USDA Plant Hardiness Zones · 2023 map

What growing zone is Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s ZIP codes span USDA plant hardiness zones 6b to 7a. The most common zone, covering 36 of 71 ZIP codes, is 7a (0 to 5°F average coldest winter night).

USDA hardiness zones in Rhode Island

ZoneAvg. extreme minimumZIP codesExample cities
Zone 6b−5 to 0°F35Woonsocket
Zone 7a0 to 5°F36Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket
 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
Providence7a (0 to 5°F)Providence frost dates
Cranston7a (0 to 5°F)Cranston frost dates
Warwick7a (0 to 5°F)Warwick frost dates
Pawtucket7a (0 to 5°F)Pawtucket frost dates
East Providence7a (0 to 5°F)East Providence frost dates
Woonsocket6b (−5 to 0°F)Woonsocket frost dates
Newport7a (0 to 5°F)Newport frost dates
Central Falls7a (0 to 5°F)Central Falls 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 Rhode Island in?

Rhode Island’s ZIP codes span USDA zones 6b to 7a, and 7a 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 Rhode Island frost dates page.