USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Nevada hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 4b-10a · most of Nevada is zone 7a · Southwest region
NevadaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Nevada spans zones 4b-10a. The map shades the state from the high northern Great Basin near Elko (zone 4b) through to the Mojave around Las Vegas (zone 10a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 7a — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Nevada. Nevada is a high-desert state with dramatic elevation swings. The southern Mojave is nearly frost-free; the northern basin is cold and short-season.
| USDA zone range | Zones 4b-10a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7a |
| Coldest area | the high northern Great Basin near Elko (zone 4b) |
| Warmest area | the Mojave around Las Vegas (zone 10a) |
| 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.
Nevada hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Nevada with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | Zone 9a |
| Reno | Zone 7a |
| Henderson | Zone 9a |
| Carson City | Zone 7a |
| Elko | Zone 6a |
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 Nevada
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Henderson 89015 — Zone 9a
- North Las Vegas 89030 — Zone 9a
- Henderson (Green Valley) 89052 — Zone 9a
- North Las Vegas (Aliante) 89084 — Zone 8b
- Las Vegas 89101 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (West) 89102 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (Northwest) 89108 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (East) 89110 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (Spring Valley) 89117 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (Sunrise) 89121 — Zone 9a
- Las Vegas (Enterprise) 89123 — Zone 9a
- Dayton 89403 — Zone 7a
- Sparks 89431 — Zone 7a
- Reno 89501 — Zone 7a
- Reno (Southeast) 89502 — Zone 7a
- Reno (Southwest) 89509 — Zone 7a
- Carson City 89701 — Zone 7a
- Elko 89801 — Zone 6a
What Nevada's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Nevada winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Nevada spans 4b-10a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Nevada that means at least zone 7a; gardeners in the high northern Great Basin near Elko (zone 4b) 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 Nevada
The 4b-10a 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 Nevada?
Nevada spans USDA hardiness zones 4b-10a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 7a. The coldest areas are the high northern Great Basin near Elko (zone 4b) and the warmest are the Mojave around Las Vegas (zone 10a).
When is the last frost in Nevada?
Across most of Nevada 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 Nevada?
Nevada is a high-desert state with dramatic elevation swings. The southern Mojave is nearly frost-free; the northern basin is cold and short-season. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 4b-10a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 7a for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 7 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Nevada 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 Nevada ranges from the high northern Great Basin near Elko (zone 4b) to the Mojave around Las Vegas (zone 10a) — a span of 4b-10a — even though it is a single state.
Did Nevada'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 Nevada, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 4b-10a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.