What Growing Zone Is Gurnee?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Gurnee a growing zone designation of 6a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Gurnee's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Gurnee's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

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

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Self Watering Plant Pots

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

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 Gurnee is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Gurnee'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.

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

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 Gurnee, IL.
The USDA hardiness zone is 6a for Gurnee. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
Gurnee's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 6a
Zip Codes: 60031
Longitude: -87.9392
Latitude: 42.3708
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Wooden Chicken Coop

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Brass Watering Can

Worm Composting Kit
Map of the Gurnee Area
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Wooden Chicken Coop

Metal Seed Storage Box

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit
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.

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Brass Watering Can

Worm Composting Kit

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis
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