USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Virginia hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 5b-8a · most of Virginia is zone 7b · Southeast region
VirginiaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Virginia spans zones 5b-8a. The map shades the state from the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) through to the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a). 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 Virginia. Virginia runs from cool mountains through the Piedmont to a mild Tidewater, giving a long, varied mid-Atlantic season.
| USDA zone range | Zones 5b-8a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7b |
| Coldest area | the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) |
| Warmest area | the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a) |
| 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.
Virginia hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Virginia with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Zone 8a |
| Richmond | Zone 7b |
| Norfolk | Zone 8a |
| Arlington | Zone 7b |
| Roanoke | Zone 7a |
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 Virginia
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Manassas 20109 — Zone 7a
- Fairfax 22030 — Zone 7a
- Springfield 22152 — Zone 7a
- Arlington (Crystal City) 22202 — Zone 7b
- Alexandria 22301 — Zone 7b
- Fredericksburg 22401 — Zone 7b
- Charlottesville 22901 — Zone 7a
- Richmond 23219 — Zone 7b
- Richmond (Fan District) 23220 — Zone 7b
- Richmond (Church Hill) 23223 — Zone 7b
- Chesapeake 23320 — Zone 8a
- Virginia Beach 23451 — Zone 8a
- Virginia Beach (Kempsville) 23464 — Zone 8a
- Norfolk 23510 — Zone 8a
- Newport News 23602 — Zone 8a
- Hampton 23666 — Zone 8a
- Portsmouth 23704 — Zone 8a
- Roanoke 24016 — Zone 7a
- Lynchburg 24501 — Zone 7a
What Virginia's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Virginia winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Virginia spans 5b-8a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Virginia that means at least zone 7b; gardeners in the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) 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 Virginia
The 5b-8a 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 Virginia?
Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5b-8a 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 western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) and the warmest are the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a).
When is the last frost in Virginia?
Across most of Virginia 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 Virginia?
Virginia runs from cool mountains through the Piedmont to a mild Tidewater, giving a long, varied mid-Atlantic season. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5b-8a 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 Virginia 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 Virginia ranges from the western Appalachian highlands (zone 5b) to the Tidewater and Hampton Roads coast (zone 8a) — a span of 5b-8a — even though it is a single state.
Did Virginia'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 Virginia, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5b-8a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.