Oklahoma’s weather changes dramatically from month to month, so each season brings its own set of challenges and moments of beauty. Oklahoma sits right where different climate zones collide, which means hot summers, pretty mild springs and falls, and cold winters that can bring snow or ice, depending on where you are.
Honestly, fall—especially September through November—feels like the sweet spot to visit Oklahoma. Temperatures turn mild, humidity drops, and the weather just feels pleasant. Summer days, on the other hand, often shoot past 100°F and sometimes stay there for a while. Winter, especially out in the western panhandle, can get downright freezing. Spring is nice but also brings the start of tornado season, so that’s something to keep in mind.
If you get a handle on Oklahoma’s monthly weather patterns, you can prepare for anything, whether that’s thunderstorms or ice storms. The state has two main climate types: humid subtropical in the east and semi-arid in the west. This split causes big differences in temperature, rain, and severe weather risks, depending on where you are.
Overview of Oklahoma’s Monthly Weather
Oklahoma’s climate is mostly humid subtropical, but the weather varies a lot depending on the region. Winter lows can dip into the 20s, while summer highs often soar past 90°F. Precipitation peaks in spring and drops off by fall.
Climate Zones Across Oklahoma
You’ll find Oklahoma in a humid subtropical climate zone, but the details shift as you move around the state. Technically, it’s called a Cfa climate type, which means hot summers and mild winters without a true dry season.
Northern parts of Oklahoma usually feel a bit cooler than the southern areas. Elevation plays a big part too—it’s about 300 feet above sea level in the southeast but climbs to over 4,900 feet in the northwest.
Western Oklahoma gets less rain than the east, so you can really notice the shift from humid to semi-arid conditions as you head west.
Air masses from all over meet right here. Cold Arctic air sweeps down from Canada in the winter. In summer, warm, moist air comes up from the Gulf of Mexico.
Temperature Ranges by Month
Winter brings the coldest weather to Oklahoma. January usually averages between 26°F and 49°F, depending on where you are.
Spring temperatures start to rise from March through May. April and May often have bigger swings between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Summer months crank up the heat. June, July, and August often see highs over 90°F in most of the state. On average, Oklahoma clocks in at about 63.7°F for the year.
Fall cools things off from September through November. October, in particular, tends to have some of the most comfortable days.
Temperature swings from day to night can be pretty big—sometimes 20-30 degrees.
Monthly Precipitation Patterns
On average, Oklahoma gets around 50 millimeters of precipitation a month, but it really depends on the season and where you are.
Spring usually brings the most rain. April and May are especially wet, thanks to active storm systems.
Thunderstorms bring most of the summer rain. These storms can dump a lot of water in a short time, which bumps up the monthly totals.
Oklahoma has about 83 rainy days a year, counting everything from light drizzle to heavy thunderstorms.
Eastern Oklahoma gets more rain than the west, and this gap gets even bigger during spring and early summer, right when storms are most common.
Monthly Weather Breakdown
Winter in Oklahoma means cold temperatures and the occasional snow. January is usually the coldest. February is still chilly but days start to get a bit longer and sometimes a little milder.
January
January stands out as Oklahoma’s coldest month, with average temperatures between 26°F and 49°F. Mornings can feel especially frigid, but afternoons sometimes warm up a bit.
The north deals with the harshest cold. Frost shows up regularly, making roads and sidewalks slick.
Snow does fall, but it’s usually on the lighter side. Western Oklahoma tends to get more snow than the east.
| Temperature Range | Precipitation | Snow Potential |
|---|---|---|
| 26°F – 49°F | 1.4 inches | Light to moderate |
People bundle up in heavy winter clothes throughout January. Layering works well, since mornings and afternoons can feel pretty different.
Ice storms sometimes happen when warm air passes over cold ground. These can make driving treacherous and sometimes knock out power.
February
February keeps the winter chill going, with average temperatures from 30°F to 54°F. The days start to stretch out, so you get a bit more sunlight than in January.
Temperatures slowly trend upward, but cold snaps still show up and bring freezing weather.
Snow and frost hang around, especially in the north and west where winter hits hardest.
The sun starts to show itself more often as February goes on. Even with the sunshine, it still feels pretty chilly.
| Temperature Range | Precipitation | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 30°F – 54°F | 1.6 inches | Increasing |
Sometimes, late February teases a little bit of spring. Warm air might nudge temperatures up for a day or two.
Winter coats are still a must, but on warmer afternoons, you might get away with lighter layers.
March
March signals the shift into spring, with temperatures rising to 39°F to 63°F. You can really feel the seasons changing.
Rain picks up in March, averaging 2.7 inches for the month. This extra moisture helps kickstart early plant growth.
Thunderstorms start to pop up as warm and cool air masses collide. These storms can dump heavy rain and sometimes get pretty intense.
Wildflowers start blooming, adding some color to the landscape. More daylight and warmer weather get plants growing.
| Temperature Range | Precipitation | Storm Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 39°F – 63°F | 2.7 inches | Increasing |
Temperature swings get more dramatic in March. You might need a jacket in the morning and short sleeves by afternoon.
Weather can be unpredictable. One day feels like winter, the next like spring.
Spring Months: Weather and Events
Spring in Oklahoma means warmer days and more storms. By mid-April, freezing nights end in the west. Daytime highs go from the 60s early in spring up to the 70s and 80s by May.
April
April finally breaks winter’s hold, and real spring weather settles in. Nighttime freezes wrap up by mid-April in the west, while the east warms up a little sooner.
Daytime highs usually hit the 60°F range. Nights drop into the 40s, which actually feels pretty nice for outdoor stuff.
Thunderstorms ramp up as warm, moist Gulf air runs into cooler air from the north. These storms can bring heavy rain, hail, and some pretty strong wind.
Wildflowers start popping up all over the prairies and along roadsides. The mix of warmer soil and spring rain is just right for growth.
April brings a good amount of rain, which helps wipe out any lingering winter drought. Most of it comes in bursts during thunderstorms, not gentle showers.
May
May delivers some of the best weather Oklahoma gets all year, with highs in the 70s and low 80s. It’s a great time for festivals and outdoor gatherings.
Tornado season peaks in May, since the atmosphere is primed for severe storms. Air masses collide, and things can get wild.
Rain keeps coming through May, which helps native grasses and wildflowers thrive. The east gets more rain than the west.
Humidity starts to climb as moisture from the Gulf flows north. That sticky air adds fuel for Oklahoma’s famous thunderstorms.
Plenty of outdoor events and festivals happen in May, taking advantage of the comfortable weather before summer heat rolls in.
Summer Months: Heat and Storms
Oklahoma summers are hot—really hot. Temperatures often climb into the 90s, and thunderstorms can bring everything from heavy rain to tornadoes. June starts off a bit milder, but July and August really crank up the heat.
June
June kicks off summer with heat that’s still a bit easier to handle than later months. Highs usually range from 76°F to 94°F, with an average around 87°F.
You get about 11 hours of sunshine each day. Rain averages around 4 inches, mostly from afternoon and evening storms.
June weather looks like:
- Mornings in the 60s and 70s
- Afternoons in the upper 80s to low 90s
- Frequent thunderstorms
- Humid conditions
Storms can bring heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Tornadoes are still possible, but not as common as in spring.
July
July brings the year’s most intense heat. Highs run from 90°F to 98°F, and the average is close to 95°F.
Some days can be 4°F hotter than the historical norm. Humidity makes it feel even warmer, often pushing the heat index over 100°F.
A typical July day:
- Morning lows: 70-75°F
- Afternoon highs: 95-98°F
- Heat index: 100-105°F
Thunderstorms often show up late in the day. These storms can get rough, with damaging winds, big hail, and the occasional tornado.
With that combination of extreme heat and storms, July can be a tough month for outdoor plans.
August
August stays hot, though it’s a bit less brutal than July. Highs usually run from 87°F to 97°F, with an average around 93°F.
Heat waves are still common. The hottest August on record averaged 87.5°F, so the month can get pretty extreme.
August in a nutshell:
- High temps above 90°F most days
- Thunderstorms still happen
- Fewer severe storms than earlier in summer
- Nights stay warm, in the mid-70s
Storms can still get severe, but tornadoes become less common. Heavy rain from storms sometimes leads to flash flooding, especially in cities and low-lying spots.
Autumn Months: Cooling Temperatures
Autumn finally brings relief from summer’s heat. Temperatures drop from the 80s in September to the upper 60s by November. The weather feels comfortable, humidity drops, and there are fewer big storms.
September
September starts off fall with temperatures from 60°F to 88°F. It’s a welcome break after the summer scorch.
Early September still feels warm, but nights get cooler as the month goes on.
September by the numbers:
- Highs: 85-88°F
- Lows: 60-61°F
- Average range: 61°F to 85°F
Leaves start to change color, hinting at the season ahead.
Rain sticks around in early September, especially in the east. By late month, things start to dry out as October approaches.
October
October really shows off autumn, with temperatures dropping to 48°F to 78°F. The fall colors light up Oklahoma’s hills and forests.
Mornings and evenings feel crisp, a big change from the summer heat.
October highlights:
- Temps: 48°F to 78°F
- Cool mornings and evenings
- Lower humidity than summer
The west and the panhandle cool off even more. The semi-arid climate out there becomes more noticeable.
Forested areas in the northeast and southeast turn gold, orange, and red, making for some pretty stunning fall scenery.
November
November rolls in with a deeper chill across Oklahoma. Temperatures usually hang between 38°F and 68°F. You can really feel the shift toward winter.
Early in the month, you might catch a few leftover warm days from October. By late November, though, that steady cold settles in everywhere.
November Temperature Breakdown:
- High temperatures: 68°F
- Low temperatures: 38°F
- Pattern: Gradual cooling throughout month
Western Oklahoma, including the panhandle, gets colder sooner than the eastern side. The drier air out west makes those temperature drops feel sharper.
This month pretty much signals that winter’s on the doorstep. Folks start getting ready for the colder stretch ahead.
Winter Months: Cold and Precipitation
Oklahoma winters pack in plenty of cold and a mix of precipitation. January usually ends up as the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 12°C depending on where you are.
December
December kicks off true winter weather across Oklahoma. Temperatures drop off pretty quickly from the mild fall, as cold air pushes down from Canada.
People in the state start seeing their first hard freezes in December. Mornings often dip below freezing, while afternoons usually make it into the 40s or 50s.
Precipitation patterns start to shift, too. Oklahoma gets moisture from winter storms and those occasional ice storms. Snow pops up more often in the north.
Weather in December can flip fast. You might enjoy a 60-degree day, only to wake up to freezing temps the next morning if a strong cold front blows through.
Regional Differences in Winter Weather
Northern Oklahoma deals with colder temperatures than the south during winter. Cities like Bartlesville get more snow and ice than towns farther south.
Temperature variations stand out between regions:
- Northern counties: Average lows in the 20s Fahrenheit
- Central areas: Average lows in the upper 20s to low 30s
- Southern counties: Average lows in the 30s
Southern Oklahoma usually sees more winter rain, while up north, snow and ice are more common. The panhandle tends to get hit with the most snow during storms.
Elevation changes play a role, too. Higher spots in the eastern mountains stay cooler and get more precipitation than the lower plains.
Weather Extremes and Notable Patterns
Oklahoma’s weather swings are kind of legendary. Tornado activity peaks in the spring, and the state has seen temperature records spanning over 150 degrees between summer and winter. Sitting in Tornado Alley, Oklahoma gets wild seasonal weather, plus big swings between drought and heavy rain.
Tornado Frequency by Month
Tornadoes hit hardest from April through June, with May taking the top spot. May alone can bring in 30-40% of all tornadoes for the year.
April starts the severe weather season. Cold fronts drop down from the north and meet warm, moist Gulf air, setting off those classic supercell storms.
Peak Activity Months:
- May: Highest tornado frequency
- April: Second highest activity
- June: Third highest activity
By July, tornadoes become much less common. Summer heat makes the atmosphere more stable. Through fall and winter, tornadoes are rare, with December and January seeing the least.
Moore, Oklahoma, unfortunately, has been hit by several F4 and F5 tornadoes over the years. Not exactly a record you want.
Drought and Rainfall Variability
Rainfall in Oklahoma is all over the place, both by season and by year. The state can swing from years-long droughts to stretches of heavy rain.
Spring usually brings the most precipitation. March through May typically account for about 40% of the yearly total.
Typical Rainfall Patterns:
- Wettest months: April, May, October
- Driest months: December, January, February
- Annual average: 28-36 inches statewide
The Dust Bowl in the 1930s stands out as the worst drought in Oklahoma’s history. More recently, droughts hit hard in 2011-2014 and 2006-2007.
Flash flooding becomes a real problem during big rain events. Oklahoma’s clay soils and flat land make water pile up fast. November 2015 even saw record-breaking rainfall across the state.
Record Highs and Lows
Oklahoma’s temperature extremes are honestly kind of wild, with a range that tops 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The state’s continental climate really dishes out these big temperature swings.
Tipton hit the all-time high at 120°F on June 27, 1994. Summer temperatures climb above 100°F pretty often, especially once July and August roll around.
Some places actually get more than 50 days above 100°F during those brutal heat waves.
Temperature Records:
- Highest: 120°F (Tipton, June 1994)
- Lowest: -27°F (Watts, January 1930)
- Largest daily drop: 84°F in 24 hours
Winter brings in the coldest air. Watts saw the record low, a bone-chilling -27°F, back in January 1930.
Arctic air sometimes sweeps in and drops the temperature by over 50 degrees in just a few hours.
You can see daily swings of 40 or even 50 degrees during the spring and fall. Those fast changes? They often set off some pretty severe weather.