Outdoor allergies can ruin even the best-planned outdoor events. Grass pollen has you sneezing through your summer picnic. Ragweed ruins your fall s’more party. You can barely see those beautiful spring blooms through your itchy, watery eyes!

The good news is, most outdoor allergens have a specific season. That makes it easy to limit your time outdoors when your allergies will be in full swing – if you know when your allergy season is. To help you get the most out of your outdoor activities, here’s a month-by-month guide to common outdoor allergies.

January

While outdoor allergies are at a low during the winter, you may find your indoor allergies ramping up. As people flock indoors and crank up the heat, they kick up dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander that can make winter allergies just as bad as spring and fall. Limit your exposure by keeping your indoor humidity levels low and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly.

February

Trees begin to pollinate in February, bringing the first wave of spring allergies to your door. Oak, walnut, elm, pecan, and maple trees are the most common allergy culprits in the United States, among others. Tree allergies cause typical spring reactions like sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.

March

Rising tree pollen is the primary allergy culprit during March. If spring comes early, grasses and flowers may also begin to bloom, adding to the daily pollen count.

April

April showers bring May flowers…and spring allergies. Frequent spring rains saturate the ground, causing a rise in tree and flower pollen. In areas of the country with mild climates, grasses may also begin to grow and pollinate in April. If you’re sensitive to pollen, check daily counts during April at the National Allergy Bureau before heading outside.

May

Tree pollen doesn’t actually hit its peak until mid-May, so those who suffer from typical spring allergies may feel miserable for months. Grass pollen may be increasing during May, and those allergic to insect bites should be on the watch for hungry biters.

June

June is the peak month for grass pollen as common grasses like bermuda and rye are in full bloom. If you haven’t begun to have spring allergy symptoms yet, you’re likely to start feeling them in June. Nice, warm weather will likely have you spending more time outside, increasing your exposure to outdoor allergens.

July

July brings both good and bad news to allergy sufferers. Grass and tree pollen begins to subside, but increasing heat and humidity causes a rise in mold and outdoor fungus.

August

Mold grows quickly in heat and humidity, usually reaching peak levels in late summer. July to August are typically the worst months for outdoor mold spores. Run your air conditioner with a HEPA filter and stay indoors as much as possible to limit mold allergies.

September

Ragweed hits its peak during the fall, blooming and releasing pollen from August to November. A single ragweed plant can release billions of grains of lightweight pollen that can travel hundreds of miles. Most areas see peak ragweed levels in the month of September, but those with severe ragweed allergies may have symptoms all season long.

October

Many allergy sufferers begin to feel relief in October. However, excess moisture and heat may cause increased mold growth that keeps symptoms lasting well into the fall.

November

Add the end of ragweed season to your thankful list in November! Crisp fall weather adds to your outdoor bliss, but as temperatures cool you may find yourself moving indoors more often. This can lead to an early increase in winter indoor allergies.

December

As in other winter months, December sees a rise in indoor allergies like mold, dust mites, and pet dander. Be careful removing dusty holiday decorations from storage, and avoid using a real Christmas tree if you have tree or mold allergies.

If you’re tired of living your favorite season indoors to avoid your allergies, there’s a better way. Our allergy drops use sublingual immunotherapy to desensitize your body to common allergens, offering easy and lasting relief from your worst allergy symptoms. Try them for yourself today to take back your outdoor freedom!