The climate of Tulsa
Enveloped in the sweeping landscapes of
Oklahoma,
Tulsa lies within a humid subtropical zone as per Köppen climate classification. Humid subtropical is characterized by Cfa, wherein no dry season persists with hot summers and mild winters defining the weather pattern. This geographical positioning influences Tulsa's climate to result in fluctuating weather patterns throughout the year.
Altering climatic attributes propel changes from a low temperature of 31.1°F (-0.5°C) in winter months to a staggering high of 91.2°F (32.9°C) during peak summer. Concurrently, relative humidity averages from 67% to 79%, providing a moist environment throughout the year. This creates a tangible variation between the months in weather patterns as each parameter modifies seasonally.
Creating conditions for a robust pattern of scattered rainfall throughout the year, rainfall inches mount up from a minimum of 0.75" (19mm) to reach a maximum of 3.78" (96mm), with the frequency of rainfall days varying notably from 4.9 days to 13.8 days. This frequent rainfall makes Tulsa a green haven during the wetter periods of the year. Distinctive from rainfall, snowfall remains a less dramatic climatic event in this city, with the occurrence stated in minimal inches, peaking at 0.79" (20mm), and is experienced on fewer days compared to rainfall.
The best time to visit Tulsa
Arranging a trip to
Tulsa warrants consideration of suitable climatic conditions to fully enjoy the city's charm. The best time to enjoy Tulsa's weather is during the spring months of
March,
April and
May. Average temperatures fluctuate from 49.8°F (9.9°C) to 76.1°F (24.5°C) with a blend of sunshine hours remaining between 10.9 hours to 14.1 hours ensuring a pleasant atmosphere.
Rainfall is also moderate during the spring season, with rainfall inches varying between 1.57" (40mm) to 3.78" (96mm). Providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities, the UV index also remains under balanced levels at 4 to 6, ensuring protection from harmful solar radiations.
The worst time to visit Tulsa
Travellers may find the summer months of
June,
July, and
August uncomfortably hot as temperatures soar up to 91.2°F (32.9°C), making outdoor activities strenuous. Furthermore, relative humidity levels remain high towards 75%, exacerbating the perception of heat. Despite longer daylight hours reaching 14.6 hours, overall conditions during this time may not be appealing for those intolerant to high temperatures.
Spring weather in Tulsa
The spring season in
Tulsa witnesses a bloom of warmth as temperatures mount from 49.8°F (9.9°C) to 76.1°F (24.5°C). This is accompanied by a progressive increase in sunshine hours from 6.5 hours to 8.5 hours. The frequency of rainfall days does increase gradually, marking the onset of a wet period. The wind speed remains reasonably quiet, fluctuating between 10.2mph (16.4km/h) to 8.9mph (14.3km/h). This creates an amiable atmosphere favourable for outdoor activities, thereby making spring an enticing season to visit Tulsa.
Summer weather in Tulsa
Summer in
Tulsa is characterized by hot and humid conditions. Daytime temperatures may rise to a peak of 91.2°F (32.9°C), accompanied by a high relative humidity of 75%. Rainfall remains moderate in this season with rainfall inches ranging from 1.42" (36mm) to 2.17" (55mm). The daylight hours extend to a maximum of 14.6 hours, increasing the exposure to sun radiation, supported by a high UV index of 7.
Autumn weather in Tulsa
Autumn in
Tulsa paints a pleasant climate picture.
September,
October, and
November feature temperatures that scale down from 83.3°F (28.5°C) to 59°F (15°C), creating a comfortable atmosphere. Despite dwindling daylight hours from 12.4 hours to 10.3 hours, the mood remains jubilant with ample sunshine hours. Rainfall during autumn varies from 2.01" (51mm) to 1.02" (26mm), along with a decreasing trend in the number of rainfall days, rendering autumn a favorable season for tourism.
Winter weather in Tulsa
Winter in
Tulsa unveils a cold and dry landscape with temperatures plunging down to 31.1°F (-0.5°C). Despite the frosty temperatures, a small amount of snowfall is recorded, with snowfall inches not exceeding 0.79" (20mm), and snowfall days limited to a maximum of 2.4 days. Sunshine hours reduce significantly, ranging from 5.6 hours to 5.9 hours, but daylight hours also shrink to 9.7 hours by the end of
December. With the pressure reading a high of 30.13 in and a lower wind speed of 9.2mph (14.8km/h), winter in Tulsa offers a serene and tranquil setting.
Weather in January
Tulsa,
Oklahoma kicks off the year with relative coldness. The winter chill begins to ease slightly later in the month. Compared to
December,
January does see a slight increase in both minimal and maximal temperatures indicating the onset of a transition from winter to spring.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February witnesses a continued thawing trend. There is a further slight increase in both low and high temperatures, indicating a steady march towards spring. While fewer in number compared to
January, snowfall days are still present in February making it the last month of the year to experience such climates.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma, takes a decided step towards spring with the complete disappearance of snowfall coupled with a noticeable rise in temperatures. The transition between winter and spring becomes evident as temperatures manage to cross the 60°F (15.6°C), a key difference from
February's chill.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April continues
March's trend, solidifying spring's hold on
Tulsa's weather pattern. The warming trend is profound with nearly no chance of any lingering winter chills. However, the rain persists, slightly higher than in March, accompanying the blooming period in full swing.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma, marks a significant shift towards summer. The chill completely dissipates as temperatures maintain a steady climb upwards. The high temperature inevitably leads to elevated levels of humidity, a feature noticeably absent in
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June unfolds summer in
Tulsa in all its glory. The weather conditions shift discernibly from spring towards the classic heat of Midwestern US in full swing, peaking at a scorching 86.4°F (30.2°C). From here on, cloud cover diminishes significantly, reaching an annual low, enabling the sunshine to reign supreme.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically the hottest month in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma with only
August giving close competition. There are similarities in weather behaviour between
June and July, still, July shines forth as slightly "more" in every aspect. The peak temperatures often soar beyond 90°F (32.2°C), occasionally causing discomfort due to high humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues
July's hot weather streak in
Tulsa, with a slight cooling trend towards its tail end. The heat doesn't subside significantly but with August, there's a sense of anticipation in the air for cooler fall days ahead.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma, brings the long-awaited respite from scorching heat. A welcome drop in overall temperatures indicates the advent of fall, a stark contrast to the preceding
August. The number of daylight hours and direct sunshine also decrease gradually.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees more concrete signs of fall setting in
Tulsa. The weather is significant with dropping temperature scales, providing a sharp contrast between the ongoing fall and approaching winter. However, there is a reduction in rainfall in comparison to
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a definitive plunge in temperatures moving closer to winter, a far cry from the warmth observed in
October. There are visibly shorter days and the cool winds continue entering
Tulsa. The fall gives way to chill and occasionally, traces of snowfall might be observed marking the onset of an early winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December welcomes the full arrival of winter in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma, with temperatures consistently falling compared to
November. The weather becomes significantly colder with an increased chance of snowfall, providing a characteristic winter scenario.
Weather in December »