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Planting zones · Bakersfield, California

What Planting Zone Is Bakersfield?

Bakersfield is in USDA zone 9b. Southern San Joaquin Valley: only about 6.4 in. of rain, 81% of it November–March, with July highs near 98°F. A 32°F freeze occurs in roughly nine winters out of ten.

  • USDA zone (2023)9b
  • Coldest night (avg.)25 to 30°FZIP 93301
  • Median last frostJan 1732°F
  • Median first frostDec 1532°F
  • Annual precipitation6.4 inches
  • Frost-free season334 days

Bakersfield hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Bakersfield fall in zone 9b; 93301 (zone 9b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 25 to 30°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 9.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Bakersfield ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
933019b25 to 30°F
933069b25 to 30°F
933099b25 to 30°F
933129b25 to 30°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Bakersfield Meadows Field is Jan 17 and the median first fall frost is Dec 15, a typical frost-free season of about 334 days. A 32°F freeze doesn't happen every winter there (about 90% of years), so treat these dates as a guide rather than a rule.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Jan 17), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Dec 15) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Bakersfield

Average annual precipitation is 6.4 inches (Bakersfield Meadows Field, 1991–2020), and 81% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (July is the driest month), so plants lean on stored soil moisture and supplemental water through their first summer.

The average high in July is about 98°F and the average low in December is about 40°F, measured at about 490 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 Bakersfield

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 Bakersfield?

Bakersfield, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (93301: 9b, 93306: 9b, 93309: 9b, 93312: 9b). In 93301, the average coldest night of the year is 25 to 30°F.

When is the last frost in Bakersfield?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Bakersfield Meadows Field is Jan 17 and the median first fall frost is Dec 15, a typical frost-free season of about 334 days. A 32°F freeze doesn't happen every winter there (about 90% of years), so treat these dates as a guide rather than a rule.

How much rain does Bakersfield get?

Average annual precipitation is 6.4 inches (Bakersfield Meadows Field, 1991–2020), and 81% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (July is the driest month), so plants lean on stored soil moisture and supplemental water through their first summer.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Bakersfield Meadows Field (USW00023155). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov