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Planting zones · Las Vegas, Nevada

What Planting Zone Is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is in USDA zone 9a–9b. Mojave Desert: about 4 in. of precipitation a year, two-thirds of it November–March, and average July highs near 104°F. Freezes are brief but occur in almost every winter (median last freeze in late January).

  • USDA zone (2023)9a–9b
  • Coldest night (avg.)25 to 30°FZIP 89101
  • Median last frostJan 2432°F
  • Median first frostDec 1032°F
  • Annual precipitation4.0 inches
  • Frost-free season323 days

Las Vegas hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Las Vegas fall in zones 9a to 9b; 89101 (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 Las Vegas ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
890319b25 to 30°F
890529a20 to 25°F
891019b25 to 30°F
891239b25 to 30°F
891289a20 to 25°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Las Vegas (Harry Reid Intl Airport) is Jan 24 and the median first fall frost is Dec 10, a typical frost-free season of about 323 days.

In the low desert, fall is the preferred planting season: roots grow through the mild winter before the first summer heat. Avoid planting in midsummer.

Rainfall and heat in Las Vegas

Average annual precipitation is 4.0 inches (Las Vegas (Harry Reid Intl Airport), 1991–2020), and 68% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (June 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 104°F and the average low in December is about 38°F, measured at about 2,200 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 Las Vegas

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 Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, NV is in USDA hardiness zone 9a–9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (89031: 9b, 89052: 9a, 89101: 9b, 89123: 9b, 89128: 9a). In 89101, the average coldest night of the year is 25 to 30°F.

When is the last frost in Las Vegas?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Las Vegas (Harry Reid Intl Airport) is Jan 24 and the median first fall frost is Dec 10, a typical frost-free season of about 323 days.

How much rain does Las Vegas get?

Average annual precipitation is 4.0 inches (Las Vegas (Harry Reid Intl Airport), 1991–2020), and 68% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (June 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, Las Vegas (Harry Reid Intl Airport) (USW00053123). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov