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Planting zones · Tucson, Arizona

What Planting Zone Is Tucson?

Tucson is in USDA zone 9a–9b. Sonoran Desert at about 2,500 ft: about 10.6 in. of precipitation, half of it from July–September monsoon storms. Tucson is colder than Phoenix in winter, with a freeze in nearly every year (median last freeze in early February).

  • USDA zone (2023)9a–9b
  • Coldest night (avg.)25 to 30°FZIP 85701
  • Median last frostFeb 532°F
  • Median first frostDec 932°F
  • Annual precipitation11 inches
  • Frost-free season307 days

Tucson hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Tucson fall in zones 9a to 9b; 85701 (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 Tucson ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
857019b25 to 30°F
857169b25 to 30°F
857379a20 to 25°F
857419a20 to 25°F
857489a20 to 25°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Tucson Intl Airport is Feb 5 and the median first fall frost is Dec 9, a typical frost-free season of about 307 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 Tucson

Average annual precipitation is 11 inches (Tucson Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 52% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. May 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 101°F and the average low in December is about 41°F, measured at about 2,550 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 Tucson

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 Tucson?

Tucson, AZ is in USDA hardiness zone 9a–9b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (85701: 9b, 85716: 9b, 85737: 9a, 85741: 9a, 85748: 9a). In 85701, the average coldest night of the year is 25 to 30°F.

When is the last frost in Tucson?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Tucson Intl Airport is Feb 5 and the median first fall frost is Dec 9, a typical frost-free season of about 307 days.

How much rain does Tucson get?

Average annual precipitation is 11 inches (Tucson Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 52% of it falls July–September in summer thunderstorms. May 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, Tucson Intl Airport (USW00023160). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov