This is the perfect time! Don't wait until spring. Even on a good year mild temps dont stick around that long. The last couple of years it has been very hot and very dry during spring.

I agree with Q2..Do it now and let them get settled-in before the warm weather returns.

A couple of weeks ago I made off like a thief from a Home Depot Landscaping close-out. I've been putting them in the ground and letting the rain take care of the rest. They are in dormancy, after all. Better now than in spring.

Another second for q². Plant them and hope for normal winter rains to return. After planting and soaking them, add a thick layer of mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture, leaving an air gap of about 2" around the trunk,
If you are in an area where there is a total outdoor watering ban and plant installation is still permitted, you have the option of hiring a licensed landscaper to install them for you, allowing you to water for 30 days afterward.
Another option is collecting bath or shower water while waiting for it to heat up. It is not advisable to use gray water to directly irrigate newly installed plants, because impurities in the water could damage them, as they are already under stress.
Gray water usage guidelines from UMASS below.
Good luck! :Rb

Here is a link that might be useful: Recycling Gray Water for Home Gardens

Sounds like planting now is the best choice. Thanks to all for the advice!

I've planted several things lately ahead of the last two storms.