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USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map

California hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow

Zones 5a-11a · most of California is zone 9b · Pacific region

CaliforniaUSDA zone range & map

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, California spans zones 5a-11a. The map shades the state from the high Sierra Nevada (zone 5a-6a) through to the southern coast and Imperial Valley (zone 11a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 9b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for California. California packs more climate diversity than almost any state — alpine mountains, Mediterranean coast, Central Valley farmland, and desert. Coastal and valley areas grow year-round.

USDA zone rangeZones 5a-11a
Most common zoneZone 9b
Coldest areathe high Sierra Nevada (zone 5a-6a)
Warmest areathe southern coast and Imperial Valley (zone 11a)
Average last spring frostmid-February (coast) to late April (interior)
Average first fall frostmid-November (coast) to mid-October (interior)

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.

California hardiness zones by major city

Zones shift across California with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:

CityUSDA zone
Los AngelesZone 10b
San FranciscoZone 10b
SacramentoZone 9b
San DiegoZone 10b
FresnoZone 9b

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 California

Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:

What California's zone range means for planting

Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical California winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because California spans 5a-11a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.

Find your exact zone in California

The 5a-11a 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.

ZIP-code zone finder →Zone 9 planting guide

Frequently asked questions

What hardiness zone is California?

California spans USDA hardiness zones 5a-11a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 9b. The coldest areas are the high Sierra Nevada (zone 5a-6a) and the warmest are the southern coast and Imperial Valley (zone 11a).

When is the last frost in California?

Across most of California the average last spring frost falls around mid-February (coast) to late April (interior) and the first fall frost around mid-November (coast) to mid-October (interior). 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 California?

California packs more climate diversity than almost any state — alpine mountains, Mediterranean coast, Central Valley farmland, and desert. Coastal and valley areas grow year-round. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5a-11a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 9b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 9 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.

Why does California 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 California ranges from the high Sierra Nevada (zone 5a-6a) to the southern coast and Imperial Valley (zone 11a) — a span of 5a-11a — even though it is a single state.

Did California'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 California, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5a-11a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.

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