When you picture Christmas in Oklahoma, you might imagine snow blanketing the ground and cold air sweeping in. But honestly, holiday weather here is a lot less predictable than you’d expect.
Usually, daytime highs sit in the upper 40s to low 50s, with lows hovering near freezing. Christmas tends to feel chilly, but snow? Not so much.
One year, you might just grab a light jacket, and the next, you’re bundled up against an ice storm. Oklahoma’s history includes both warm Christmas afternoons in the 70s and major winter storms that shut down travel.
This wild range makes planning holiday activities kind of tricky. Still, it adds a quirky charm to the season here.
If you’re curious about what usually happens around Christmas, how past weather has shaped the holiday, or how things differ across the state, you’re in the right place. From long-term climate trends to practical tips, here’s what to expect—and how to prep—for the holidays in Oklahoma.
Typical Christmas Weather in Oklahoma
Christmas in Oklahoma usually brings cool days and cold nights, but temperatures can swing a lot. Snow doesn’t show up often, but rain is a bit more likely.
Most years, you’ll just see dry conditions with a slim shot at wintry weather.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
Daytime highs in Oklahoma City usually hit the mid to upper 40s (°F). Nights drop into the 20s (°F), so bundle up if you’re heading outside.
Weather can really change year to year. The warmest Christmas on record in Oklahoma City hit 73°F in 1922. The coldest? -1°F in 1983.
This kind of swing just proves how unpredictable the holiday can be here. Most years, though, things stick closer to the averages.
Traveling through central or western Oklahoma? Expect similar weather. Eastern areas might run a few degrees cooler.
Chance of Precipitation During Christmas
Rain or snow on Christmas Day doesn’t happen often in Oklahoma. Since the late 1800s, it’s only rained about 16 times on Christmas in Oklahoma City.
Snow is even rarer, with just 11 recorded events.
So, most years stay dry, but you might want to prep for a little rain just in case. If it does rain, it usually comes and goes pretty quickly.
If you’re hitting the road or flying for the holiday, weather delays aren’t a big worry. Still, cold fronts can move in fast, so it’s smart to check the forecast before you go.
Likelihood of a White Christmas
A white Christmas in Oklahoma is honestly super rare. In Oklahoma City, the chance of measurable snow on December 25 hovers around 1%—that’s based on records going back to 1890.
Snow can fall in December, but it usually lands earlier or later in the month, not right on the holiday. And even when it does snow, it’s usually light and melts fast.
If you’re hoping for that snowy postcard look, chances aren’t great. You’re much more likely to get a cold, dry day with clear or lightly cloudy skies.
Historical Christmas Weather Trends
Oklahoma’s Christmas weather has included everything from heavy snowstorms to weirdly warm afternoons. Records show wild swings in both snowfall and temperatures.
Some years bring blizzards, while others feel like spring. These changes just show how fast Oklahoma’s weather can flip in late December.
Notable Christmas Snow Events
A few big snowstorms have really left their mark on Christmas in Oklahoma. Back in 1914, Oklahoma City got 9 inches of snow, and Rankin in Roger Mills County saw a whopping 12 inches—one of the biggest Christmas snowfalls ever here.
In 2000, a winter storm dumped 8 to 12 inches of snow on northwest Oklahoma. Central parts, including Oklahoma City, got a messy mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow, which knocked out power all over.
The 2009 blizzard is another one people still talk about. Most of the snow hit on Christmas Eve, but drifts piled up to five feet high and highways shut down across central Oklahoma. Many folks spent Christmas Day just digging out.
These storms are rare, but when they hit, they really shake up the holiday.
Temperature Extremes on Christmas
Christmas in Oklahoma has swung from record warmth to bitter cold. In 1922, Oklahoma City reached 73°F, a record that was tied again in 2016.
Lawton and Stillwater also got into the mid-70s, so that Christmas felt more like early fall.
On the flip side, the 1983 cold wave brought a Christmas high of just 13°F in Oklahoma City, after a Christmas Eve high of only 3°F. Wind chills plunged to -45°F, making it downright dangerous to be outside.
A big swing happened in 1989. Just before Christmas, temperatures dropped to -8°F, a December record low. By Christmas Day, Oklahoma City warmed up to 57°F—that’s a 65-degree jump in two days.
These wild shifts just show how fast things can change here during the holidays.
Frequency of Snowfall on Christmas Day
Most Christmas mornings in Oklahoma don’t start with snow on the ground. Oklahoma City has only seen about 17 white Christmases since 1913—that’s when at least a trace of snow was reported.
So, snow on December 25? Pretty rare.
Most years, you’ll get dry or mild weather, with highs in the 40s or 50s. Even when snow falls, warmer temps often melt it fast.
For example, in 1975, rain switched to snow on Christmas Eve, but most of it melted pretty quickly.
National Weather Service data puts the chance of at least 1 inch of snow on Christmas Day in Oklahoma City at less than 10%. Northern and western Oklahoma have slightly better odds, but it’s still uncommon.
Don’t count on a white Christmas in Oklahoma, but hey, it’s happened a few times!
Regional Variations Across Oklahoma
Christmas weather in Oklahoma depends a lot on where you are. Elevation, rainfall, and climate zones all play a role in how cold it feels, whether you’ll see snow, and if the air feels dry or damp.
Weather Differences Between Eastern and Western Oklahoma
Eastern Oklahoma usually gets a humid subtropical climate. Around Christmas, you’ll find milder temperatures and more moisture in the air.
Lows often dip into the 30s °F, and highs might reach the upper 40s or low 50s °F. Rain shows up more here, and ice storms do happen.
Western Oklahoma, including the panhandle, is colder and drier. Daytime highs stick around the 40s °F, and nights can fall into the teens or 20s °F.
Snow is more likely out west, and storms can pile it up fast.
So, the contrast is pretty clear: wetter and milder in the east, colder and snowier in the west. If you’re traveling across the state at Christmas, be ready for totally different weather after just a few hours on the road.
Christmas Weather in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City sits right in the middle, so it gets a mix of both east and west weather patterns. Average highs hit the mid-40s °F, and lows usually drop into the upper 20s °F.
Snow can happen, but it’s not a given. Most years bring cold rain or a bit of wintry mix.
The city has seen everything from sunny, mild Christmas Days in the 50s °F to snow-covered holidays. Ice storms are a risk, especially when warm Gulf air meets a northern cold front.
If you’re spending Christmas in Oklahoma City, expect chilly mornings, some wind, and the possibility of sudden weather changes all in one day.
Panhandle Versus Southeastern Oklahoma
The Oklahoma panhandle is the coldest spot in the state at Christmas. Nights often fall into the teens °F, and snow shows up here more than anywhere else in Oklahoma.
The semi-arid climate makes the air feel really dry, and winds can cut right through you.
Southeastern Oklahoma, on the other hand, stays milder. Temperatures usually range from the upper 30s °F at night to the upper 40s or low 50s °F during the day.
Snow is rare, but cold rain and sometimes freezing rain are more likely.
So, you might get a white Christmas in the panhandle, while the southeast is more likely to be damp and gray. If you’re traveling, plan your clothes and route with these differences in mind.
December Climate Overview
December in Oklahoma brings cool days, cold nights, and a mix of clear and cloudy skies. Afternoons can be pretty mild compared to other states, but temps fall fast after sunset.
Rain is more common than snow, but wintry weather still pops up now and then.
Sunshine varies—a few bright days, then stretches of gray.
Average Highs and Lows in December
December highs usually run from the mid-40s to mid-50s °F (7–13 °C). Nights get much colder, dropping into the upper 20s or low 30s °F (-2 to 1 °C).
Central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, averages about 50 °F for highs and 32 °F for lows.
Eastern Oklahoma tends to be a bit warmer and more humid, while western areas are cooler and drier.
Temps can swing a lot in just a week. One day you’re in the 60s °F (15–20 °C), then a cold front drops highs into the 30s °F (0–4 °C).
This happens because Oklahoma sits between warm southern air and cold northern systems.
Typical December Precipitation Patterns
December rainfall is usually light to moderate. Most places get 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38–64 mm) for the month.
Eastern Oklahoma gets more rain, while the Panhandle and western counties stay drier.
Snow does happen, but it’s not much. On average, you might see 1–2 days with snow, and it’s usually less than 2 inches.
Big snows are rare, but they can happen when strong cold fronts meet moist Gulf air.
Moisture tends to come in quick bursts, not steady rain. Cold fronts bring fast showers, and sometimes you’ll get freezing rain or sleet.
If you’re traveling, watch out for icy patches—they’re more common than deep snow.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in December
December days in Oklahoma average 5–6 hours of sunshine. You’ll notice a mix of clear and overcast days.
Clouds roll in when storm systems pass through, but skies usually clear up again pretty quickly.
December brings the shortest days of the year, with about 9.5 to 10 hours of daylight. Evenings cool off fast.
Western Oklahoma usually gets more sun, while the east stays cloudier thanks to higher humidity.
If you like crisp, bright winter days, the western half of the state gives you better odds for clear skies.
Factors Influencing Christmas Weather
Oklahoma’s Christmas weather depends on geography and the big climate patterns at play. Elevation, landforms, and regional air masses all shape what you’ll experience.
Impact of Geography and Elevation
Oklahoma sits at the crossroads of several big air masses. Cold, heavy Arctic air often pushes down from the Plains, while milder Gulf air can move north.
These systems meet and cause those sharp December temperature swings.
Elevation matters, too. The Panhandle and higher western areas sit at greater heights, so they get cooler average temperatures compared to central and eastern Oklahoma.
Lower elevations in the southeast stay a bit warmer.
Because the terrain changes so much, you can see totally different weather just a short drive apart.
For example, Oklahoma City averages highs in the 40s on Christmas, but towns in the Panhandle are colder and get more wind chill.
This variety explains why some areas rarely see snow, while others get a bit more.
Role of Regional Climate Zones
Oklahoma sits right between humid and dry climate zones. That means you’ll sometimes get moisture rolling up from the Gulf, and other times, dry air sweeps in from the west.
This combination really shapes whether Christmas brings clear skies, a bit of rain, or—if you’re lucky—a rare dusting of snow.
The eastern half of Oklahoma, with its higher humidity, usually gets more light rain on Christmas. If you look at the records, rain has happened more often than snow in Oklahoma City during the holidays.
Western counties, on the other hand, tend to stay colder and see less precipitation. The air out there is just drier.
These climate zones also set the stage for some wild temperature swings. Warm winds from the south can push temperatures up into the 60s or 70s. Sometimes, though, an Arctic blast will drop the mercury below zero.
It’s really this tug-of-war between different air masses that makes Oklahoma’s Christmas weather so unpredictable.
Travel and Holiday Planning Tips
Weather in Oklahoma around Christmas jumps between chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and the occasional rain shower. If you plan ahead for these changes, you’ll stay comfortable and dodge travel issues during the holidays.
Packing Recommendations for Christmas in Oklahoma
Try to pack clothes that work for both cool and warmish weather. Most days, highs land in the 50s or 60s, but nights can get close to freezing.
A light or medium jacket, some sweaters, and long sleeves will cover you for most situations.
Bring layers so you can peel them off or add more as the weather shifts. A scarf, hat, and gloves come in handy for those cold mornings or evenings, especially if you’re headed north or out into rural areas.
Rain isn’t super common, but it happens, so toss in a small umbrella or a waterproof jacket just in case. Shoes that handle both dry and wet ground will save you some trouble if you’re outside for a while.
Thinking about checking out holiday light displays or outdoor events? Dress in layers you can shed easily. If you’ve got kids, bring extra blankets or coats to keep everyone cozy during nighttime fun.
Travel Considerations for Holiday Weather
Holiday travel in Oklahoma usually goes smoothly, since snow rarely causes problems. Still, it’s smart to prepare for sudden weather changes—Oklahoma weather can surprise you sometimes.
Rain showers might make roads slick, especially down in the southeast. Early morning frost can sneak up and mess with your driving visibility.
Check the Oklahoma Department of Transportation or tune in to local news for road condition updates before you leave home. Even though snow doesn’t happen often, ice patches can show up on bridges and overpasses after a cold night.
If you’re flying, give yourself extra time at the airport. Holiday crowds can slow everything down, and even if Oklahoma’s weather seems fine, connecting flights up north might get delayed by snow.
For long drives, pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, and a blanket. It sounds simple, but it really helps if you hit unexpected delays on the road.