Understanding Oklahoma City Weather

Everyone seems to recognize Oklahoma tornadoes, often turning it into an exaggerated stereotype. However, what about Oklahoma City’s weather beyond its alarming spring storms? This article provides insights into the overall climate, average temperatures, precipitation, and historical records in Oklahoma City by month.

1. Climate Overview

Oklahoma City’s climate is officially classified as “humid subtropical.” This classification implies significant variation, ranging from sweltering summers to frosty winters, with a well-distributed amount of precipitation throughout the year. Moreover, OKC is positioned on the far west side of this climatic zone, exhibiting characteristics of the hotter semi-arid climate typical of west Texas and New Mexico.

2. Average Temperatures and Precipitation

June generally emerges as the wettest month of the year in Oklahoma City, while January typically records the least precipitation. Consequently, temperatures soar in July and August, with January experiencing the coldest conditions. Below is a detailed overview of average temperatures and rainfall in Oklahoma City, organized by month. All temperatures are presented in Fahrenheit, and precipitation is measured in inches. This data originates from the National Weather Service and covers observations since 1890.

• January
  Average High: 49.7
  Average Low: 28.8
  Average Precipitation: 1.39
  Record High: 83 on January 31, 1911
  Record Low: -11 on January 19, 1892
• February
  Average High: 54.6
  Average Low: 32.8
  Average Precipitation: 1.58
  Record High: 92 on February 22, 1996
  Record Low: -17 on February 12, 1899 (*all-time OKC low)
• March
  Average High: 63.4
  Average Low: 41.0
  Average Precipitation: 3.06
  Record High: 97 on March 19, 1907
  Record Low: 1 on March 11, 1948
• April
  Average High: 72.3
  Average Low: 49.7
  Average Precipitation: 3.07
  Record High: 100 on April 12, 1972
  Record Low: 20 on April 2, 1936 and April 13, 1957
• May
  Average High: 80.2
  Average Low: 59.6
  Average Precipitation: 4.65
  Record High: 104 on May 30, 1985
  Record Low: 32 on May 3, 1954
• June
  Average High: 88.1
  Average Low: 67.8
  Average Precipitation: 4.93
  Record High: 107 on June 22, 1936
  Record Low: 46 on June 2, 1917
• July
  Average High: 93.9
  Average Low: 72.2
  Average Precipitation: 2.93
  Record High: 110 on July 6, 1996 and July 9, 2011
  Record Low: 53 on July 31, 1971
• August
  Average High: 93.4
  Average Low: 71.3
  Average Precipitation: 3.28
  Record High: 113 on August 3, 2012 and August 11, 1936 (*all-time OKC high)
  Record Low: 49 on August 23, 1891 and August 30, 1915
• September
  Average High: 84.7
  Average Low: 63.2
  Average Precipitation: 4.06
  Record High: 108 on September 2, 2000 and September 3, 2000
  Record Low: 35 on September 26, 1912
• October
  Average High: 73.4
  Average Low: 51.6
  Average Precipitation: 3.71
  Record High: 97 on October 1, 1938 and October 3, 1951
  Record Low: 16 on October 30, 1917 and October 31, 1993
• November
  Average High: 61.5
  Average Low: 40.0
  Average Precipitation: 1.98
  Record High: 87 on November 8, 1980
  Record Low: 9 on November 17, 1894
• December
  Average High: 50.6
  Average Low: 30.6
  Average Precipitation: 1.88
  Record High: 86 on December 24, 1955
  Record Low: -8 on December 23, 1989