Albuquerque, NM Pollen Levels Today

Albuquerque sits in a high-desert valley along the Rio Grande, and its dry, windy climate combined with a long growing season makes it one of the more challenging allergy cities in the Southwest.

Tree pollen dominates the earliest season, typically beginning in late January with juniper and cedar, followed by cottonwood, elm, mulberry, ash, and sycamore through March and April. Mulberry pollen was historically so intense the city banned new plantings, though mature trees remain a significant source.

As tree season winds down, grass pollen takes over from May into July, driven largely by Bermuda grass, blue grama, and various range grasses that thrive in the arid climate.

Weed season begins in late summer and peaks in September and October, with Russian thistle (tumbleweed), ragweed, sagebrush, chamisa (rabbitbrush), and pigweed producing heavy pollen loads.

Overlap between late tree and early grass season in May, and between grass and weed season in August, often intensifies symptoms.

Non-pollen triggers are also notable: persistent dust and fine particulates carried by strong spring winds, outdoor molds after monsoon rains, and wildfire smoke all contribute to year-round irritation.

Overall, Albuquerque's allergy profile is defined by windborne desert pollens, extended seasons, and significant dust exposure.