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Soil Temperature Map
Explore soil temperatures across the United States. Compare regional conditions, find your ZIP code, and see whether your local soil is warming or cooling.
Looking for lawn-specific recommendations? Use the ZIP code lookupU.S. soil temperature map
Loading regional estimates…Click the map to check a location.
Regional color cells are broad estimates. A local lookup requests data for the selected coordinates. Gray means data is unavailable.
FROM THE MAP TO YOUR LAWN
How to use the soil temperature map
Start with the regional picture, then check the conditions closest to your lawn.
Compare your region
Use the color scale to see where soils are cooler or warmer. Explore the lower 48 states, Alaska, or Hawaii, and zoom in to compare nearby areas. Each colored cell represents a sampled location in the weather model.
Check the local trend
Enter your ZIP code or select a point on the map. The 5-day average smooths out short-term swings, while the trend compares the most recent three days with the three days before them.
Plan for your grass type
Use your local result as a starting point for seasonal lawn care. Visit our soil temperature lookup for guidance on grass seed and pre-emergent timing based on your lawn type.
What does the map measure?
This U.S. soil temperature map uses modeled temperatures averaged through the top 0–10 cm of soil, approximately 0–4 inches. It is an estimate of a soil layer, rather than a thermometer reading at one exact depth.
The default view shows the mean of the latest 120 elapsed hourly values. Switch to Current to see the latest elapsed hourly estimate. The map is scheduled to refresh every six hours; the displayed timestamp shows the actual data update.
Regional guidance, local conditions
Sun exposure, irrigation, soil moisture, mulch, elevation, and soil type can make your lawn warmer or cooler than the surrounding area. Use a soil thermometer when you need to confirm conditions at your property.
The colored overview uses a coarser grid than the local lookup. A selected point can therefore differ from the surrounding map color. Temperatures alone do not determine whether a product is suitable: account for your grass type, season, weather, and product label.
Soil temperature map FAQs
Can I find soil temperature by ZIP code?
Yes. Enter a five-digit U.S. ZIP code above to locate your area and request its modeled soil temperature. ZIP codes identify an area, so the result is not a measurement taken in your yard. Our ZIP code soil temperature tool adds recommendations for different lawn types.
Should I use the current temperature or the 5-day average?
The current estimate helps you understand the latest modeled conditions. The 5-day average reduces the effect of short-term changes and is a useful starting point for seasonal lawn planning. Check the trend as well: the same temperature can have a different meaning as soils warm in spring or cool in fall.
Is soil temperature the same as air temperature?
No. Soil and air can warm and cool at different rates. Soil temperature depends on conditions below the surface, including depth and moisture, as well as recent weather. This map displays modeled soil temperature, not the air temperature from a standard weather forecast.
Why might another soil temperature map show a different number?
Maps can use different models, measurement depths, averaging periods, update times, and geographic resolutions. Compare those details before comparing the numbers. This map identifies its soil layer, source, averaging window, and update time so you can interpret the result.
Does the map include Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes. Use the region buttons to switch between the lower 48 states, Alaska, and Hawaii's main islands. U.S. territories and the remote northwestern Hawaiian islands are outside this map's coverage. A gray area indicates missing data and should not be interpreted as a cold temperature.
Can I use the map to time seeding or pre-emergent?
The map can help you monitor seasonal soil conditions. Your next step depends on the grass or weed species, whether soil is warming or cooling, and other local conditions. Use the local soil temperature lookup for lawn-specific guidance, and follow the label for any product you apply.