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Planting zones · El Paso, Texas

What Planting Zone Is El Paso?

El Paso is in USDA zone 8b. Chihuahuan Desert at about 3,900 ft: under 9 in. of precipitation, more than half of it from July–September monsoon storms, and June highs near 97°F. The median last freeze is March 2.

  • USDA zone (2023)8b
  • Coldest night (avg.)15 to 20°FZIP 79901
  • Median last frostMar 232°F
  • Median first frostNov 2032°F
  • Annual precipitation8.8 inches
  • Frost-free season261 days

El Paso hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in El Paso fall in zone 8b; 79901 (zone 8b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 15 to 20°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 8.

2023 USDA zone for sampled El Paso ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
799018b15 to 20°F
799128b15 to 20°F
799368b15 to 20°F
799388b15 to 20°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at El Paso Intl Airport is Mar 2 and the median first fall frost is Nov 20, a typical frost-free season of about 261 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Mar 2), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Nov 20) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in El Paso

Average annual precipitation is 8.8 inches (El Paso Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 54% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. April is the driest month, so new plantings need the most help in late spring before the storms arrive.

The average high in June is about 97°F and the average low in December is about 34°F, measured at about 3,920 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 8 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for El Paso

82 plants in our database are hardy to zone 8 and suited to zone 8. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 8 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is El Paso?

El Paso, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (79901: 8b, 79912: 8b, 79936: 8b, 79938: 8b). In 79901, the average coldest night of the year is 15 to 20°F.

When is the last frost in El Paso?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at El Paso Intl Airport is Mar 2 and the median first fall frost is Nov 20, a typical frost-free season of about 261 days.

How much rain does El Paso get?

Average annual precipitation is 8.8 inches (El Paso Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 54% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. April 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, El Paso Intl Airport (USW00023044). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov