Climate Zone and Precipitation Maps

You can find climate maps produced by environmental and government agencies as well as businesses, for many countries around the world online.

Climate Zone Maps for North America

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (latest update 2023)

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is used to determine if a perennial plant is most likely to thrive in your location. The map is segmented into zones, based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperatures during the last 30 years.  Find the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map at  https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ , enter your zip code to zoom to your location to see your hardiness zone.  

American Horticultural Society Plant Heat Zone Map can be found referenced on many gardening information websites. The Map is segmented into 12 zones based on the average number of days per year temperature rises above 86F. 

Sunset Climate Zone Map is segmented into zones 1 through 45, based on length of growing season, timing and amount of rainfall, winter lows, summer highs, wind, and humidity as well as geographic terrain and altitude.  Western Area - Zones 1 through 24, including lists of plants suitable for these zones, can be found online at https://sunsetplantcollection.com/climate-zones/ .  I have stumbled upon other area Zone maps online, but it is difficult to easily them online.  For Zones 25 through 45 you may need to reference Sunset National Garden Book, available for purchase on Amazon.  The book includes all zones, lists plants for specific conditions, and includes an extensive A to Z Plant Encyclopedia (6000+ plants) with plant information including their preferred sunset climate zones. 

Canada’s Extreme Minimum Temperature Zone Map is like the USDA Plant Hardiness Map based on average annual extreme minimum temperature.    Canada’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is more like Sunset’s Climate Zone maps in that it uses a variety of climatic conditions to determine plant hardiness zones.  The zones on this map vary from USDA Plant Hardiness Map zones.  Both maps can be found at http://planthardiness.gc.ca .

Precipitation Maps

State and local agency precipitation maps provide regional detail The websites often provide additional information on rainwater topics such as rainwater collection and local water resources.