USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
North Carolina hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 5b-8b · most of North Carolina is zone 7b · Southeast region
North CarolinaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, North Carolina spans zones 5b-8b. The map shades the state from the high Blue Ridge near Mount Mitchell (zone 5b) through to the southern coast around Wilmington (zone 8b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 7b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for North Carolina. North Carolina runs from cool mountains through the Piedmont to a warm coastal plain — one of the widest east-coast zone spans.
| USDA zone range | Zones 5b-8b |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7b |
| Coldest area | the high Blue Ridge near Mount Mitchell (zone 5b) |
| Warmest area | the southern coast around Wilmington (zone 8b) |
| Average last spring frost | early 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.
North Carolina hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across North Carolina with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | Zone 8a |
| Raleigh | Zone 8a |
| Greensboro | Zone 7b |
| Asheville | Zone 7a |
| Wilmington | 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 North Carolina
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Winston-Salem 27107 — Zone 7b
- High Point 27265 — Zone 7b
- Kernersville 27284 — Zone 7b
- Greensboro 27401 — Zone 7b
- Greensboro (South) 27406 — Zone 7b
- Greensboro (Southwest) 27407 — Zone 7b
- Raleigh 27601 — Zone 8a
- Raleigh (South) 27603 — Zone 8a
- Raleigh (Southeast) 27610 — Zone 8a
- Durham 27701 — Zone 7b
- Durham (North) 27704 — Zone 7b
- Charlotte 28202 — Zone 8a
- Charlotte (Plaza Midwood) 28205 — Zone 8a
- Charlotte (West) 28208 — Zone 8a
- Charlotte (University City) 28213 — Zone 8a
- Charlotte (North) 28269 — Zone 8a
- Fayetteville 28304 — Zone 8a
- Wilmington 28401 — Zone 8b
- Wilmington (Midtown) 28403 — Zone 8b
- Jacksonville 28540 — Zone 8a
- New Bern 28560 — Zone 8a
- Asheville 28801 — Zone 7a
What North Carolina's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical North Carolina winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because North Carolina spans 5b-8b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of North Carolina that means at least zone 7b; gardeners in the high Blue Ridge near Mount Mitchell (zone 5b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around early 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 North Carolina
The 5b-8b 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina spans USDA hardiness zones 5b-8b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 7b. The coldest areas are the high Blue Ridge near Mount Mitchell (zone 5b) and the warmest are the southern coast around Wilmington (zone 8b).
When is the last frost in North Carolina?
Across most of North Carolina the average last spring frost falls around early 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina runs from cool mountains through the Piedmont to a warm coastal plain — one of the widest east-coast zone spans. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5b-8b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 7b 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina ranges from the high Blue Ridge near Mount Mitchell (zone 5b) to the southern coast around Wilmington (zone 8b) — a span of 5b-8b — even though it is a single state.
Did North Carolina'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 North Carolina, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5b-8b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.