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Planting zones · Austin, Texas

What Planting Zone Is Austin?

Austin is in USDA zone 9a. On the edge of the Texas Hill Country: about 36 in. of rain a year, wettest in May, with August highs averaging near 98°F. A freeze occurs in almost every winter (median last freeze February 20).

  • USDA zone (2023)9a
  • Coldest night (avg.)20 to 25°FZIP 78701
  • Median last frostFeb 2032°F
  • Median first frostDec 332°F
  • Annual precipitation36 inches
  • Frost-free season291 days

Austin hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Austin fall in zone 9a; 78701 (zone 9a) has an average annual extreme minimum of 20 to 25°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 9.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Austin ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
786649a20 to 25°F
787019a20 to 25°F
787049a20 to 25°F
787459a20 to 25°F
787599a20 to 25°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Austin Camp Mabry is Feb 20 and the median first fall frost is Dec 3, a typical frost-free season of about 291 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Feb 20), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Dec 3) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Austin

Average annual precipitation is 36 inches (Austin Camp Mabry, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and February the driest.

The average high in August is about 98°F and the average low in January is about 42°F, measured at about 670 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 9 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Austin

52 plants in our database are hardy to zone 9 and suited to zone 9. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 9 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Austin?

Austin, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 9a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (78664: 9a, 78701: 9a, 78704: 9a, 78745: 9a, 78759: 9a). In 78701, the average coldest night of the year is 20 to 25°F.

When is the last frost in Austin?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Austin Camp Mabry is Feb 20 and the median first fall frost is Dec 3, a typical frost-free season of about 291 days.

How much rain does Austin get?

Average annual precipitation is 36 inches (Austin Camp Mabry, 1991–2020), spread across the year with May the wettest month and February the driest.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Austin Camp Mabry (USW00013958). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov