Does It Snow In Oklahoma? Snowy Weather & What To Expect
Are You Wondering If It Snows In Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s winter weather and snowfall can vary from year to year. We’ve spent the majority of every winter in Oklahoma during our lifetime and each winter season is unique.
Winters are usually mild on average with little snowfall. Some winters see very low temperatures and heavier snow amounts, depending on the location, but not for an extended period. Although, we typically don’t see above 30 inches of snow per year on average even in the snowiest part of the state.
Best place to see snow in Oklahoma? You need to be in the panhandle area, in the northwestern part of the state.
Does It Snow In Oklahoma?
To put it simply, yes! It snows in Oklahoma, and boy is it a treat when it does. That is if you’re a fan of those white, icy crystals. Snowfall amounts are typically low in comparison to many other areas of our world but do occasionally occur.
Our family delights in a snow-covered day filled with building forts and snowmen, roaring fires, hot cocoa, and indoor games.
What month does it start snowing in Oklahoma?
We often see the season’s first snowfall in November or December, whether it’s a dusting or a few inches. Snowfall was recorded in Oklahoma as early as the 2nd week of October back in 1970.
How often does it snow in Oklahoma?
Residents in northwestern Oklahoma typically see heavy snowfall at least 1 to 2 times a year on average, according to the National Weather Service. WFO Norman conducted a study of 50 years of daily snowfall amounts from 1951 to 2001.
They found that the average number of snowfalls each winter season over that time period was typically between 4 and 5 times. However, some years saw very little. Peak snowfall occurred in January typically. However, March has proven to have several major snowfalls with record totals.
The regions most prone to significant snowfall are the panhandle and counties in the northwest with higher elevation.
During this period, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Lawton, each typically experienced a snowfall event with accumulations of 4 inches or more once every one to two years. As for more substantial snowfalls of 8 inches or more, Tulsa averaged such an event approximately once every five years, Oklahoma City once every five to ten years, and Lawton once every ten to twenty years.
Although the peak months for these significant snowfalls of 8 inches or more typically align with those for the 4-inch snowfalls, in northeast Oklahoma, the peak for the heavier snow events tends to shift towards March.
Best Places For Snow In Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s panhandle and most northwestern parts of the state usually see the most snowfall.
Buffalo, OK holds the record for the most snowfall in the state. 36 inches of snow was recorded on February 20, 1971, during one snowy event. In some places, snowdrifts reached heights of up to 20 feet. Interestingly enough, the nearby Boise City area saw only about 3 inches.
Oklahoma has roughly 68,577 square miles of land and about 1,302 square miles of water. As the 19th largest state in our country with varied elevations, one region may see snowfall while another part of the state sees little to none during any weather occurrence.
Snowfall Totals In Oklahoma
Check out this meteorologist’s map depicting on average, how much snowfall each area of Oklahoma has received each year over the past couple of decades. The panhandle has received roughly 20 to 30 inches of snow each year on average. The Oklahoma City area has averaged between 6 and 8 inches of snow. Snowfall totals lessen to the south on average.
The Christmas Eve blizzard of 2009 was memorable, with high snow totals across the state for a rare snowy Christmas. In 2021, we experienced heavy snowfall with 6 to 8 inches at our location in the metro area. Just miles away saw far less. Snowfalls can vary in amounts, locations, and intensities from year to year, but we usually see at least a little.
Oklahomans are resourceful. We are pros at making remarkable snow creations from both wet and dry snow, and with very little snowfall at all.
Winters In Oklahoma
Oklahoma winters are always unique. Snowfall varies depending on the year. When visiting, pack t-shirts and fleece-lined pants if you plan to stay for a while because temps and weather patterns can change drastically fairly quickly. Fortunately, we have some of the best meteorologists and state-of-the-art technology in the country to keep us up-to-date and prepared.
What is the coldest month in Oklahoma?
January is usually the coldest month in Oklahoma. The coldest January in Oklahoma City and much of Oklahoma on record dates back to January of 1930.
How cold does it get in Oklahoma?
Our record lows were recorded as -27 degrees in 1905 and 1930. Cold does not necessarily mean snowfall, however, and vice versa. Oklahoma can see snow, ice, or rain during winter months. Our driest areas often see the highest snowfall.
Weather In Oklahoma
The weather in Oklahoma likes to keep us on our toes. We may have 2 weeks of temperatures in the teens during winter and then suddenly have a day in the 80s in February.
There have been weeks where sleet, low temps, rain storms, tornado warnings, and winter warnings have all occurred in the same week. But that’s rare. A 60+ degree change from one day to the next has been known to occur occasionally.
Oklahoma’s landforms are anything but ordinary. From rolling plains, mesas, and buttes in the west to forests, gorges, and mountain ranges across the state to the east, Oklahoma’s ecoregions are many. The ecological variety in Oklahoma is closely linked to the state’s diverse climate, topography, geological features, types of soil, and the ways in which the land is utilized.
Precipitation overall increases to the east, while rainfall variability increases westward. The combination of these factors causes temperatures to increase to the south.
Does Oklahoma have 4 seasons?
Yes! One of the best things about Oklahoma is its distinct and varied seasons. If you’re a fan of seasonal changes and weather patterns, we just might need to be on your must-visit radar.
Winter
Winters further south remain mild while northern and northwestern counties are typically mild but colder. Oklahoma’s winter weather can vary greatly across the state.
Spring
Signs of spring begin in February and March with green grass blades poking through the earth, and blossoming dogwoods. Our state tree, the Eastern Redbud, turns vibrant shades of purple in March and April. Expect a mixture of warm days and cooler days as well. You might see a late snowfall or an early 80-degree day on any given week.
With some of the most active tornado seasons, our meteorologists are some of the best in the country with the most up-to-date advanced weather technology available.
Summer
Summers are usually hot with occasional 100+ degree days by July and August. Averages are usually mid-80s to lower 90’s. June is often warm.
Fall
Temps are typically cooler in the fall, and some of the native deciduous trees turn vibrant colors of yellow, red, or orange, while many stay brown. Color changes usually occur anytime between mid-October to late November. Rainfall throughout the year and early freezes play heavily into our foliage turnout.
Tired of those hot, warm days? Don’t worry, cooler temps and possibly snow are just around the corner, and vice versa. About the time you’re exhausted from one season or type of weather, a seasonal relief and change is just around the corner.
How hot does Oklahoma get?
Oklahoma can get fairly hot during the summer months and into early fall. Our hottest temperature recorded was 120 degrees, at 6 different times over the years. Oklahoma City’s record temp is 113 degrees. It is not uncommon to see multiple days above 100 during July or August. The hottest summers usually average in the 80’s with temps in the 80’s and 90’s. August is the hottest month in Oklahoma.
From May to September, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, with some years seeing frequent occurrences according to the Oklahoma Climatological Survey. Such high temperatures are very rare in April and October.
Western Oklahoma typically endures the most intense heat during the summer, with 30 to 40 days registering temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above, which is more than any other region in the state.
National Weather Center in Norman, OK
The National Weather Center (NWC) in Norman, Oklahoma, is a hub of meteorological research, operations, and education, jointly operated by the University of Oklahoma and several federal government organizations, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This state-of-the-art facility houses a collaboration of scientists, students, and weather professionals who work on advancing the understanding of atmospheric phenomena and improving forecasting techniques.
The NWC is equipped with cutting-edge technology and provides critical resources for severe weather monitoring and prediction, playing a vital role in the nation’s weather and climate initiatives. It also serves as a training ground for the next generation of meteorologists, offering educational tours and interactive exhibits to the public.
Things To Do In Winter In Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s generally mild winters provide opportunities for people to enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities. Check out some of our favorites.
1. Devon Ice Rink
The Devon Ice Rink in Oklahoma City is open from late November to early February each year. Although not open throughout the winter, it’s available during a large portion of the winter season. It’s nestled within the Myriad Gardens and near the Crystal Bridge. This urban outdoor skate rink is a terrific way to have fun and get some exercise during the cold, winter months.
2. Pickleball Establishments
We love spending warmer winter days playing pickleball. There are several facilities with indoor and outdoor courts. Some have the added bonus of providing snacks, food, and other indoor and outdoor games as well. A couple of our favorites:
- Chicken N Pickle in Oklahoma City
- Pryor’s Pizza Kitchen in Norman, OK (check out their outdoor fireplace setups)
3. Thunder Games
The Oklahoma City Thunder is a professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City, competing in the Western Conference of the NBA. Known for their passionate fan base and dynamic play, the Thunder have become a prominent fixture in the league since their relocation from Seattle in 2008. Watching a game is a great way to spend a cold, winter day!
4. Museums
What better way to spend a dreary winter day than in an Oklahoma museum! There are incredible museums across the state, featuring art, history, interactive learning, and children’s museums. A few to keep on your radar:
- Science Museum in OKC
- Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa
- Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole, OK
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art in OKC
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
5. iFly
Oklahoma’s iFly offers an exhilarating indoor skydiving experience that makes it an ideal winter activity, as it is unaffected by the cold weather outside. The facility provides a unique opportunity for adventure seekers to experience the thrill of freefall without the need for an airplane or parachute, all within a controlled and safe environment.
6. Parks
Oklahoma’s parks provide beautiful outdoor spaces for picnicking, hiking, bike riding, walking, and fishing in Oklahoma, to name a few. We’ve visited several on snowy days to enjoy the wonders that nature provides. Parks across the state stay busier on warmer, winter days.
7. Zoos
The Tulsa Zoo offers a diverse array of exhibits and is home to over 2,000 animals. It provides interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Oklahoma City Zoo, a haven for over 1,900 animal species, features a range of botanical habitats, animal experiences, and a Children’s Zoo.
Both zoos are celebrated attractions in their respective cities, providing educational fun for all. Mild winter temps allow for great opportunities to plan a trip to an Oklahoma zoo.
Wrap-Up: Does It Snow In Oklahoma?
While it does snow in Oklahoma, it doesn’t snow often. Our state’s weather is exciting and sometimes inconsistent. For those of you who enjoy a good change of pace with varied seasons and weather, it can be pretty perfect.
Our snowfalls may be light and infrequent, but it makes them all the more wondrous and magical. Typically, they’re a winter treat when they occur.
Oklahoma isn’t exactly known for its snow totals each year, but there are plenty of things to do in winter to entertain, regardless of the weather. If you’re patient, you might witness some Oklahoma snow after all.
