USDA Plant Hardiness Zones · 2023 map

What growing zone is District of Columbia?

District of Columbia’s ZIP codes span USDA plant hardiness zones 7b to 8a. The most common zone, covering 39 of 46 ZIP codes, is 8a (10 to 15°F average coldest winter night).

USDA hardiness zones in District of Columbia

ZoneAvg. extreme minimumZIP codesExample cities
Zone 7b5 to 10°F7—
Zone 8a10 to 15°F39Washington
 ZIP codes from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA ARS and Oregon State University PRISM). Unpopulated areas such as high mountains can be colder than any ZIP code.

Growing zone and frost dates by city

CityZoneFrost dates
Washington8a (10 to 15°F)Washington frost dates
 Incorporated cities with 5,000+ residents. Each city uses the zone of its central ZIP code.

Frequently asked questions

What growing zone is District of Columbia in?

District of Columbia’s ZIP codes span USDA zones 7b to 8a, and 8a is the most common. Zones vary with elevation and distance from water, so check your own ZIP code.

When should I plant?

Hardiness zones are about winter cold, not planting dates. For timing, use the last spring frost date for your city on our District of Columbia frost dates page.