Oklahoma weather and outdoor projects
Oklahoma has hot summers, mild to cold winters and very active spring weather, with frequent thunderstorms in April through June. Oklahoma City and Tulsa often see summer highs in the upper 90s or above, and wind is common across the state.
Fall is usually the most reliable season for exterior projects. In summer, work early to avoid heat that flash-dries stain and paint and cracks concrete. Ice storms are a winter hazard. Strong winds make spraying paint or weed killer difficult on many days, so check the hourly wind forecast.
Frost dates in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 4 and the median first fall freeze is around November 2, a frost-free season of about 213 days.
In Tulsa, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 31 and the median first fall freeze is around November 4, a frost-free season of about 220 days.
How Oklahoma compares with other states
Oklahoma City is tied for the 6th-shortest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (3 good months). Oklahoma City has the 8th-most days at 90°F or hotter of the 50 state main stations (74 a year). Oklahoma City has the 12th-least humid summer afternoons of the 47 state main stations (45% humidity at 3 PM, June–August).
| Measure (Oklahoma City) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 3 good months | 38th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 213 days | 24th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 72 a year | 33rd of 50 |
| Rainy days | 53 a year with 0.1 in or more | 36th of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 74 a year | 8th of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 45% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 36th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the most reliable months are May and September–October. March–April and June can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Apr 71°F, Jun 88°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In November, nights average about 38°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March–April, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Tulsa, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Jun 88°F, Nov 61°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March, nights average about 41°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 61°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to paint outside in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Jun 88°F, Nov 61°F). January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In February and December, nights average about 30°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March and November, nights average about 39°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Tulsa, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Jun 88°F, Nov 61°F). January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. In February and December, nights average about 31°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March and November, nights average about 40°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to pour concrete in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Nov 61°F). December–February averages about 19 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 7 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Tulsa, the most reliable months are April–October. March and November can also work on the right days (average highs Mar 63°F, Nov 61°F). December–February averages about 18 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. March and November bring about 7 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Best time to seal a driveway in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 71°F, Oct 73°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In March and November, nights average about 39°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Tulsa, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days (average highs Apr 72°F, Oct 74°F). December–February is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In March and November, nights average about 40°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 50°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma City, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. February, June and December can also work on the right days (average highs Feb 54°F, Jun 88°F, Dec 50°F). January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. February and December are cool, with highs around 52°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Tulsa, the most reliable months are March–May and September–November. February, June and December can also work on the right days (average highs Feb 54°F, Jun 88°F, Dec 51°F). January is too cold, with average highs around 49°F. July–August is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 23 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. February and December are cool, with highs around 52°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June is hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Oklahoma
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 93°F | 27°F | 36 in | April 4 | November 2 |
| Tulsa | 94°F | 28°F | 41 in | March 31 | November 4 |
Of the places above, Tulsa has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (15 job-months), and Oklahoma City has the fewest (14).
Monthly weather in Oklahoma City
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 27°F | 2 | 1.3 in | 43% | 22 |
| February | 54°F | 31°F | 3 | 1.4 in | 42% | 15 |
| March | 63°F | 40°F | 5 | 2.5 in | 41% | 6 |
| April | 71°F | 48°F | 5 | 3.6 in | 44% | 1 |
| May | 79°F | 58°F | 7 | 5.3 in | 51% | 0 |
| June | 88°F | 66°F | 6 | 4.5 in | 50% | 0 |
| July | 93°F | 70°F | 4 | 3.6 in | 43% | 0 |
| August | 92°F | 69°F | 5 | 3.6 in | 42% | 0 |
| September | 84°F | 62°F | 5 | 3.7 in | 46% | 0 |
| October | 73°F | 49°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 44% | 1 |
| November | 61°F | 38°F | 3 | 1.7 in | 44% | 8 |
| December | 50°F | 30°F | 3 | 1.8 in | 46% | 19 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Tulsa
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 28°F | 3 | 1.6 in | 47% | 22 |
| February | 54°F | 32°F | 4 | 1.6 in | 44% | 16 |
| March | 63°F | 41°F | 5 | 3.1 in | 42% | 7 |
| April | 72°F | 50°F | 6 | 4.4 in | 45% | 1 |
| May | 80°F | 60°F | 7 | 5.7 in | 52% | 0 |
| June | 88°F | 69°F | 7 | 4.7 in | 52% | 0 |
| July | 94°F | 73°F | 5 | 3.8 in | 47% | 0 |
| August | 93°F | 72°F | 5 | 3.4 in | 45% | 0 |
| September | 85°F | 63°F | 6 | 3.9 in | 47% | 0 |
| October | 74°F | 51°F | 5 | 3.8 in | 45% | 1 |
| November | 61°F | 39°F | 4 | 2.7 in | 45% | 8 |
| December | 51°F | 31°F | 4 | 2.4 in | 49% | 18 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, TULSA INTL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma City, May and September–October. In Tulsa, April–May and September–October.
When is the last frost in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City: around April 4; Tulsa: around March 31.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Oklahoma?
Yes, with cold-weather practices: Oklahoma City averages about 56 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma City, May–September. In Tulsa, May–September.