USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Georgia hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 6b-9a · most of Georgia is zone 8a · Southeast region
GeorgiaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Georgia spans zones 6b-9a. The map shades the state from the Blue Ridge mountains in the north (zone 6b) through to the Atlantic coast around Savannah (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 Georgia. Georgia runs from cool mountains to a warm coastal plain, with a long humid season. Most of the state gardens in zone 8.
| USDA zone range | Zones 6b-9a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 8a |
| Coldest area | the Blue Ridge mountains in the north (zone 6b) |
| Warmest area | the Atlantic coast around Savannah (zone 9a) |
| Average last spring frost | early April |
| 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.
Georgia hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Georgia with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | Zone 8a |
| Savannah | Zone 9a |
| Augusta | Zone 8b |
| Columbus | Zone 8b |
| Macon | Zone 8b |
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 Georgia
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Dacula 30019 — Zone 8a
- Decatur (Atlanta metro) 30030 — Zone 8a
- Lawrenceville 30044 — Zone 8a
- Marietta 30060 — Zone 8a
- Roswell 30075 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta 30303 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta (West End) 30310 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta (Southwest) 30311 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta (Westside) 30318 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta (Southwest/Cascade) 30331 — Zone 8a
- Atlanta (Buckhead North) 30342 — Zone 8a
- Sandy Springs 30350 — Zone 8a
- Gainesville 30501 — Zone 7b
- Athens 30601 — Zone 8a
- Augusta 30901 — Zone 8a
- Augusta (West) 30909 — Zone 8a
- Macon 31201 — Zone 8b
- Pooler (Savannah metro) 31322 — Zone 9a
- Savannah 31401 — Zone 9a
- Waycross 31501 — Zone 8b
- Valdosta 31602 — Zone 8b
- Albany 31701 — Zone 8b
- Tifton 31794 — Zone 8b
- Columbus 31904 — Zone 8b
What Georgia's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Georgia winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Georgia spans 6b-9a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Georgia that means at least zone 8a; gardeners in the Blue Ridge mountains in the north (zone 6b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around early April 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 Georgia
The 6b-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 Georgia?
Georgia spans USDA hardiness zones 6b-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 Blue Ridge mountains in the north (zone 6b) and the warmest are the Atlantic coast around Savannah (zone 9a).
When is the last frost in Georgia?
Across most of Georgia the average last spring frost falls around early April 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 Georgia?
Georgia runs from cool mountains to a warm coastal plain, with a long humid season. Most of the state gardens in zone 8. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6b-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 Georgia 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 Georgia ranges from the Blue Ridge mountains in the north (zone 6b) to the Atlantic coast around Savannah (zone 9a) — a span of 6b-9a — even though it is a single state.
Did Georgia'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 Georgia, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 6b-9a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.