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Planting zones · Spokane, Washington

What Planting Zone Is Spokane?

Spokane is in USDA zone 6b–7a. Inland Northwest at about 2,400 ft: about 16.5 in. of precipitation, 59% of it November–March, and a dry July. Summers are warm but the frost-free season is only about 168 days.

  • USDA zone (2023)6b–7a
  • Coldest night (avg.)0 to 5°FZIP 99201
  • Median last frostApr 2632°F
  • Median first frostOct 1232°F
  • Annual precipitation16 inches
  • Frost-free season168 days

Spokane hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Spokane fall in zones 6b to 7a; 99201 (zone 7a) has an average annual extreme minimum of 0 to 5°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 6.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Spokane ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
992017a0 to 5°F
992057a0 to 5°F
992086b-5 to 0°F
992236b-5 to 0°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Spokane Intl Airport is Apr 26 and the median first fall frost is Oct 12, a typical frost-free season of about 168 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 26), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 12) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Spokane

Average annual precipitation is 16 inches (Spokane Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 59% 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 84°F and the average low in December is about 24°F, measured at about 2,350 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 6 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Spokane

72 plants in our database are hardy to zone 6 and suited to zone 6. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 6 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Spokane?

Spokane, WA is in USDA hardiness zone 6b–7a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (99201: 7a, 99205: 7a, 99208: 6b, 99223: 6b). In 99201, the average coldest night of the year is 0 to 5°F.

When is the last frost in Spokane?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Spokane Intl Airport is Apr 26 and the median first fall frost is Oct 12, a typical frost-free season of about 168 days.

How much rain does Spokane get?

Average annual precipitation is 16 inches (Spokane Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 59% 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, Spokane Intl Airport (USW00024157). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov