Weather in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast25%86°74°
- SundayMay 17Thunderstorm13%89°71°
- MondayMay 18Thunderstorm22%92°77°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers69%78°58°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle69%67°55°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle38%74°58°
- FridayMay 22Overcast39%75°61°
- PM 2.5
- 5.7 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.3 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 97.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:28 AM
- Moonset
- 1:51 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Tulsa at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 3°F above the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 24 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Tulsa's warmest temperatures (~83°F mean) while January delivers the coldest (~39°F). May sees peak rainfall at 5.7 inches, contrasting with February's dry 1.6 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39° | 1.6″ | 3 |
| February | 43° | 1.6″ | 4 |
| March | 52° | 3.1″ | 5 |
| April | 61° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| May | 70° | 5.7″ | 7 |
| June | 79° | 4.7″ | 7 |
| July | 83° | 3.8″ | 5 |
| August | 82° | 3.4″ | 5 |
| September | 74° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| October | 62° | 3.8″ | 5 |
| November | 50° | 2.7″ | 4 |
| December | 41° | 2.4″ | 4 |
Regional context
Tulsa falls within a humid subtropical climate region — part of a group that shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with nearby cities.
Similar climates: Oklahoma City, OK, Norman, OK, Broken Arrow, OK, Edmond, OK, Lawton, OK.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the distinctive calls of Mississippi Kites returning to Tulsa's mature trees, their sleek forms cutting through warming air currents.
Eastern Redbuds finish their magenta bloom by early May, leaving heart-shaped leaves to unfurl as the city transitions into summer heat.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Tulsa?
- Tulsa's last spring frost typically falls around mid-April, and the first fall frost arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Tulsa?
- May is the wettest month with about 5.7 inches of rain on average; the city receives roughly 41 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Tulsa?
- July is typically warmest, averaging about 83°F.
- What is the coldest month in Tulsa?
- January is typically coldest, averaging about 39°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Tulsa?
- Cool-season crops (peas, lettuce) can be sown around the last spring frost (mid-April); warm-season crops (tomatoes, peppers) wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Tulsa get?
- Tulsa averages about 60 rainy days per year.
- What hardiness zone is Tulsa?
- Tulsa's USDA hardiness zone is determined by its lowest average winter temperature; check the USDA's online lookup with the city ZIP for the current zone designation.
Climate
Tulsa, Oklahoma sits in a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 39°F while July averages 83°F — a 45°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Tulsa receives about 41 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 60 rainy days.
Geography sets the rhythm here through latitude (36.1°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation — factors that determine what grows, when frost strikes, and daily weather patterns.