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Planting zones · Las Cruces, New Mexico

What Planting Zone Is Las Cruces?

Las Cruces is in USDA zone 7b–8b. Chihuahuan Desert in the Mesilla Valley at about 3,900 ft: about 9 in. of precipitation, more than half of it from July–September monsoon storms. The median last freeze is March 12.

  • USDA zone (2023)7b–8b
  • Coldest night (avg.)15 to 20°FZIP 88001
  • Median last frostMar 1232°F
  • Median first frostNov 1332°F
  • Annual precipitation9.1 inches
  • Frost-free season241 days

Las Cruces hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Las Cruces fall in zones 7b to 8b; 88001 (zone 8b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 15 to 20°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 7 if you live in one of the colder ZIPs.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Las Cruces ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
880018b15 to 20°F
880058a10 to 15°F
880118b15 to 20°F
880127b5 to 10°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Las Cruces (NMSU) is Mar 12 and the median first fall frost is Nov 13, a typical frost-free season of about 241 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Mar 12), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Nov 13) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Las Cruces

Average annual precipitation is 9.1 inches (Las Cruces (NMSU), 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 96°F and the average low in January is about 30°F, measured at about 3,890 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 Las Cruces

73 plants in our database are hardy to zone 7 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 Las Cruces?

Las Cruces, NM is in USDA hardiness zone 7b–8b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (88001: 8b, 88005: 8a, 88011: 8b, 88012: 7b). In 88001, the average coldest night of the year is 15 to 20°F.

When is the last frost in Las Cruces?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Las Cruces (NMSU) is Mar 12 and the median first fall frost is Nov 13, a typical frost-free season of about 241 days.

How much rain does Las Cruces get?

Average annual precipitation is 9.1 inches (Las Cruces (NMSU), 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, Las Cruces (NMSU) (USC00298535). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov