USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
West Virginia hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 5b-7a · most of West Virginia is zone 6b · Southeast region
West VirginiaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, West Virginia spans zones 5b-7a. The map shades the state from the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) through to the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 6b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for West Virginia. West Virginia is a mountain state where elevation drives the zone. River valleys are mild; the high Alleghenies are noticeably colder.
| USDA zone range | Zones 5b-7a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 6b |
| Coldest area | the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) |
| Warmest area | the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a) |
| Average last spring frost | late April |
| Average first fall frost | mid-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.
West Virginia hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across West Virginia with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Charleston | Zone 6b |
| Huntington | Zone 7a |
| Morgantown | Zone 6b |
| Wheeling | Zone 6b |
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 West 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:
- Charleston 25301 — Zone 7a
- Huntington 25701 — Zone 7a
- Beckley 25801 — Zone 6b
- Parkersburg 26101 — Zone 6b
- Clarksburg 26301 — Zone 6b
- Morgantown 26501 — Zone 6b
What West Virginia's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical West Virginia winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because West Virginia spans 5b-7a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of West Virginia that means at least zone 6b; gardeners in the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around late April and first fall frost around mid-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 West Virginia
The 5b-7a 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5b-7a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 6b. The coldest areas are the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) and the warmest are the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a).
When is the last frost in West Virginia?
Across most of West Virginia the average last spring frost falls around late April and the first fall frost around mid-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 West Virginia?
West Virginia is a mountain state where elevation drives the zone. River valleys are mild; the high Alleghenies are noticeably colder. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5b-7a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 6b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 6 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does West 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 West Virginia ranges from the high Allegheny mountains near Davis (zone 5b) to the Ohio River valley near Huntington (zone 7a) — a span of 5b-7a — even though it is a single state.
Did West 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 West Virginia, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5b-7a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.