High Tree Pollen Levels Recorded Across South Africa
Monitoring stations report elevated pollen concentrations in key cities while other areas see low activity.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Allergies
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Tree pollen levels have reached high concentrations in Cape Town, Durban, and Potchefstroom as the allergy season continues in October 2026. Pine remains the primary tree pollen type identified by researchers.
Why it matters
Understanding current pollen concentrations helps allergy sufferers better manage their health and outdoor activities during periods of elevated allergen presence.
Monitoring stations collect and analyse air samples, finding high tree pollen levels in three cities and moderate grass pollen in Pretoria and Cape Town. In contrast, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Gqeberha currently record low pollen concentrations.
The players
South Africa
The country is currently experiencing varying pollen levels throughout its major regional centres.
The details
Air samples are collected by monitoring stations and transported to a laboratory for professional analysis. While pine is currently the dominant tree pollen type, mould levels remain low in the regions reporting high pollen activity.
Timeline
October 2026 marks the period of the current allergy season report.
2025 is the year of the latest available data for George due to transport delays.
Health Landscape
This reporting follows a pattern established by the South African National Allergy Management Guidelines for tracking environmental allergens. Such data collection is critical for aligning public health responses with seasonal variations in airborne particles.
Residents in cities with high pollen levels may need to adjust their daily routines or consider increased use of allergy medications to mitigate symptoms. Those in areas with low pollen concentrations can generally expect fewer environmental triggers during this time.
The takeaway
Pollen levels vary significantly across regions, making it essential for residents to check local air quality reports regularly. Keeping windows closed and monitoring local counts can help individuals manage their exposure during peak tree pollen season.
Further reading
For more information on managing symptoms, visit the South Africa Allergies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The South African.
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