Why do I get allergy symptoms in winter?

As plants do not pollinate in the winter, it is extremely unlikely that your winter allergy symptoms are being caused by pollen. Instead, it is likely that something else is at the root of the problem, such as allergic rhinitis.

This is similar to hayfever in that the immune system over-reacts to a substance, bringing on symptoms like watery eyes and sneezing. However, rather than pollen being the trigger, the problem lies with mould, dust mites and pet dander, or anything else your body has decided is ‘alien’. 

Dust mites thrive in clean, warm carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture, so you don’t often know they are there; yet they can still bring on hayfever-like symptoms. 

Other things that have the potential to bring on hayfever-like symptoms include cleaning products and even laundry detergent. I’d rule these things out one at a time to see which is causing your watery eyes.