How Hot is Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is a state in the Southcentral United States, bordered by several Southern and Midwestern states due to its unique shape. If you’re considering moving to or visiting Oklahoma, you may be wondering: how hot is the area?
Oklahoma is hot during the summer season. Generally, the average temperature in Oklahoma will vary throughout the year and the area you’re visiting. Eastern Oklahoma is more humid, while Western Oklahoma, including the panhandle, is often drier. Summers are often hot, and temperatures during winter often drop below freezing.
Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about the weather in Oklahoma throughout the year. Keep reading to learn more!
How Hot is Oklahoma on Average?
The average temperature in Oklahoma depends on which area you’re visiting.
The eastern part of Oklahoma has a humid, subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and temperate to cold winters. The western part of the state (including the panhandle), on the other hand, has more of a semi-arid climate. This area has more extreme temperatures all year long.
While the climate will vary based on the part of Oklahoma you’re in, the entire state’s weather does tend to change with the seasons. The summers are typically warm, while the winters tend to be cold across the board. Like the majority of the country, Fall is usually chilly and dry, while Spring is often accompanied by many thunderstorms.
As far as humidity goes, Oklahoma ranks low in relative humidity. According to World Population Review, the average relative humidity is just around 64%. During the summer, however, the weather can get incredibly humid.
This is because, during this time, the state’s predominant wind direction is south. Texas and other Gulf states border Oklahoma from the south, meaning the wind brings lots of hot, humid air from the state.
In the winter, however, the predominant wind direction changes. During the colder seasons, wind from northern states like Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska brings cold, dry air to Oklahoma. Generally, the air is drier and colder the further north you go.
The Average Weather in Oklahoma Through the Seasons
If you’re planning a trip to visit Oklahoma, or if you’re considering moving there and want the family to visit during a temperate time, you may be wondering what the Oklahoma climate is like throughout the seasons.
Oklahoma experiences four seasons. Winters are cold, but once Spring comes around, temperatures warm up. Summers can be extremely hot in Oklahoma. The high temperatures can last until Fall- it’s not uncommon for parts of Oklahoma to have temperatures in the 90s in September.
Below, we will discuss more details about the average weather you can expect during each of the four seasons.
Average Spring Weather in Oklahoma
The freezing temperatures of winter will subside quickly once Spring comes around, with the Oklahoman weather typically warming up gradually around mid-March. The average temperature ranges anywhere from 80-41 degrees Fahrenheit. May is typically the warmest month, but it also tends to be the rainiest, with the possibility of thunderstorms and tornadoes.
If you’re planning on visiting Oklahoma during the Spring, April tends to be the best month to go. During this month, the days are usually nice and warm, and the nights tend to have mild weather.
Average Summer Weather in Oklahoma
As we mentioned above, Oklahoma summers tend to be quite humid. The average temperature between June and August ranges between 94-64 degrees Fahrenheit, although most summer days will have highs in the 90-degree range. If you want to avoid humidity, try spending time in Northern or Western Oklahoma. These areas tend to be significantly less humid than the south and east.
Typically, summer is considered the worst time to visit Oklahoma, as the temperatures can reach scorching levels and the area experiences frequent thunderstorms and tornadoes. However, Oklahomans still try to make the best of it with summer activities, including visits to:
- Zoos
- Waterparks
- State parks
If you are going to visit Oklahoma in the summer, try to go in June while temperatures are still relatively mild.
Average Fall Weather in Oklahoma
Fall is considered the best time to plan a trip to Oklahoma. With average temperatures ranging from 87-38 degrees Fahrenheit, the humidity is low, and the weather is mild.
There are also significantly fewer tornadoes and rainfall during this time, and seeing the leaves change in the more temperate regions is a great activity. September and October are usually pretty warm, with temperatures cooling down around November.
Average Winter Weather in Oklahoma
Oklahoma winters tend to come with a lot of cold, dry air. The temperature often drops below freezing at night and will occasionally remain below freezing during the day. The average temperature ranges from 65-27 degrees Fahrenheit, with January usually being the coldest month of the year and March being the warmest.
The winter weather is especially harsh in Western Oklahoma, including the panhandle. If you’ll be visiting Oklahoma in the winter, you’ll probably want to stay in the eastern part of the state, where temperatures are milder.
What is the Hottest Part of Oklahoma?
The warmest city in Oklahoma is Chickasha, which is just southwest of the capital city of Oklahoma City.
This city is the county seat and largest city in Grady County, with a population of approximately 16,000. The average annual temperature is around 75 degrees, and Texas is the closest neighboring state.
What is the Coolest Part of Oklahoma?
Alternatively, the coldest city in Oklahoma is Kenton, a largely unpopulated town at the very tip of the panhandle.
It’s located in Cimarron County, and according to the 2010 census, there are only 17 full-time residents. The area is bordered by both New Mexico and Colorado, and the average annual low temperature is just 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
The answer to the question “how hot is Oklahoma?” largely depends on the area and time of year you choose to visit. However, you can generally expect the summers to be hot and humid and the winters to be cold and dry. The best time to visit this state is usually during the fall months.
