USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Vermont hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 3b-5b · most of Vermont is zone 4b · Northeast region
VermontUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Vermont spans zones 3b-5b. The map shades the state from the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) through to the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 4b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Vermont. Vermont is a cold, short-season state. The Champlain Valley is the mildest pocket; the mountains and Northeast Kingdom are markedly colder.
| USDA zone range | Zones 3b-5b |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 4b |
| Coldest area | the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) |
| Warmest area | the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b) |
| Average last spring frost | mid-May |
| Average first fall frost | late September |
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.
Vermont hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Vermont with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Burlington | Zone 5a |
| Montpelier | Zone 4b |
| Rutland | Zone 5a |
| Brattleboro | Zone 5b |
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 Vermont
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Brattleboro 05301 — Zone 5b
- Burlington 05401 — Zone 5a
- Burlington (New North End) 05408 — Zone 5a
- Montpelier 05602 — Zone 5a
- Rutland 05701 — Zone 5a
- St. Johnsbury 05819 — Zone 4b
What Vermont's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Vermont winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Vermont spans 3b-5b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Vermont that means at least zone 4b; gardeners in the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around mid-May and first fall frost around late September, 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 Vermont
The 3b-5b 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 Vermont?
Vermont spans USDA hardiness zones 3b-5b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 4b. The coldest areas are the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) and the warmest are the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b).
When is the last frost in Vermont?
Across most of Vermont the average last spring frost falls around mid-May and the first fall frost around late September. 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 Vermont?
Vermont is a cold, short-season state. The Champlain Valley is the mildest pocket; the mountains and Northeast Kingdom are markedly colder. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 3b-5b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 4b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 4 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Vermont 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 Vermont ranges from the Green Mountains and Northeast Kingdom (zone 3b) to the Champlain Valley and southern river valleys (zone 5b) — a span of 3b-5b — even though it is a single state.
Did Vermont'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 Vermont, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 3b-5b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.