Seasonal Air Quality Guide
Air quality challenges change with the seasons. Prepare for pollen season, wildfire smoke, and winter heating pollution with our regional guides.
Spring
Tree pollen peaks. Dust levels rise as windows open. Mould spores increase with humidity.
- • Tree pollen: Birch, Oak, Maple
- • Rising PM levels
- • Mould spore increases
Summer
Peak grass pollen. Ozone levels highest. Wildfire smoke increasingly impacts air quality.
- • Grass pollen peak
- • Ground-level ozone
- • Wildfire smoke events
Autumn
Weed pollen continues. Mould spores peak with wet leaves. Heating season begins.
- • Weed pollen
- • Mould spore peak
- • First heating emissions
Winter
Winter Pollution Challenges
- • Wood burning: PM2.5 from stoves and fireplaces
- • Cold inversions: Pollution trapped at ground level
- • Vehicle cold starts: Higher emissions
- • Sealed homes: Indoor pollutants accumulate
- • Dry air: Dust and allergens become airborne
Winter Protection
- ✓ Run air purifier continuously (homes sealed)
- ✓ Ventilate briefly during midday
- ✓ Avoid wood burning on still days
- ✓ HEPA filter captures smoke particles
- ✓ Consider humidifier to reduce dust
UK Pollen Calendar 2026
| Pollen Type | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazel | ●●● | ●●● | ●●● | |||||||||
| Birch | ●●● | ●●● | ●●● | |||||||||
| Oak | ●●● | ●●● | ●●● | |||||||||
| Grass | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Nettle | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Mugwort | ● | ● | ● | ● |
● Active | ●●● Peak season. Grass pollen affects 95% of UK hay fever sufferers. Peak season: May-July.
Wildfire Smoke
UK & European wildfire smoke increasingly impacts summer air quality.
- • Saharan dust events (spring)
- • European forest fires (summer)
- • Monitor: Met Office, DEFRA
- • PM2.5 levels can spike to hazardous (300+ AQI)
- • HEPA/MERV13+ essential for smoke particles
Indoor Air Year-Round
Indoor air pollution happens regardless of season. Common sources are present all year.
- • Cooking (PM2.5, VOCs)
- • Cleaning products (VOCs)
- • Off-gassing from furniture
- • Pet dander and dust mites
- • Mould from humidity
Year-Round Protection
Our DIY air purifiers handle every season - from spring pollen to winter wood smoke. Calculate your needs and find the right filter for your home.