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USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map

New York hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow

Zones 3b-7b · most of New York is zone 5b · Northeast region

New YorkUSDA zone range & map

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, New York spans zones 3b-7b. The map shades the state from the Adirondacks and Tug Hill plateau (zone 3b) through to New York City and Long Island (zone 7b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 5b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for New York. New York spans cold Adirondack highlands to mild New York City. Most of upstate gardens in zones 5-6; the city and Long Island run much warmer.

USDA zone rangeZones 3b-7b
Most common zoneZone 5b
Coldest areathe Adirondacks and Tug Hill plateau (zone 3b)
Warmest areaNew York City and Long Island (zone 7b)
Average last spring frostearly May (upstate) to mid-April (NYC)
Average first fall frostearly October (upstate) to early November (NYC)

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.

New York hardiness zones by major city

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

CityUSDA zone
New York CityZone 7b
BuffaloZone 6a
RochesterZone 6a
AlbanyZone 5b
SyracuseZone 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 New York

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 New York's zone range means for planting

Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical New York winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because New York spans 3b-7b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.

Find your exact zone in New York

The 3b-7b 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 5 planting guide

Frequently asked questions

What hardiness zone is New York?

New York spans USDA hardiness zones 3b-7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 5b. The coldest areas are the Adirondacks and Tug Hill plateau (zone 3b) and the warmest are New York City and Long Island (zone 7b).

When is the last frost in New York?

Across most of New York the average last spring frost falls around early May (upstate) to mid-April (NYC) and the first fall frost around early October (upstate) to early November (NYC). 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 New York?

New York spans cold Adirondack highlands to mild New York City. Most of upstate gardens in zones 5-6; the city and Long Island run much warmer. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 3b-7b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 5b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 5 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.

Why does New York 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 New York ranges from the Adirondacks and Tug Hill plateau (zone 3b) to New York City and Long Island (zone 7b) — a span of 3b-7b — even though it is a single state.

Did New York'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 New York, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 3b-7b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.

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