Every fall, millions of Americans prepare for cooler temperatures, but not for the sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that come with it.
In 2025, ragweed pollen and mold spores remain the top triggers for seasonal allergies, hitting hard in parts of the South, Midwest, and Northeast.
If you’ve noticed symptoms even when the leaves start to drop, here’s why this year’s allergy season still feels relentless and what you can do about it.
The Science Behind Fall Allergies
Allergies in autumn come from two main sources:
- Ragweed pollen – Each plant can release up to a billion grains of pollen every season. Even if you don’t live near fields, pollen travels hundreds of miles on wind currents.
- Mold spores – Damp leaves and soil create perfect environments for mold growth, releasing invisible spores into the air that linger well into November.
Together, these allergens keep immune systems on high alert long after spring allergy season has ended.
Why This Year Feels Worse
According to recent climate data, 2025 has seen warmer average temperatures and higher humidity in several U.S. regions—conditions that extend pollen and mold seasons.
| Region | Main Triggers | Current Trend |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI) | Ragweed, mold | Longer pollen cycles due to late summer rains |
| Southeast (FL, NC, GA) | Ragweed, oak, dust mites | Combined outdoor and indoor exposure |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA) | Mold, leaf litter | Higher mold counts after heavy rain |
| Southwest (TX, AZ) | Cedar pollen, dust | Dry spells increase airborne dust allergies |
Common Symptoms to Watch
Seasonal allergies can mimic a cold, but key differences include:
- Sneezing fits at specific times of day (often morning)
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Runny or congested nose without fever
- Fatigue or brain fog after outdoor exposure
If symptoms persist for weeks or seem to worsen indoors, you may also have mold or dust sensitivities compounding the problem.
How to Reduce Fall Allergy Symptoms
A few simple steps can dramatically lower exposure:
- Keep windows closed on windy days when pollen counts are high.
- Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities.
- Use HEPA filters in your bedroom and living areas.
- Dry laundry indoors to prevent pollen accumulation.
- Clean gutters and raked leaves quickly to limit mold growth.
For ongoing relief, many patients benefit from allergy immunotherapy drops or shots that help retrain the immune system to tolerate allergens. Learn more in Allergy Immunotherapy in 2025.
When Over-the-Counter Medicine Isn’t Enough
Antihistamines and nasal sprays can temporarily reduce symptoms, but they don’t treat the cause.
If you’re relying on daily medication without lasting relief, ask your provider about personalized allergy drops (SLIT).
These are custom-formulated treatments that target the specific allergens affecting you most.
To compare your options, visit Allergy Drops vs Shots vs Pills (2025).
Allergy Differences by State
Search data in October 2025 shows spikes for “ragweed allergy” and “mold allergy symptoms” across multiple regions:
- Texas & Oklahoma: cedar pollen and ragweed overlap causes prolonged allergy seasons.
- Illinois & Ohio: leaf mold now rivals spring pollen for ER allergy visits.
- New York & New Jersey: indoor mold and heating dust are common winter triggers.
Your environment, and even your home’s air circulation can dramatically change the allergens you’re exposed to.
What It Means for You
If you’re still struggling with symptoms despite medication, fall allergies may not just be about pollen, they could be a mix of outdoor and indoor triggers unique to your state or climate.
Comprehensive allergy testing can identify exactly what’s affecting you.
To learn how modern testing works, see Home Allergy Testing in 2025, or explore What Type of Allergies Are There? for a full overview.
