USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Washington, DC hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 7b-8a · most of Washington, DC is zone 8a · Northeast region
Washington, DCUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Washington, DC spans zones 7b-8a. The map shades the state from outer neighborhoods away from the urban core (zone 7b) through to the dense urban core, lifted by the city heat-island (zone 8a). 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 Washington, DC. Washington, DC sits in a warm mid-Atlantic pocket where the urban heat island pushes much of the city into zone 8a — warmer than the surrounding suburbs.
| USDA zone range | Zones 7b-8a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 8a |
| Coldest area | outer neighborhoods away from the urban core (zone 7b) |
| Warmest area | the dense urban core, lifted by the city heat-island (zone 8a) |
| Average last spring frost | mid-April |
| Average first fall frost | late October |
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.
Washington, DC hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Washington, DC with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Downtown DC | Zone 8a |
| Georgetown | Zone 8a |
| Anacostia | Zone 7b |
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 Washington, DC
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Washington 20001 — Zone 7b
- Washington (NE) 20002 — Zone 7b
- Washington (Downtown) 20005 — Zone 7b
- Washington (Dupont/Adams Morgan) 20009 — Zone 8a
- Washington (Petworth) 20011 — Zone 7b
- Washington (Deanwood) 20019 — Zone 7b
- Washington (SE) 20020 — Zone 7b
What Washington, DC's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Washington, DC winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Washington, DC spans 7b-8a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Washington, DC that means at least zone 8a; gardeners in outer neighborhoods away from the urban core (zone 7b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around mid-April and first fall frost around late October, 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 Washington, DC
The 7b-8a 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 Washington, DC?
Washington, DC spans USDA hardiness zones 7b-8a 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 outer neighborhoods away from the urban core (zone 7b) and the warmest are the dense urban core, lifted by the city heat-island (zone 8a).
When is the last frost in Washington, DC?
Across most of Washington, DC the average last spring frost falls around mid-April and the first fall frost around late October. 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 Washington, DC?
Washington, DC sits in a warm mid-Atlantic pocket where the urban heat island pushes much of the city into zone 8a — warmer than the surrounding suburbs. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 7b-8a 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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC ranges from outer neighborhoods away from the urban core (zone 7b) to the dense urban core, lifted by the city heat-island (zone 8a) — a span of 7b-8a — even though it is a single state.
Did Washington, DC'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 Washington, DC, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 7b-8a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.