These Are the Worst U.S Cities for Spring Allergies in 2026, Ranked

If you live in one of the top 20 U.S. cities for spring allergies, here’s what you can do to cope. Image Credit: Liliya Rodnikova/Stocksy The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has ranked the top 20 worst cities for pollen allergies in 2026. Allergy seasons are lasting longer and are more intense due to climate change, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Experts offer tips for coping with seasonal allergies this spring and beyond. You may feel like your spring allergies are worsening, beginning earlier, or lasting longer. You’re not alone in feeling this way. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), climate change is intensifying pollen seasons. This can make allergy symptoms worse and last longer. “Allergy seasons are getting longer and worse all the time, and I think we can expect an increase in allergy-driven symptoms this spring and every spring going forward,” said Noah Greenspan, PT, DPT, board certified clinical specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, a leading expert in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and the founder of Pulmonary Wellness Complex PT. “People naturally spend more time outdoors, in nature, and other areas where increased heat and humidity, greater prevalence of allergens, and therefore exposure to triggers, and compromised air quality are more common. In addition, we can expect that the impact of various environmental triggers will vary by geographic location and the characteristics of the exposures,” Greenspan told Healthline. Indeed, some areas of the United States experience year-round pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses. The AAFA has ranked the top “allergy capitals” in the contiguous (lower 48) states by how difficult it is to live there with pollen allergies. Here’s what you need to know to cope. Top 20 worst places for seasonal allergies The AAFA has ranked the top 100 allergy capitals in the United States for 2026. The following are the top 20 out of 100 base