Where grass pollen is low, month by month
Grass pollen causes most hay fever in Ireland. These places usually have low grass pollen in each month:
| Month | Low grass pollen |
|---|---|
| April | Iceland, Scandinavia, the Baltic states and northern Germany |
| May | Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Baltic states and Poland |
| June | The Canary Islands, central Norway and northern Finland |
| July | The Canary Islands, Madeira, Crete and the Greek islands, Corfu, Corsica and southern Italy |
| August | Most Mediterranean islands and coasts, including Croatia, southern France, southern Spain and Greece, plus Denmark and the Netherlands |
Based on the low grass pollen destination list from the University of Worcester. Every year shifts by a week or two with the weather.
The best bets for late June and July
Those are the worst weeks in Ireland, so they're the weeks a trip helps most. The Canary Islands are the most reliable: dry, with little grassland, and low in grass pollen through the summer. By July, Madeira, Crete and the Greek islands and southern Italy are past their own grass season too.
Check what you react to
- Grass is the main summer trigger. Go south in July, or north in May.
- Birch peaks in April in Ireland, but in May in Scandinavia and the Baltic states, so avoid those in May if birch is your problem.
- Olive pollen is high around the Mediterranean in May and June, and wall pellitory is common there for much of the year. Both are rare in Ireland, so you may not know if they affect you.
Not sure what sets you off? A GP can arrange an allergy test.
Coast, islands and mountains
Sea breezes usually bring in air with little pollen, and islands and coasts tend to have less grassland than inland. In the mountains the season starts later the higher you go, so in June the high meadows are often not yet in flower.
Flying with hay fever
- Pack your antihistamines, nasal spray and eye drops in your hand luggage.
- Dublin Airport now allows liquids in containers of up to 2 litres, with no bag needed. Other airports and your return flight may still have a 100ml limit, so keep sprays and drops small.
- If your destination is in pollen season too, keep taking your usual treatment while you're away.
- Check the pollen forecast for home before you fly back.
Plan your trip
Questions
Where can I go to escape hay fever in June?
The Canary Islands are the most reliable choice for low grass pollen in June. Central Norway and northern Finland are also low that month.
Is there less pollen by the sea?
Usually, yes. Onshore sea breezes bring in air with little pollen, and islands and coasts often have less grassland than inland areas.
Can I take hay fever nasal spray on a plane?
Yes. Medicines are allowed in hand luggage. Dublin Airport now allows liquids in containers of up to 2 litres, but other airports and your return flight may still have a 100ml limit, so keep sprays and drops in small containers.
This is general information, not medical advice. Pollen seasons vary by year and place.