USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Mississippi hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 7b-9a · most of Mississippi is zone 8b · Southeast region
MississippiUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Mississippi spans zones 7b-9a. The map shades the state from the northern hill country near Tupelo (zone 7b) through to the Gulf Coast around Gulfport (zone 9a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 8b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Mississippi. Mississippi has a hot, humid, long season with mild winters. The Gulf Coast is nearly frost-free; the north sees a short cold spell.
| USDA zone range | Zones 7b-9a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 8b |
| Coldest area | the northern hill country near Tupelo (zone 7b) |
| Warmest area | the Gulf Coast around Gulfport (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.
Mississippi hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Mississippi with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Jackson | Zone 8b |
| Gulfport | Zone 9a |
| Hattiesburg | Zone 8b |
| Tupelo | 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 Mississippi
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Oxford 38655 — Zone 8a
- Cleveland 38732 — Zone 8a
- Tupelo 38801 — Zone 7b
- Jackson 39201 — Zone 8b
- Pearl 39208 — Zone 8b
- Jackson (South) 39212 — Zone 8b
- Meridian 39301 — Zone 8b
- Hattiesburg 39402 — Zone 8b
- Biloxi 39530 — Zone 9a
- Ocean Springs 39564 — Zone 9a
What Mississippi's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Mississippi winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Mississippi spans 7b-9a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Mississippi that means at least zone 8b; gardeners in the northern hill country near Tupelo (zone 7b) 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 Mississippi
The 7b-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 Mississippi?
Mississippi spans USDA hardiness zones 7b-9a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 8b. The coldest areas are the northern hill country near Tupelo (zone 7b) and the warmest are the Gulf Coast around Gulfport (zone 9a).
When is the last frost in Mississippi?
Across most of Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi has a hot, humid, long season with mild winters. The Gulf Coast is nearly frost-free; the north sees a short cold spell. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 7b-9a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 8b 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi ranges from the northern hill country near Tupelo (zone 7b) to the Gulf Coast around Gulfport (zone 9a) — a span of 7b-9a — even though it is a single state.
Did Mississippi'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 Mississippi, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 7b-9a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.