Tulsa Climate Overview

The city of Tulsa lies along the Arkansas River at an elevation of 700 feet above sea level. The surrounding terrain is gently rolling.

At latitude 36 degrees, Tulsa is far enough north to escape the long periods of heat in summer, yet far enough south to miss the extreme cold of winter. The influence of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico is often noted, due to the high humidity, but the climate is essentially continental characterized by rapid changes in temperature. Generally the winter months are mild. Temperatures occasionally fall below zero but only last a very short time. Temperatures of 100 degrees or higher are often experienced from late July to early September, but are usually accompanied by low relative humidity and a good southerly breeze. The fall season is long with a great number of pleasant, sunny days and cool, bracing nights.

Rainfall is ample for most agricultural pursuits and is distributed favorably throughout the year. Spring is the wettest season, having an abundance of rain in the form of showers and thunderstorms.

The steady rains of fall are a contrast to the spring and summer showers and provide a good supply of moisture and more ideal conditions for the growth of winter grains and pastures. The greatest amounts of snow are received in January and early March. The snow is usually light and only remains on the ground for brief periods.

The average date of the last 32 degree temperature occurrence is late March and the average date of the first 32 degree occurrence is early November. The average growing season is 216 days.

The Tulsa area is occasionally subjected to large hail and violent windstorms which occur mostly during the spring and early summer, although occurrences have been noted throughout the year.

Prevailing surface winds are southerly during most of the year. Heavy fogs are infrequent. Sunshine is abundant. The prevalence of good flying weather throughout the year has contributed to the development of Tulsa as an aviation center.