A new study by AEG has crowned Liverpool as the UK’s hay fever capital for 2025, with residents facing the nation’s most severe pollen conditions. The research, analysing 72 cities, measured pollen counts, antihistamine prescriptions, and allergy-related search volumes to create an index score out of 100, revealing stark regional differences in hay fever challenges.

Liverpool topped the index with a score of 92.66, driven by a tree pollen count of 302.50 PPM, the highest in Britain, alongside grass pollen at 48.90 PPM and weed pollen at 9.70 PPM. This triple threat makes spring and summer particularly tough for the city’s residents, with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses hitting hard.

Seven of the top ten worst-affected cities lie north of the Midlands, with Birmingham securing second place at 74.34. The city records grass pollen at 45.00 PPM and tree pollen at 271.10 PPM, impacting its 1.12 million residents. Bradford follows in third with a score of 70.99, matching Liverpool’s weed pollen levels at 9.70 PPM. Doncaster (67.66) and Wakefield (66.35) complete the top five, both grappling with high tree pollen counts.

The North’s hilly terrain and open spaces contribute to higher pollen levels, according to the study. Urban centres, despite lower pollen counts than rural areas, often exacerbate symptoms due to air pollution. AEG UK’s spokesperson noted: “The regional differences are quite striking, with northern cities clearly bearing the brunt of high pollen counts. However, despite this, urban centres across the UK can have residents experiencing worse symptoms due to air pollution.”

London (63.38) and Reading (61.25) are the only southern cities in the top ten, with London’s score driven by tree pollen at 249.60 PPM. In contrast, Basildon ranks as the least affected city with a score of 21.74, followed by Southend-on-Sea (24.68) and Derby (25.18). Welsh cities like Cardiff (27.65), Swansea (27.51), and Newport (26.11) also rank among the least affected, potentially benefiting from coastal sea air.

The study highlights tree pollen as a major issue, peaking from late March to mid-May, while grass pollen dominates from mid-May to July, and weed pollen lingers from June to September. Liverpool’s extreme tree pollen levels make early spring particularly challenging, with AEG advising residents to prepare early. The spokesperson added: “People in high-risk areas like Liverpool and Birmingham might benefit from taking extra precautions during peak pollen season, such as keeping windows closed and using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor pollen levels.”

The UK’s pollen hotspots

Here are the top ten cities with their index scores and pollen counts:

1. Liverpool: 92.66 (Grass: 48.90 PPM, Tree: 302.50 PPM, Weed: 9.70 PPM)
2. Birmingham: 74.34 (Grass: 45.00 PPM, Tree: 271.10 PPM, Weed: 8.10 PPM)
3. Bradford: 70.99 (Grass: 44.40 PPM, Tree: 265.30 PPM, Weed: 9.70 PPM)
4. Doncaster: 67.66 (Grass: 43.00 PPM, Tree: 254.70 PPM, Weed: 9.40 PPM)
5. Wakefield: 66.35 (Grass: 43.40 PPM, Tree: 260.70 PPM, Weed: 7.70 PPM)
6. Bolton: 66.15 (Grass: 41.10 PPM, Tree: 252.70 PPM, Weed: 8.80 PPM)
7. London: 63.38 (Grass: 41.40 PPM, Tree: 249.60 PPM, Weed: 8.10 PPM)
8. Blackburn: 61.82 (Grass: 41.00 PPM, Tree: 233.80 PPM, Weed: 9.40 PPM)
9. Reading: 61.25 (Grass: 39.80 PPM, Tree: 227.00 PPM, Weed: 8.80 PPM)
10. Leeds: 61.01 (Grass: 37.70 PPM, Tree: 237.90 PPM, Weed: 8.90 PPM)

With 13 million UK residents affected by hay fever, strategies like staying indoors during high pollen counts, wearing sunglasses, and using antihistamines can help. Coastal areas and careful planning around peak pollen seasons offer further relief for sufferers.