainstorms and moisture events can fuel plant growth, setting the stage for heavier pollen production later. 
• Dry Conditions Can Keep Pollen in the Air Longer: Dry weather can make allergy symptoms worse because pollen may remain airborne longer, rather than settling quickly. 

How to Manage and Control Allergy Symptoms

Even when outdoor pollen counts are high, a few practical changes can reduce how much of it follows you indoors.

Reduce Pollen Exposure at Home

A few good habits can make a meaningful difference:

• Keep windows closed during high-pollen days
• Shower and change clothes after spending time outside
• Wash bedding regularly
• Check local pollen forecasts before yardwork or long outdoor activities
• Wipe down pets after they have been outside, since pollen can cling to fur

These steps will not remove pollen entirely, but they can reduce how much circulates through your home.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Professional IAQ Services

Peak offers indoor air quality services in Colorado Springs designed to address filtration, ventilation, and overall indoor air quality. Peak also offers air filtration solutions and air duct cleaning that can support cleaner airflow and reduce the buildup of airborne debris.

Use High-Efficiency Filtration

High-efficiency filtration can help capture pollen, dust, pet dander, and other particles before they recirculate. For many households, this is one of the most practical ways to make allergy season easier indoors. Better filtration can also support the overall performance of your heating and cooling system.

Consider Indoor Air Quality Testing

If you still feel miserable at home during allergy season, it may be worth looking more closely at the air inside your house. Indoor air quality testing can help identify allergens, moisture-related problems, airborne irritants, and ventilation issues that may be contributing to symptoms.

Prevent Mold Growth

Pollen is not the only thing that can make symptoms worse. Mold spores can also aggravate allergy issues, especially in areas with moisture buildup or poor ventilation. Depending on your home’s needs, indoor air quality improvements may include humidity control, air purification, ventilation adjustments, or filtration upgrades.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Allergy Capitals

Most people spend the majority of their time indoors. That means your home’s air quality plays a major role in day-to-day comfort, especially during peak allergy season. Outdoor pollen does not stay outside. It settles into carpets, bedding, furniture, and ductwork, then continues affecting the air you breathe.

For homeowners in Colorado Springs and the surrounding Pikes Peak region, improving indoor air quality can make a real difference when pollen is high. Better filtration, cleaner ductwork, and targeted air quality solutions can help reduce indoor allergen load and make your home feel more comfortable through a long allergy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a city an allergy capital?

Cities with higher pollen scores, greater allergy medication use, and fewer allergy specialists tend to rank higher in AAFA’s Allergy Capitals report.

When is allergy season in Colorado Springs?

For many people in Colorado Springs, tree pollen starts around early March and can last into late May, grass pollen often runs from May into mid-August, and weed pollen can continue through fall until hard frosts arrive.

Can my HVAC system help with allergies?

Yes. Filtration, air purification, ventilation improvements, and humidity control can all help reduce airborne allergens inside your home. Peak also offers indoor air quality testing and filtration solutions to improve airflow.

Do HEPA filters remove pollen?

Yes. High-efficiency filtration is designed to capture very small airborne particles, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and some mold-related particles.

Should I test my home’s indoor air quality?

Indoor air quality testing can help identify allergens, pollutants, ventilation issues, and moisture-related concerns inside your home so you can choose the right solution instead of guessing.

Schedule Your Services Today!

If allergies are making it harder to feel comfortable at home, improving your indoor air quality can help reduce airborne irritants and support a healthier living environment. Peak Home Performance offers indoor air quality testing, filtration solutions, and duct cleaning services for homeowners in Colorado Springs. Reach out today to learn how we can help improve the air inside your home.