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Planting zones · Sacramento, California

What Planting Zone Is Sacramento?

Sacramento is in USDA zone 9b. Central Valley Mediterranean climate: about 18 in. of rain, 82% of it November–March, with hot, dry summers (July highs about 93°F). A 32°F freeze occurs in almost every winter (median last freeze February 2).

  • USDA zone (2023)9b
  • Coldest night (avg.)25 to 30°FZIP 95814
  • Median last frostFeb 232°F
  • Median first frostDec 232°F
  • Annual precipitation18 inches
  • Frost-free season301 days

Sacramento hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Sacramento fall in zone 9b; 95814 (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 Sacramento ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
956309b25 to 30°F
957589b25 to 30°F
958149b25 to 30°F
958209b25 to 30°F
958259b25 to 30°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Sacramento Executive Airport is Feb 2 and the median first fall frost is Dec 2, a typical frost-free season of about 301 days.

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

Rainfall and heat in Sacramento

Average annual precipitation is 18 inches (Sacramento Executive Airport, 1991–2020), and 82% 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 93°F and the average low in December is about 39°F, measured at about 20 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 Sacramento

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 Sacramento?

Sacramento, CA is in USDA hardiness zone 9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (95630: 9b, 95758: 9b, 95814: 9b, 95820: 9b, 95825: 9b). In 95814, the average coldest night of the year is 25 to 30°F.

When is the last frost in Sacramento?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Sacramento Executive Airport is Feb 2 and the median first fall frost is Dec 2, a typical frost-free season of about 301 days.

How much rain does Sacramento get?

Average annual precipitation is 18 inches (Sacramento Executive Airport, 1991–2020), and 82% 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, Sacramento Executive Airport (USW00023232). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov