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Planting zones · Albuquerque, New Mexico

What Planting Zone Is Albuquerque?

Albuquerque is in USDA zone 7b. Rio Grande high desert at about 5,300 ft: under 9 in. of precipitation, nearly half from July–September monsoon storms. The river-valley station runs colder at night than the airport, with a later median last frost (April 18 vs. April 6).

  • USDA zone (2023)7b
  • Coldest night (avg.)5 to 10°FZIP 87102
  • Median last frostApr 632°F
  • Median first frostNov 332°F
  • Annual precipitation8.8 inches
  • Frost-free season208 days

Albuquerque hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Albuquerque fall in zone 7b; 87102 (zone 7b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 5 to 10°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 7.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Albuquerque ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
871027b5 to 10°F
871107b5 to 10°F
871117b5 to 10°F
871207b5 to 10°F
871247b5 to 10°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Albuquerque Intl Sunport is Apr 6 and the median first fall frost is Nov 3, a typical frost-free season of about 208 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 6), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Nov 3) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Albuquerque

Average annual precipitation is 8.8 inches (Albuquerque Intl Sunport, 1991–2020), and 46% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. January is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

The average high in July is about 91°F and the average low in January is about 26°F, measured at about 5,310 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 7 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Albuquerque

75 plants in our database are hardy to zone 7 and suited to zone 7. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 7 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Albuquerque?

Albuquerque, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (87102: 7b, 87110: 7b, 87111: 7b, 87120: 7b, 87124: 7b). In 87102, the average coldest night of the year is 5 to 10°F.

When is the last frost in Albuquerque?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Albuquerque Intl Sunport is Apr 6 and the median first fall frost is Nov 3, a typical frost-free season of about 208 days.

How much rain does Albuquerque get?

Average annual precipitation is 8.8 inches (Albuquerque Intl Sunport, 1991–2020), and 46% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. January is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Albuquerque Intl Sunport (USW00023050). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov