Pollen Count & Forecast for Canberra
About Pollen in Canberra
Canberra’s spring allergy season (September–November) is dominated by Ryegrass, Elm, and Plane pollen; Ryegrass (Lolium) prolific due to winds from surrounding pasture lands; English Elm (Ulmus procera) and London Plane (Platanus x acerifolia) widespread in Inner North streets. Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) contributes from Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain. Summer (December–February) sees high Grass (Poaceae) pollen levels, originating from Brindabella Ranges and ACT grasslands.
The city’s basin topography traps pollen during temperature inversions; breezes from Lake Burley Griffin distribute particles. Autumn and winter have elevated Mould (Alternaria, Cladosporium) spore counts, from decomposing leaf litter in Haig Park and damp areas near the Molonglo River.