Does it Snow in Oklahoma?
Many of my friends have often asked this question whenever they’re planning to visit this state during the winter period.
Oklahoma is a state in the United States’ southern region.
The name of the state is derived from the Choctaw words “Okla” and “Humma”, which signify “red people.”
The brief answer is YES, Oklahoma does experience snow during the winter period.
Oklahoma is the 28th most populated state in the United States, with a population of roughly four million people.
The state has a total area of 177,660 square kilometers, with the highest point being Black Mesa at 4975 feet (1,516 meters) above sea level and the lowest point being the Little River at 289 feet (88 meters) above sea level.
In this post, I’ll answer in detail the question “does it snow in Oklahoma?”
Let’s get started.
Does it Snow in Oklahoma?
As previously stated, the answer is YES. Oklahoma does receive snow during the winter period.
Because the state encompasses a wide variety of latitudes, snowfall occurs at various times throughout the winter season.
Snowfall is heavier in the northern and western sections of Oklahoma than in the southern and eastern parts.
Each winter, Oklahoma City experiences 6 to 10 inches of snow.
During the winter months, however, every region of the state is prone to at least some snowfall.
Climate of Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s climate is humid subtropical.
Because it is located where warm and cold breezes combine, Oklahoma is frequently affected by tornadoes and has the highest number of thunderstorms on the planet.
Temperatures in Oklahoma fall below freezing for around 130 days per year in the panhandle and west portions of the state.
Oklahoma has a humid southern belt that merges with a cooler northern continental belt, as well as humid eastern and dry western zones that run through the state.
This results in nice weather and an annual temperature of around 60 °F (16 °C), which rises from northwest to southeast.
How Often Does it Snow in Oklahoma?
Although snowfall quantities vary widely from year to year, Omaha typically receives 6 to 10 inches of snow per season.
This figure, however, varies substantially depending on where you live in the state.
Despite being in the southern section of the state, their proximity to the Kansas border renders them vulnerable to winter weather systems from the northwest.
For example, the mountains in the northwest region of the state could get up to 12 inches of snow per year, whereas the mountains in the southeast region may only experience 5 inches.
When Does it Snow in Oklahoma?
Snow falls almost every winter, with cold temperatures prevailing from mid-October to mid-April.
The most intense stretch of winter, however, is experienced from December through February.
Throughout the winter season, Oklahoma receives 5.6 snowfall days, with an average accumulation of 7.6 inches (193 mm).
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the winter period.
December
Oklahoma experiences significant snowfall for the first time in December.
The temperature ranges from 51 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) to 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius).
Throughout the month, Oklahoma receives 1.7 snowfall days, with snow accumulations reaching 2.2 inches (55.8 mm).
January
Oklahoma’s coldest month is January. Temperatures range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) to 29 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) on average.
Snow falls for an average of 1.7 days, as in January, but the total increases to 2.88 inches (73 mm).
February
In Oklahoma, February is the final month of the snow season. Temperatures have risen overall since January.
Temperatures average between 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) and 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius), but can drop below freezing on some evenings.
After 1.3 snowfall days, the state received about 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) of snow.
Where Does it Snow in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s panhandle and northern regions are the most likely to experience heavy snowfall during the winter.
The counties bordering the Red River, on the other hand, are the least prone to see severe snowfall.
Does it Snow in Oklahoma City?
YES, Oklahoma City does experience snow during the winter period.
Oklahoma City is the state’s administrative headquarters and the largest city.
It is the most populous city in the state and ranks 26th in the country.
During the winter, temperatures in Oklahoma City average 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) and 31 degrees Fahrenheit (-0.55 degrees Celsius).
After an average of 5.6 snowfall days, annual snowfall measurements are around 7.8 inches (198 mm).
Does it Snow in Tusla, Oklahoma?
YES, Tusla in Oklahoma does experience snow during the winter season.
Tulsa is the second-largest city in Oklahoma and the 47th most populated city in the United States, with approximately 400,000 residents.
During the winter, average highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and lows of 28.9 degrees Fahrenheit (-1.7 degrees Celsius) are observed.
Tulsa has 5.7 snowfall days per year, with an average amount of 9.7 inches (246.38 mm).
Does it Snow in Lawton, Oklahoma?
YES, Lawton does experience snow although the amounts are not impressive.
Lawton is a city in southeastern Oklahoma that is 1112 feet (339 meters) above sea level.
Lawton’s winter temperatures range from 54.2 degrees Fahrenheit (12.3 degrees Celsius) to 29.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-1.5 degrees Celsius).
Despite the cold winter temperatures, Lawton only receives 2.3 inches (58.42 mm) of snow after 0.7 snowfall days.
The lack of snowfall is due to the location’s dry subtropical environment.
What are Winters Like in Oklahoma?
Winters in Oklahoma are chilly, snowy and windy.
Winter in Oklahoma can be as unpredictable as any other season.
Living in Oklahoma teaches you how to prepare for the unexpected.
It may be sunny and 70 degrees one day and 18 degrees with ice and snow the next.
Generally, the daily maximum temperatures rise by 4°F, from 55°F to 60°F, with lows rarely falling below 32°F and highs rarely exceeding 74°F.
In January, the lowest daily mean high temperature is 49°F.
Low temperatures on a daily basis average around 34°F, rarely dropping below 17°F or surpassing 52°F.
Does Oklahoma Experience Bad Winters?
Despite shorter, warmer winters caused by climate change, blizzards are expected to become more common and violent in many places.
Because warmer air contains more moisture, temperatures slightly below freezing are more likely to produce snow than temperatures far below the 32-degree Fahrenheit freezing mark.
Oklahoma is no exception to these snowstorms.
The biggest snowstorm to hit the state was the blizzard of 78.
Other instances where the state recorded huge accumulations of snow include February 1921 where 18 inches of snow was recorded, February 1971 (18 inches), March 1999 (19 inches), March 2009 (22 inches), February 2011 (25 inches), March 2009 (26 inches) and February 1971 (30 inches).
Ski Resorts in Oklahoma
There are a few ski resorts in Oklahoma that you can visit if you’re a winter sports lover. They include:
Tusla Ski Club
Tulsa Ski Club is situated in the eastern part of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
It was established as a non-profit organization to encourage the widespread interest in snow skiing.
The terrain at the resort is suitable for skiers of all skill levels.
Tusla Ski Resort is a premier, year-round organization for fun and activities in Tulsa.
Apart from skiing, you can enjoy year-round activities including backpacking, camping, rafting, bowling, and lake parties.
Additionally, they have monthly socials, golf tournaments, and other exciting activities.
Oklahoma Ski Resort
Oklahoma Ski Resort is conveniently placed near Oklahoma City, making it accessible to winter visitors to the state capital.
It includes a variety of skiing slopes, ranging from Bunny Hills for beginners to Black Diamonds for experts.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Oklahoma?”
Does it snow in Oklahoma? The answer is YES.
The state does experience on average 6 to 10 inches of snow during the winter period that runs from December to February.
The northwestern areas of Oklahoma and the Panhandle experience substantial snowfall throughout the winter, with 6-8 inches of snowfall on average each year compared to other parts of the state.
However, there are other reasons why Oklahoma is a great place to live, work, and have fun during the winter.
Learn More About Tornadoes in Oklahoma