Question 1

What makes a city low-allergy in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Low-allergy cities in the UK typically have cooler climates, coastal breezes, fewer allergenic plants, and frequent rainfall, all of which help reduce pollen levels.

Question 2

Are coastal cities better for allergies in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, coastal cities like Aberdeen and Cardiff often have lower pollen counts due to ocean winds and cooler temperatures.

Question 3

Can I completely avoid allergies in these cities?

Accepted Answer

While these cities have lower pollen counts, allergies can still occur. Monitoring pollen levels and taking preventive measures is key.

Question 4

What are the best times to visit low-allergy cities in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Visiting during late fall or winter can further reduce your exposure to pollen, as these seasons typically have the lowest pollen counts.

Question 5

Why do Northern Irish cities like Belfast have lower pollen counts?

Accepted Answer

Belfast’s coastal location, frequent rain, and limited ragweed growth create a milder allergy environment compared to mainland UK.

Question 6

Are historic cities like York better preserved against modern allergens?

Accepted Answer

Yes—strict landscaping rules in historic areas often limit high-pollen plants, though older buildings may still harbor dust mites or mold.

Question 7

Do UK low-allergy cities have fewer allergy specialists?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily—cities like Edinburgh have robust healthcare networks despite lower pollen counts, ensuring access to allergy care.

Question 8

Can the UK’s coastal cities experience 'sea breeze allergens'?

Accepted Answer

Rarely—while sea air generally reduces pollen, coastal areas with cliffs/grasslands (e.g., Brighton) may see localized grass pollen spikes.

Question 9

Are there UK towns with policies to reduce allergenic vegetation?

Accepted Answer

Yes—cities like Aberdeen prioritize low-pollen plants in public spaces, aligning with urban planning initiatives for allergy-sensitive residents.

Rank	City	Pollen Risk Level	Tree Pollen	Grass Pollen	Weed Pollen
01	Troon, Scotland	Low	58ppm Low	10ppm Low	4ppm Low
02	Irvine, Scotland	Low	65ppm Low	15ppm Low	2ppm Low
03	Kilmarnock, Scotland	Low	70ppm Low	16ppm Low	2ppm Low
04	Aberystwyth, Wales	Low	76ppm Low	13ppm Low	5ppm Low
05	Dungannon, Mid Ulster	Low	80ppm Low	14ppm Low	5ppm Low
06	Glasgow, Scotland	Low	82ppm Low	14ppm Low	6ppm Low
07	Prestwick, Scotland	Low	82ppm Low	14ppm Low	6ppm Low
08	Kendal, Cumbria	Low	83ppm Low	14ppm Low	6ppm Low
09	Minster, Kent	Low	87ppm Low	15ppm Low	6ppm Low
10	Cardiff, Wales	Low	89ppm Low	15ppm Low	6ppm Low
11	Bishopbriggs, Scotland	Low	87ppm Low	20ppm Low	3ppm Low
12	Worthing, West Sussex	Low	86ppm Low	17ppm Low	8ppm Low
13	ShorehambySea, West Sussex	Low	88ppm Low	20ppm Low	3ppm Low
14	Southwick, West Sussex	Low	88ppm Low	20ppm Low	3ppm Low
15	Bearsden, Scotland	Low	86ppm Low	17ppm Low	8ppm Low
16	Cambuslang, Scotland	Low	88ppm Low	20ppm Low	3ppm Low
17	Lancing, West Sussex	Low	86ppm Low	17ppm Low	8ppm Low
18	Folkestone, Kent	Low	86ppm Low	17ppm Low	8ppm Low
19	Dumbarton, Scotland	Low	86ppm Low	18ppm Low	9ppm Low
20	Workington, Cumbria	Low	91ppm Low	16ppm Low	6ppm Low

Color Scheme	Risk Level	Tree (ppm)	Weed (ppm)	Grass (ppm)
Green	Low	0 - 95	0 - 20	0 - 29
Yellow	Moderate	96 - 207	21 - 77	30 - 60
Orange	High	208 - 703	78 - 266	61 - 341
Red	Very high	704+	267+	342+

Best UK cities for allergy sufferers: Low-pollen havens

Current pollen rankings: Low allergy cities in the UK

Pollen scale

Get accurate hyperlocal pollen data for the world

Get bulk historical pollen count data for over 10 years

Track air quality & pollen in real-time with climate maps

Why are these cities better for allergy sufferers?

Guide to pollen and allergies across the US and UK

Worst pollen cities in US

Low-allergy cities in US

Worst pollen cities in UK

Frequently asked questions