What Growing Zone Is Tempe?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Tempe a growing zone designation of 9b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Tempe's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Tempe's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 9bLatest AZ growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Tempe area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Tempe, AZ.

Metal Arbor Trellis

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
map of growing zone 9bLatest AZ growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Tempe is in growing zone 9b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Tempe's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Tempe area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in Tempe, AZ.

The USDA hardiness zone is 9b for Tempe. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Tempe's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 9b

Zip Codes: 85281, 85282, 85283, 85284, 85280, 85285, 85287, 85288

Longitude: -111.9319

Latitude: 33.3881

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 25 to 30

Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Map of the Tempe Area

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Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

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