If you’re planning a trip to Oklahoma around New Year’s, you need to prepare for winter weather that can change pretty fast. Expect average daytime highs in the 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, and overnight lows that often slip into the 20s and 30s.
The weather varies across the state. The panhandle usually runs colder, while the southeast stays a bit milder.
Snow doesn’t always show up, but light snowfall can happen, especially in northern and western areas. Rain pops up more in the east, while the west often gets dry, crisp air.
You’ll notice the sunshine hours are limited. Cloud cover makes the air feel colder than the thermometer says.
If you know these general patterns, you can plan better for outdoor events, road trips, or holiday gatherings. Maybe you’re heading to Oklahoma City for fireworks, or you’re curious about smaller towns like Claremore. Either way, it helps to understand the typical weather around New Year’s.
Typical Temperatures During New Year’s in Oklahoma
Expect cold mornings and cool afternoons across Oklahoma when New Year’s rolls around. The region matters—a southern town usually sits a few degrees warmer than a northern one. You’ll also feel big swings from day to night.
Average Highs and Lows
In early January, Oklahoma City usually sees highs around 50°F (10°C), while nighttime lows fall near 31°F (-0.5°C). Mornings start off chilly, but things warm up a bit in the afternoon.
In Claremore, northeast of Tulsa, highs average about 47°F (8°C), and lows drop to 26°F (-3°C). The colder nights often bring frost. Sometimes you’ll get light snow, but it’s not frequent.
Southern towns like Durant get milder weather, with highs near 54°F (12°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). Just a few degrees can make outdoor plans feel a lot more comfortable compared to central or northern Oklahoma.
You’ll want to prepare for cold mornings, cool afternoons, and some below-freezing nights. Layering your clothes is the way to go since temperatures shift a lot during the day.
Temperature Variations Across the State
Oklahoma’s size and geography create real differences in New Year’s temperatures. Northern counties, like those near Claremore, usually record colder lows because of higher latitude and open terrain.
Central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, lands in the middle. The city’s urban setting sometimes holds a bit more warmth at night compared to the countryside.
Southern Oklahoma generally stays a few degrees warmer. Durant, for example, often avoids the harshest freezes that hit northern towns. That makes the southern region feel less severe at this time of year.
If you’re driving across the state, these contrasts matter. A short drive north or south can mean the difference between a frosty morning and a more comfortable start to your day.
Recent Trends and Notable Extremes
Long-term records show Oklahoma’s New Year’s period usually stays cold to cool, but extremes do show up from time to time. Arctic cold fronts sometimes push temperatures way below normal, especially in northern towns like Claremore.
Oklahoma City has seen New Year’s mornings drop into the teens, though that’s not typical. Every now and then, a mild spell brings highs into the upper 50s or even low 60s.
Over the past few decades, winters have trended a bit warmer statewide. Still, sharp cold snaps happen. So, you should expect some years to feel mild and others to be much colder than average.
Checking local forecasts before planning outdoor activities is just smart during the holiday season.
Precipitation and Snowfall Patterns
Oklahoma’s winter weather brings a mix of rain and some snow. Central spots like Oklahoma City often get light snow and rain, while towns farther northeast, like Claremore, may see a bit more precipitation.
Chances of Rain or Snow
Late December and early January usually bring unsettled weather. Cold fronts can trigger both rain and snow, depending on the temperature.
Oklahoma City typically gets about 6 to 7 days of measurable precipitation in January. Claremore averages a similar number of wet days, but it’s just a little more likely to get snow because it’s cooler up there.
Rain is more common than snow in most parts of the state. When temperatures drop below freezing, even a light rain can turn into snow or freezing rain. That can make travel unpredictable, especially around the holidays.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in late December and January stays pretty modest compared to spring and summer. Oklahoma City gets about 1.5 to 2 inches of precipitation during January. Claremore usually gets closer to 2 inches, since it sits in a slightly wetter area.
Most of this comes as rain, but you’ll see mixed events now and then. Light drizzles, short bursts of heavier rain, and even freezing rain can show up. The timing of storms, not just the totals, can really affect travel and outdoor plans.
There aren’t a ton of rainy days, but when storms do roll in, they often bring cloudy skies and cooler highs. It can feel damp and colder than you’d expect.
Snowfall Likelihood and Accumulation
Snow isn’t as common as rain in Oklahoma, but you can count on seeing it almost every winter. Across the state, the average is about 7 to 8 inches per year, mostly in the northern and western regions.
Oklahoma City usually gets 6 to 8 inches of snow annually, with January as the snowiest month. Claremore averages a bit more, often 7 to 10 inches, thanks to cooler winter temps.
Most snowfalls are light, usually less than 2 inches at a time. Bigger storms show up every few years, sometimes dropping over half a foot in one go. Those heavier events often cause travel delays and school closures.
Snow in early January is possible but not a sure thing. Some years, you’ll just get a dusting. Other years, a real storm might blow in. That’s just part of Oklahoma’s winter climate, so it’s smart to plan for a little bit of everything if you’re traveling.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Around New Year’s, Oklahoma skies are usually more overcast than clear, and daylight is at its shortest. You’ll still catch some bright days, but cloudiness and low sun angles rule the season.
Typical Cloudiness
In late December and early January, Oklahoma leans toward cloudy conditions. In Oklahoma City, you only get about 53% of daylight hours as sunny this time of year. Nearly half the daylight ends up under clouds or haze.
Claremore, up in the northeast, tends to be even cloudier than central Oklahoma. Moisture from the south meets cool air from the north, and that brings more overcast days.
Expect a mix of partly sunny days and long stretches of clouds. Clear blue skies happen, but not as often as in spring or summer.
Sunlight Hours
Daylight is short in early January, with just under 10 hours per day in Oklahoma City. Out of that, the actual sunshine you see is closer to 5 to 6 hours daily.
Shorter days and more cloud cover both play a part. Claremore sees about the same amount of daylight, but clouds can cut into usable sunshine even more.
For perspective, Oklahoma City averages about 3026 hours of sunlight per year, but January is one of the lowest months. By February, the days start to get noticeably longer.
| Location | Avg. Daylight (Jan) | Avg. Sunshine (Jan) | % Sunny Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | ~10h 03m | ~5h 15m | 53% |
| Claremore | ~10h 00m | ~5h 00m (est.) | 50–52% |
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Near New Year’s, sunrise in Oklahoma City is around 7:30 AM, and sunset falls close to 5:30 PM. Claremore’s schedule is nearly the same, just a few minutes off.
Mornings take a while to brighten, and evenings arrive early. The low sun angle makes daylight feel weaker, even at midday.
By mid-January, you’ll see sunset shifting later by several minutes each week. Sunrise stays late for a while, so mornings remain dim.
Regional Differences: Oklahoma City vs. Claremore
If you travel across Oklahoma in late December or early January, you’ll notice conditions shift depending on where you land. Temperature, precipitation, and even daylight can feel different between Oklahoma City and Claremore, even though they’re only about two hours apart.
Temperature Comparisons
Oklahoma City usually runs a bit warmer than Claremore at New Year’s. Lows in Oklahoma City often fall near 30°F, and highs reach the mid-40s. Claremore dips a few degrees lower, with average lows around 28°F and highs in the low-40s.
That small difference can make mornings in Claremore feel noticeably colder, especially when the wind kicks up. Oklahoma City’s central spot means it warms up a little faster in the afternoon, while Claremore, farther northeast, hangs onto the cool air longer.
Both cities rarely get extreme cold below 15°F, but Claremore is a little more likely to see it a handful of times each winter. If you’re sensitive to cold, you’ll pick up on the contrast.
Precipitation and Snowfall Differences
Rain and snow patterns set these two cities apart. Oklahoma City averages fewer rainy days than Claremore, which gets about 25% more days with measurable precipitation. So, you’re more likely to run into wet weather in Claremore around New Year’s.
Snowfall stays light in both places, but Claremore logs slightly higher totals. You might see 1–2 inches of snow in Claremore during January, while Oklahoma City often gets 1 inch or less.
Claremore’s spot in northeastern Oklahoma brings more influence from cold air masses, which can mean a mix of rain and snow. Oklahoma City, farther south and west, sees cold rain more often than snow.
Daylight and Weather Experience
Daylight hours are almost the same in both cities, with about 9.7 to 9.9 hours of daylight near New Year’s. Sunrise and sunset times only differ by a few minutes, so the day feels about the same length.
What stands out more is the sky. Claremore tends to have more overcast days in winter, while Oklahoma City gets a few more sunny breaks. This can affect how cold the day feels, even if the temperatures are similar.
Wind also matters. Oklahoma City’s open plains bring stronger gusts, while Claremore’s wooded, hilly setting softens the wind a bit. That can make Claremore feel less harsh, even when it’s colder.
What to Expect: Weather Trends for Travelers
Late December and early January in Oklahoma bring cold mornings, mild afternoons, and the chance for sudden shifts in temperature. Snowfall is limited in most areas, but freezing rain, gusty winds, and icy roads can mess with your plans if you’re not ready.
Packing Recommendations
Plan for wide temperature swings. In Oklahoma City, daytime highs usually hit the upper 40s °F, but nights can drop into the 20s °F. Claremore and other northeastern towns feel a bit colder and damper, especially with higher humidity.
Pack layered clothing so you can adjust as the weather changes. Bring a warm coat, gloves, and a hat for evenings. A light jacket or fleece is good for milder afternoons.
Go for sturdy, water-resistant footwear. Ice and slush show up, especially after snow or freezing rain. Waterproof boots with decent traction are a smart choice if you’re walking downtown or hitting any trails.
It’s also a good idea to keep a compact umbrella or rain jacket handy. Heavy snow is rare outside the panhandle, but light rain or a wintry mix can pop up.
Outdoor Activity Planning
If you’re hoping to spend some time outside, get ready for short daylight hours and chilly winds. Parks and walking trails in Oklahoma City stay open, but you’ll probably find the ground damp or icy in shaded spots.
The wooded areas around Claremore can get pretty slick after rain or frost. It’s best to watch your step.
Try to plan your activities around midday, when the temperatures peak. That’s usually the most comfortable window for walking tours, zoo trips, or checking out local landmarks.
If you want to go hiking, stick with shorter routes and check trail conditions first. Mud and ice can make longer paths a hassle.
Planning to attend outdoor New Year’s events? Make sure to bundle up and bring extra layers. Even if the day starts off mild, temperatures can drop fast after sunset.
Travel Safety Tips
Driving in Oklahoma around New Year’s takes some caution. Freezing rain happens more often than heavy snow, and it can make roads slick overnight.
Bridges and overpasses ice up first, especially on highways heading into Oklahoma City and Claremore.
Keep your vehicle stocked with basics like an ice scraper, blanket, flashlight, and bottled water. If you get delayed, you’ll be glad you have them.
Check the weather forecast before you travel. Oklahoma’s sudden cold fronts can sweep in and drop temperatures by 20 degrees in just a few hours.
Local news and weather alerts will help you stay updated.
If you’re flying into Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City or a regional airport near Claremore, give yourself extra time for security and possible weather delays. Winter storms in nearby states can mess with flight schedules, too.
Long-Term Climate Context for New Year’s Period
Weather around New Year’s in Oklahoma often shows both the effects of long-term climate patterns and the natural variability of winter. Average conditions give you some idea, but short-term swings can still bring big changes in temperature and precipitation.
Historical Weather Patterns
In Oklahoma City, late December and early January usually mean daytime highs in the mid-40s °F and nighttime lows near freezing. Cold fronts can sweep in and drop temperatures fast, sometimes bringing a quick shot of snow or ice.
Claremore, farther northeast, tends to run a few degrees cooler. Light snow or mixed precipitation happens more often there, but you rarely see snow stick around for long.
Historical records show New Year’s week can bring anything from mild spells in the 60s °F to sharp cold snaps with lows in the teens. That’s just part of living between dry western air and moist Gulf air.
Precipitation during this stretch usually stays low, but now and then a winter storm drops measurable snow. Some years, central Oklahoma picked up 2 to 4 inches, while northeast towns like Claremore sometimes got a bit more.
Climate Normals and Variability
Climate normals use 30-year averages to set a baseline for what you might expect. For the 1991–2020 period, Oklahoma City usually sees a high near New Year’s around 47°F. The normal low sits close to 28°F.
Claremore tends to run a bit cooler. Highs hover near 44°F, and lows drop to about 26°F.
These averages give you a way to figure out if a year feels oddly warm or cold. Say you get a high of 60°F—that’s well above normal. If temperatures never rise above freezing, that’s definitely below what’s typical.
Precipitation during this stretch usually stays low, mostly under 1 inch for the two weeks around New Year’s. Snowfall doesn’t add up to much either, often under 1 inch. Still, you’ll see the occasional outlier.
Weather can swing pretty wildly from year to year. Some winters pass without any snow at all. Other years, you might get a brief blast of wintry weather.
So, when you’re planning holiday travel, it’s smart to prepare for both dry, mild days and those rare icy or snowy surprises.