Planning to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Oklahoma? Get ready for a mix of spring warmth and that lingering winter chill. Most years, daytime highs land somewhere in the upper 50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, but mornings can still feel brisk in the 30s or 40s.
This time of year, temperatures swing quickly, so you’ll want to wear layers if you’re heading outside.
Rain starts showing up more often in March, and storm systems can roll through with little warning. Heavy snow rarely happens by mid-March, but every now and then, northern Oklahoma gets a light flurry.
Afternoon breezes are pretty common too, since Oklahoma winds get stronger as spring arrives.
If you’re thinking about a parade in Oklahoma City, a small-town festival, or just some time outdoors, knowing the usual weather helps you plan. Expect all kinds of weather, and you’ll handle whatever March throws your way.
Typical Temperatures on St. Patrick’s Day in Oklahoma
Oklahoma usually greets St. Patrick’s Day with mild afternoons and cooler mornings. Sometimes it feels like spring, sometimes winter’s not quite ready to leave.
Weather varies by location, and southern Oklahoma generally runs warmer than the north.
Average Highs and Lows
On March 17, average high temperatures range from the mid-60s °F in the south to the upper-50s °F up north.
Durant usually sees about 67°F, while Bartlesville averages closer to 63°F. Oklahoma City lands somewhere in between at about 64°F.
Morning lows drop into the low-to-mid 40s °F. Oklahoma City averages 43°F, Durant 46°F, and Bartlesville 39°F.
You’ll probably start the day with a jacket and peel off layers by the afternoon.
It’s not unusual for the temperature to swing 20–25 degrees from morning to afternoon. March is just like that, with strong seasonal contrasts. Layers are your best friend if you’re heading to outdoor events or parades.
Temperature Extremes
Averages help, but March weather in Oklahoma can go all over the place. Some St. Patrick’s Days have soared into the 80s °F, especially down south.
Other years, cold snaps have kept highs in the 40s or even the 30s °F up north.
Freezing mornings happen, especially in Bartlesville, where lows near 30°F aren’t unheard of. Meanwhile, Durant sometimes stays well above 50°F at night, showing that north-south divide.
Wind plays a role too. March gusts often top 15 mph, making cool days feel colder than the numbers suggest. On the flip side, wind can add a dry, brisk feel to warmer days, which actually makes being outside pretty nice.
Recent Year Trends
In recent decades, St. Patrick’s Day has leaned warmer than the long-term average, especially in central and southern Oklahoma. Highs in the 70s °F show up fairly often now in Oklahoma City and Durant.
Still, sharp cold fronts sometimes sweep in. In some years, temperatures have dropped more than 20 degrees within 24 hours around March 17. Oklahoma sits right between warm Gulf air and leftover northern cold, so you never really know.
Overnight lows have trended a bit milder lately. That means less risk of a hard freeze on St. Patrick’s Day, though frost still pops up now and then in the north.
If you’re traveling or planning an event, be ready for anything and check the forecast a few days ahead.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
By mid-March, Oklahoma often gets light to moderate rain, though some years bring heavier totals. You’ll see a mix of dry days and scattered showers, and storms can pop up out of nowhere.
Average Rainfall Amounts
On March 17, Oklahoma usually picks up 0.10 to 0.30 inches of precipitation, depending on the region. The east side, which is more humid, tends to see a bit more than the drier west.
March averages about 3 to 4 inches of total rainfall statewide, so St. Patrick’s Day is just a small slice of that. Still, it gives you a taste of how spring weather starts to shift.
Rain often comes in quick bursts, not long, soaking events. So you’re more likely to get passing showers than an all-day downpour.
Chance of Rain Showers
The odds of measurable rain on St. Patrick’s Day in Oklahoma run from 20% to 35%, depending on where you are. The east and southeast have higher chances, since Gulf moisture sneaks in more easily.
Central and western Oklahoma usually see lower odds, but isolated showers can still happen. Cold fronts moving through mid-March often spark quick rainfall, sometimes with thunder.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect the weather to change. Maybe the morning is dry, but an afternoon shower can show up out of nowhere. Bringing a light jacket or umbrella isn’t a bad idea.
Notable Wet Years
Some years, March 17 gets a real soaking. Localized totals have topped one inch in parts of eastern Oklahoma when strong spring systems push through.
Other years, there’s no rain at all. It all depends on storm tracks and how much Gulf moisture is around.
When rain does fall, it usually comes in short bursts, sometimes with thunderstorms. Quick downpours can briefly disrupt outdoor plans, but things usually clear up fast.
Snowfall and Snow Depth Statistics
Snow in Oklahoma by mid-March? Not common, but you can’t rule it out. Most years, there’s little or no accumulation, but every so often, a late-season storm brings measurable snow and a short-lived dusting.
Typical Snowfall Amounts
By St. Patrick’s Day, Oklahoma’s snow season is just about over. Average March snowfall is light, usually less than 1 inch in central and southern areas.
Northern and western Oklahoma might see 1–2 inches in a typical March.
Snow on March 17 itself is rare. Most years, it doesn’t happen. When it does, totals are usually under an inch, and the stronger March sun melts it quickly.
Still, you can’t completely rule out a brief snow shower. Oklahoma sits right between colder northern air and Gulf moisture, so late-season systems can surprise you even after a string of mild days.
Historical Snow Events
Most St. Patrick’s Days go by without snow, but some years bring heavier snow. Records show that strong late-winter storms have dropped several inches across parts of Oklahoma in mid-March.
Western and northern Oklahoma have occasionally picked up 3–6 inches during these storms. It’s not the norm, but it shows how quickly things can turn wintry if cold air and moisture arrive together.
Some years, snow falls right before or just after March 17, leaving traces on the ground for the holiday. These storms might mess with travel for a bit, but melting usually starts within a day.
You could run into icy roads in the morning, especially in rural spots and higher elevations.
Average Snow Depth
Mid-March snow depth in Oklahoma is usually 0 inches. Even if snow falls, it rarely sticks around for more than a few hours or until the next day.
The stronger sun and above-freezing highs make it tough for snow to linger.
Once in a while, you’ll see 1–3 inches of snow depth on March 17, mostly in the Panhandle or up north. That’s usually right after a bigger storm.
Most years, you’ll find bare ground for outdoor activities. If there is snow, it’s patchy, shallow, and gone before you know it.
Severe Weather Possibilities
Mid-March in Oklahoma can bring some wild weather. Thunderstorms, hail, and even the occasional tornado are all possible, depending on the year.
Thunderstorm Frequency
By St. Patrick’s Day, warm southern air starts mixing with lingering cool air from the north. That clash can spark thunderstorms, especially across central and eastern Oklahoma.
On average, you’ll get a few storm systems in mid-March, but not every year gets wild. Storms often form during the afternoon and evening, when the day’s heat builds up.
Most storms aren’t too bad, but some bring heavy rain, lightning, and short bursts of strong wind. It’s smart to keep an eye on the forecast if you’ve got outdoor plans.
Hail Occurrence
Hail is a classic severe weather hazard for Oklahoma in March. Rising warm air meets colder layers above, and hailstones form.
Reports of one-inch hail (about quarter-sized) aren’t unusual this time of year. Bigger stones—over two inches—don’t show up as much, but strong storms can make it happen.
Hail can damage cars, roofs, and crops, so parking under cover and protecting outdoor property makes sense when storms are coming. Even a quick storm can drop damaging hail.
| Hail Size | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | Quarter size | Minor roof and vehicle dents |
| 1.5 inch | Ping pong ball | Broken windows, crop damage |
| 2+ inches | Egg size or larger | Significant roof and vehicle damage |
Wind and Tornado Risk
Spring storms in Oklahoma often bring strong winds. Gusts over 50 mph can knock down tree limbs and power lines, even if there’s no tornado.
Straight-line winds happen more often than tornadoes, but both are trouble.
Tornadoes in mid-March are less common than later in spring, but they do show up. Most are short-lived and on the weaker side, though stronger ones have happened.
If you’re traveling or heading to big outdoor events, it pays to know your shelter options. Even a low tornado risk means you should pay attention to watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.
Regional Variations Across Oklahoma
Weather in Oklahoma shifts a lot from north to south. Temperatures, rainfall, and wind all change depending on where you are, which shapes what you’ll see in mid-March.
Weather in Northern Oklahoma
Northern Oklahoma usually runs cooler than the rest of the state in mid-March. Daytime highs stick in the upper 50s to low 60s °F, and nighttime lows often dip into the upper 30s.
Frost can still show up, especially out in the country.
Rainfall is moderate, but spring storms can pop up fast. Winds here are often stronger than in the south, making things feel chillier.
Snow is rare but not impossible. If you’re heading outside, bring layers—chilly mornings can turn into mild afternoons.
Typical mid-March conditions in Northern Oklahoma:
- Highs: 58–62 °F
- Lows: 36–40 °F
- Rainfall: 2–3 inches per month
- Wind: Moderate to strong, often from the south or southwest
Weather in Central Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma—including Oklahoma City—tends to be milder. Highs usually reach the low to mid-60s °F, and lows fall in the low 40s.
By mid-March, you’ll notice more swings between sunny skies and scattered showers.
This area sits between drier western counties and wetter eastern ones. Rain chances go up during this time, and you might catch the first rumbles of thunderstorm season.
Wind is still a big deal. Afternoon gusts are common during spring. If you’re traveling, pack for changing skies and bring both a light jacket and something for rain.
Typical mid-March conditions in Central Oklahoma:
- Highs: 61–65 °F
- Lows: 40–43 °F
- Rainfall: 2.5–3.5 inches per month
- Wind: Breezy, with gusts common in afternoons
Weather in Southern Oklahoma
Southern Oklahoma usually runs warmer and wetter than the rest of the state in mid-March. Highs often climb into the mid to upper 60s °F, while lows hang around the mid-40s.
Honestly, it feels more like early spring here, especially compared to the cooler north. Rainfall tends to be higher, particularly in the southeast, where totals can top 4 inches for the month.
Storms pop up more often, and humid air sometimes drifts in from Texas and the Gulf. You’ll probably notice frost isn’t as common, so getting outside for events feels easier.
Still, it’s smart to prep for sudden showers or those random thunderstorms.
Typical mid-March conditions in Southern Oklahoma:
- Highs: 65–69 °F
- Lows: 44–47 °F
- Rainfall: 3.5–4.5 inches per month
- Wind: Variable, with stronger gusts during storms
How Weather Impacts St. Patrick’s Day Events
Weather in mid-March changes fast in Oklahoma. Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the chance of rain or wind can all shape your celebration, whether you’re at a parade or planning a festival.
Outdoor Celebrations and Parades
Parades and outdoor gatherings show up as a big part of St. Patrick’s Day in lots of Oklahoma towns. Daytime highs in mid-March usually fall in the upper 50s to low 60s °F, but mornings can drop into the 30s.
You might start the day bundled up and end up peeling off layers. Rainfall averages stay modest, but spring showers sneak in pretty often.
Even a light drizzle can make the streets slick and keep people away. Wind can be a headache too, with gusts hitting 20–30 mph and making it tough for floats, banners, or sound systems to work smoothly.
Because of all that, most parades suggest layered clothing, umbrellas, and extra setup time. Mild weather usually brings out the crowds, but if a cold snap or storm risk shows up, expect fewer people and shorter events.
Event Planning Considerations
If you’re planning or heading to a St. Patrick’s Day event in Oklahoma, weather preparation really matters. March always feels a bit unpredictable, so you might need to get ready for chilly mornings and surprisingly warm afternoons.
Key factors to keep in mind:
- Temperature swings: It can start in the 30s early on, then jump to the 60s later.
- Rain chances: Light rain could show up, which messes with outdoor seating and vendors.
- Wind: Sometimes the wind gets pretty intense, and it can knock over tents, mess up decorations, or even mess with sound systems.
Event planners usually set up backup indoor spaces or pop-up tents, just in case. Sometimes you’ll see them shift start times around, hoping to dodge any rain or storms.
If you’re traveling in for the event, it’s smart to check the local forecast before you go. Toss a rain jacket, a hat, and some comfy shoes in your bag—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.