When is allergy season in Dallas?

The typical “allergy season” tends to peak in December, January, May, and September for Dallasites. Obviously, limiting time outdoors to avoid too much exposure to allergens like pollen, trees, weeds, and grasses is a good start, but what if that’s not practical, or enough to keep allergies at bay?

What can I do if I suffer from seasonal allergies in Dallas?

For those suffering from seasonal allergies in the Dallas area, there are several treatment options. Simple remedies include nasal rinses, over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine, nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone or mometasone, and decongestants such as pseudoephedrine. For those with more severe allergies or those who do not respond well to other treatments, allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy may be a good option*.

What else can I do?

According to the experts at Texas Allergy MD, there are some less medicinal – but very practical – things you can do during allergy season to limit your reaction to seasonal allergies in North Texas.

1. On high pollen count days, limit exposure outdoors or try to schedule any outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen counts diminish.
2. Change clothes and brush or wash your hair after being outside, as pollen and other allergens tend to cling to hair and clothes.
3. Wear sunglasses to act as a physical barrier between your eyes and the allergy-causing particles in the air.
4. Use a saline solution to rinse pollen from nasal passages and soothe dryness at the same time.
5. Using natural barriers like a bit of Vaseline around your nostrils to trap particles before they get into your nose can help, too.
6. Hats and layers can help make it harder for pollen to stick to your hair, and easier to remove from an outer layer of clothing once inside.
7. Keeping windows closed and using air purifiers can help once you’re inside as well.

Not just pollen…

Even though pollen and its resulting hay fever are the most commonly complained-about allergy here, there are other specific types of seasonal allergens in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, each with some corresponding strategies to remedy them.

Humidity = more mold

In Dallas, mold spores can be a common allergen, especially during humid and rainy months. To prevent exposure to mold spores, it is important to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, fix any water leaks or damage promptly, and regularly clean and inspect areas prone to mold growth such as bathrooms and basements. Treatment options for mold allergies include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, and allergy shots.

Dallas does dust

Dust mites thrive in warm and humid environments, making them particularly prevalent in Dallas. To reduce exposure to dust mites, regularly clean and vacuum your home, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and use allergen-proof pillows and mattress covers. As with other seasonal allergies, symptoms caused by dust mites can be managed similarly to mold or pollen symptoms.

No matter what allergies you’ve got this time of year, know that you’re not alone, and there are a whole range of strategies and tactics to help provide relief.

*Please note that while we strive to provide helpful recommendations and information, we are not medical professionals. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your health or lifestyle.

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Local Stargazing 

Fountain Hills 

Despite its location on the edge of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, Fountain Hills has some surprisingly dark nights, creating the perfect condition for stargazing. The nearby McDowell Mountains have a sort of screening effect that keeps the metro area light out. The result is a dark night sky that’s filled with stars and, when the light is low enough, incredible views of the Milky Way. In 2018, Fountain Hills was officially recognized as a Dark Sky Community, adding to the growing list of designated International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) in Arizona. 

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ADERO Scottsdale 

It’s not every day, or night, that you find a resort that’s a certified Dark Sky Zone. ADERO Scottsdale just so happens to be one. And lucky for you, it’s right in your backyard. Because of the limited light pollution in the region and local nighttime artificial light ordinances, the Scottsdale luxury resort is considered a stargazing oasis. Adding to its shining reputation as a stargazing hotspot, ADERO also has several high-definition telescopes for resort guests to use as well as programming like Friday night sky tours hosted by the Star Dudes. 

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a recreation destination located at the intersection of Fountain Hills and North Scottsdale. The park’s prime position in the McDowell Mountains makes it one of the best places to go stargazing in the Valley. The park trails are open late for hikers, mountain bikers, and astronomy fans hoping to catch a glimpse of twinkly constellations in the night sky. And, the park regularly hosts guided stargazing nights where visitors can peer through telescopes and see galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and desert plants. 

Northern Arizona Stargazing

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Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase

For the ultimate stargazing adventure, point your GPS north to Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase. A 14-mile trip from Arizona’s main marina at Lake Powell, this glamping getaway has everything you need for a magical night under a blanket of stars including upscale amenities, safari-inspired tent accommodations, and stargazing programming. In 2023, Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase became the first Dark Sky Approved Lodging location, complementing the Dark Sky Places conservation program. 

Lowell Observatory

So many Pluto-related discoveries were made at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory, the city is casually referred to as the home of Pluto. Flagstaff even has its own Pluto festival. Pluto aside, if you’re eager to see stars, you’re in the right place. The Lowell Observatory is home to one of the best collections of telescopes available to the public, including six advanced telescopes that can reveal rich star fields and colorful planets. A true astronomer’s paradise, the observatory offers tours, science talks, and demos that cover topics like the colors of the cosmos, stargazing nights from the observation deck, and even solar viewings. 

Southern Arizona Stargazing

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Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park may be known for its expansive stretches of scenic Saguaro-flecked terrain but the Southern Arizona National Park is gaining popularity for another reason — its dark, unobstructed starry skies. After years of reducing human-made light, Saguaro National Park was named a Dark Sky Urban Night Sky Place in 2023. The park offers educational and stargazing programs and there’s more to discover in nearby Tucson where you can explore world-class observatories like the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter or the Kitt Peak National Observatory.  

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Home to the ruins of three Spanish mission communities, Tumácacori is a historic site and designated International Dark Sky Park with brilliant night skies that’s popular with both history buffs and astronomy fans. Here, you can experience what the desert southwest was like hundreds of years ago among the ruins while gazing up at the unobstructed night sky. On select nights, the park hosts guided moonlight hikes that wind around the park trails as well as other after-dark experiences like starry night photography programs. 

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