The climate of Elk City
Characterized by a Humid subtropical climate,
Elk City,
Oklahoma is nestled in a climate zone that doesn't experience a dry season. This falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. The percipitation patterns throughout the year are fairly stable, though there are months where rainfall does peak noticeably.
The general weather pattern in Elk City is of moderately high temperatures with a humidity range from 51% to 62%, a hint of the subtropical characteristic. On average, the highest temperature registers at 94.8°F (34.9°C) in
July, and then the mercury gradually lowers to around 49.3°F (9.6°C) in
December. Meanwhile, the lowest temperatures drop to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in
January and generally rises up to its peak at 73.8°F (23.2°C) in July.
Annual rainfalls fluctuation is evident throughout the year. The wettest month is
May with an average rainfall of 3.11" (79mm), while the least rainfall is observed in December, with only 0.71" (18mm). Despite the yearly variance and wavering percipitation, there are months with lesser rainfall days. May holds the record with an average of 12.1 days of rain while December only averages 3.8 days.
The presence of occasional snow during the winter months is also worth noting. Peaks of snowfall do occur, specifically in
February with a measurement of 1.73" (44mm). Furthermore, the city experiences the maximum daylight hours of 14.5 hours in
June, with the least daylight period in December, limiting to just 9.8 hours. The average wind speeds, as well, vary noticeably, peaking at 13.1mph (21.1km/h) in
April.
The best time to visit Elk City
For visitors inclined towards pleasant weather,
May to
September are considered as the optimum months to visit
Elk City. During this period the city experiences higher temperatures, with averages ranging from 70.7°F (21.5°C) to 94.8°F (34.9°C). It records the most sunshine hours with more than 10 hours per day on average, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Elk City
The period between
December and
February marks the least favorable time to visit
Elk City due to dropping temperatures and increased snowfall. With lowest temperatures plummeting down to 31.5°F (-0.3°C) during this period, outdoor activities can be somewhat uncomfortable. Additionally, the limited daylight hours during winter might not be appealing to many.
Spring weather in Elk City
As
Elk City transitions from winter to spring, the temperatures increase from an average of 43°F (6.1°C) in
March to 59.5°F (15.3°C) by the end of
May. Rainfall, too, starts increasing in this period, with May receiving the maximum monhtly rainfall of 3.11" (79mm). This makes for a fairly wet spring season, but the increasing sunshine hours, which reach up to 14 hours by May, make for pleasant outdoor conditions.
Summer weather in Elk City
The summer months from
June to
August bring in the highest temperatures ranging from 71.1°F (21.7°C) to 94.8°F (34.9°C), making it the hottest period of the year. Along with the rise in temperature, the humidity levels too show an increase, offering true subtropical weather conditions. Rainfall remains significant during the summer, but the longer sunlight hours offer ample opportunity to explore the city.
Autumn weather in Elk City
Autumn, from
September to
November, welcomes a gradual decrease in temperatures, with averages falling from 65.5°F (18.6°C) in September to 41.2°F (5.1°C) by November. The daylight hours too decrease, shrinking to 10.3 hours by November. Rainfall also declines during autumn, with November recording more moderate rains at 0.79" (20mm).
Winter weather in Elk City
Winter, starting in
December, brings lower temperatures, with the lowest recorded temperature being 31.5°F (-0.3°C) in
January. This period also witnesses lesser daylight, with December only experiencing 9.8 daylight hours, the lowest during the year. Snowfall, though not significant, is a common occurrence during winter, with January and
February witnessing maximum snowfall of 0.94 and 1.73" (44mm) respectively.
Weather in January
In
Elk City, the month of
January often has a chilly start to the year, making it a great time for cozy indoor activities. January experiences the lowest temperatures in the year with highs of 49.5°F (9.7°C) and lows of 31.5°F (-0.3°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
With the arrival of
February, the residents of
Elk City see a slight shift in the weather with moderately increasing temperatures. While the cold temperatures still persist, there is a minor increase as compared to
January. It brings a slightly higher likelihood of rainfall, keeping sidewalks and trails damp.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March welcomes the initial signs of spring to
Elk City, characterized by gradually rising temperatures. The transition from winter to spring is in full swing, taking a leap from
February with temperatures reaching as high as 64°F (17.8°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sets the stage for the definitive onset of spring in
Elk City. There is a noticeable leap in temperatures compared to the chilliness of
March, making it comfortable for outdoor outings. The city experiences more rainfall during this month, contributing to blooming flora.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
Elk City,
May signifies the advent of summer with warmer temperatures and longer days. It serves as an intermediary between the pleasantness of
April and the sizzling heat of
June. Despite the increase in relative humidity to 62%, May marks the onset of a significantly drier period until the end of summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sees the weather intensifying with higher temperatures, ushering in typical summer conditions in
Elk City. It's relatively hotter than
May and remains so until
July, with an average peak temperature of about 91.9°F (33.3°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the highest temperatures of the year reaching 94.8°F (34.9°C),
July characterizes the height of summer in
Elk City. The sunny days prevail, catering to a host of alfresco activities and backyard barbecues. Despite the heat, July experiences infrequent rainfall bringing intermittent reprieves from the scorching sun.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Elk City,
August sustains the hot summer temperatures, albeit with a gradual decrease from the peak in
July. The weather still facilitates a plethora of outdoor activities, with the warmth of the summer sun combined with cooler nights.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings about a noticeable shift in
Elk City's weather as the city begins to cool down, transitioning to the fall season. There is a significant drop in temperatures from
August, reaffirming that the scorching days of summer are behind us.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Elk City in
October invites fall in its full glory, with pleasant weather and magnificent fall foliage. Compared to
September, the temperatures continue to drop, adding to the charm of the fall season. The residents experience fewer rainfall bouts, making it a favorable time for pumpkin picking and fall festivals.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Elk City witnesses a transitional phase from fall to winter, with temperatures dropping steadily from the moderate
October. The shift towards winter is palpable, with falling leaves and a distinct chill in the air.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings winter in full force to
Elk City with the average temperatures falling to a low of 32.2°F (0.1°C). The shift from
November is evident with shorter days and prolonged darkness that characterize the winter solstice.
Weather in December »