USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Alabama hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 7a-9a · most of Alabama is zone 8a · Southeast region
AlabamaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Alabama spans zones 7a-9a. The map shades the state from the northern Appalachian foothills (zone 7a) through to the Gulf Coast around Mobile (zone 9a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 8a — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Alabama. Alabama has a long, hot, humid growing season with mild winters. Heat and humidity, not cold, are the main limits for most of the state.
| USDA zone range | Zones 7a-9a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 8a |
| Coldest area | the northern Appalachian foothills (zone 7a) |
| Warmest area | the Gulf Coast around Mobile (zone 9a) |
| Average last spring frost | late March |
| Average first fall frost | early November |
Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (1991-2020 normals). Frost averages: NOAA/NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals. Local ZIP-level zones and frost dates can differ from these statewide figures.
Alabama hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Alabama with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | Zone 8a |
| Montgomery | Zone 8b |
| Mobile | Zone 9a |
| Huntsville | Zone 7b |
| Tuscaloosa | Zone 8a |
Need your exact zone? Run the ZIP-code zone finder for a precise half-zone and frost dates for your address.
ZIP-code zones in Alabama
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Helena 35080 — Zone 8a
- Birmingham 35203 — Zone 8a
- Birmingham (Southwest) 35211 — Zone 8a
- Birmingham (Center Point) 35215 — Zone 8a
- Hoover 35226 — Zone 8a
- Tuscaloosa 35404 — Zone 8a
- Decatur 35601 — Zone 7b
- Huntsville 35801 — Zone 7b
- Huntsville (South) 35803 — Zone 7b
- Montgomery 36104 — Zone 8b
- Montgomery (South) 36116 — Zone 8b
- Dothan 36301 — Zone 8b
- Mobile 36602 — Zone 9a
- Mobile (West) 36608 — Zone 9a
- Auburn 36830 — Zone 8a
What Alabama's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Alabama winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Alabama spans 7a-9a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Alabama that means at least zone 8a; gardeners in the northern Appalachian foothills (zone 7a) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around late March and first fall frost around early November, set out tomatoes, peppers, and basil after the last frost and protect them before the first.
- Adjust for your microclimate. Urban heat, a south-facing slope, or a cold valley pocket can shift your effective zone and frost dates by a half-zone or more from the statewide figure.
Find your exact zone in Alabama
The 7a-9a range is statewide. Growli pins your hardiness zone and frost dates to your exact ZIP code and sends a push notification before any forecast frost night for your saved location.
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Alabama?
Alabama spans USDA hardiness zones 7a-9a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 8a. The coldest areas are the northern Appalachian foothills (zone 7a) and the warmest are the Gulf Coast around Mobile (zone 9a).
When is the last frost in Alabama?
Across most of Alabama the average last spring frost falls around late March and the first fall frost around early November. These are statewide averages — colder, higher areas run later in spring and earlier in fall, so check a ZIP-level estimate for your exact spot.
What grows well in Alabama?
Alabama has a long, hot, humid growing season with mild winters. Heat and humidity, not cold, are the main limits for most of the state. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 7a-9a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 8a for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 8 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Alabama have more than one hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones track the average annual coldest temperature, which changes with latitude, elevation, distance from water, and urban heat. That is why Alabama ranges from the northern Appalachian foothills (zone 7a) to the Gulf Coast around Mobile (zone 9a) — a span of 7a-9a — even though it is a single state.
Did Alabama's hardiness zone change in 2023?
The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in November 2023 using 1991-2020 climate data. About half the country, including parts of Alabama, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 7a-9a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.