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Planting zones · Fresno, California

What Planting Zone Is Fresno?

Fresno is in USDA zone 9b. San Joaquin Valley Mediterranean climate: about 11 in. of rain, 79% of it November–March, July highs near 98°F, and a freeze in about 85% of winters.

  • USDA zone (2023)9b
  • Coldest night (avg.)25 to 30°FZIP 93721
  • Median last frostJan 1432°F
  • Median first frostDec 1432°F
  • Annual precipitation11 inches
  • Frost-free season337 days

Fresno hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Fresno fall in zone 9b; 93721 (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 Fresno ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
937049b25 to 30°F
937119b25 to 30°F
937219b25 to 30°F
937279b25 to 30°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport is Jan 14 and the median first fall frost is Dec 14, a typical frost-free season of about 337 days. A 32°F freeze doesn't happen every winter there (about 85% of years), so treat these dates as a guide rather than a rule.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Jan 14), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Dec 14) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Fresno

Average annual precipitation is 11 inches (Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 79% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (August 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 330 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 Fresno

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 Fresno?

Fresno, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (93704: 9b, 93711: 9b, 93721: 9b, 93727: 9b). In 93721, the average coldest night of the year is 25 to 30°F.

When is the last frost in Fresno?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport is Jan 14 and the median first fall frost is Dec 14, a typical frost-free season of about 337 days. A 32°F freeze doesn't happen every winter there (about 85% of years), so treat these dates as a guide rather than a rule.

How much rain does Fresno get?

Average annual precipitation is 11 inches (Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 79% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (August 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, Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport (USW00093193). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov