Lorraine Williamson
Spain could be heading into one of its hardest hay fever seasons in recent years, with specialists warning that months of rain followed by milder weather have created the ideal conditions for a sharp rise in pollen. For allergy sufferers, that may mean an earlier start, stronger symptoms, and a season that drags on well beyond the usual spring peak.
The warning is especially relevant in the south and inland parts of the country, where grasses and olive trees are among the biggest triggers. In Andalucía, olive pollen is a familiar annual problem, while grass pollen remains one of the most common causes of seasonal allergic reactions across Spain. SEAIC says this spring is expected to bring high pollen-allergy intensity in Andalucía, with more moderate levels forecast across much of central Spain.
One of the reasons this year may feel worse is that winter rain does not simply wash pollen away. SEAIC said in late February that the recent wet spell had delayed pollination in some areas, but also warned that once weather conditions stabilise, pollen levels could rise abruptly. In other words, the rain offered temporary relief while helping create the conditions for a more aggressive spring burst.
That pattern is already familiar to many people living in southern Spain. First come the cypresses and urban trees, then grasses gather pace, and later the olive groves take over large parts of Andalucía. In cities, plane trees can add to the discomfort, while in rural and semi-rural areas, the mix of grasses, olive trees, and other local species can leave sufferers dealing with symptoms for weeks on end.
The broader trend is that pollen seasons are no longer as neatly contained as they once were. Researchers and allergy specialists have increasingly linked longer and more intense pollen exposure to shifting weather patterns and environmental pressures. The result is that some people are now experiencing symptoms for longer stretches of the year, while doctors are also seeing more adults develop seasonal allergies later in life.
Why Andalucía could feel it more strongly
For readers in Andalucía, this matters because the region combines several of the country’s most troublesome spring allergens. Olive pollen is especially important in provinces with extensive cultivation, while grasses can push counts higher after a wet growing season. SEAIC’s own public guidance highlights Andalucía as one of the areas expected to see elevated intensity this spring.
That does not mean every day will be equally bad. Rain can still briefly clear the air, and local conditions vary widely between coastal and inland areas. But once dry, warmer weather settles in, pollen counts can rise quickly. That is why allergy sufferers often feel worse not after the storms, but in the calmer days that follow them.
How to make the season easier to manage
Basic habits can help reduce exposure. Keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, showering after spending time outdoors, and avoiding leaving clothes exposed indoors can all make a difference. Sunglasses may help reduce eye irritation, while antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops remain common first-line treatments for people whose symptoms return every spring. Pollen monitoring services such as polenes.com, which SEAIC promotes through its aerobiology network, can also help people plan day by day.
Anyone whose symptoms are becoming more severe, lasting longer than usual or affecting breathing should seek medical advice rather than trying to push through it. What looks like a bad run of sneezing can sometimes turn into a more significant respiratory issue, especially in people with asthma or those developing new sensitivities.
Sharp increase in asthma and allergies among Spanish children
A spring problem that may last much longer
The main message this year is that hay fever in Spain may not be a short spring inconvenience. After such a wet winter, and with vegetation now responding fast, many sufferers could be facing a drawn-out season rather than a brief burst of symptoms. In Andalucía in particular, the weeks ahead may feel less like a passing pollen flare-up and more like the start of a long campaign.