From the sunny street festivals of summer to the snowy serenity of winter, each part of the year lends its own wonders in Oklahoma City. When determining the best time to visit the city, it’s all a matter of preference, as events, weather and wardrobe vary throughout the year. There may not be a single “perfect” time to visit, but rather four distinct seasons that feel perfect for different types of travelers. Our guide breaks it down to help you choose the moment that’s right for you.
SPRING
As birds chirp, flowers blossom and warmer weather wafts through The Modern Frontier, spring is officially in bloom. Aside from occasional spring showers and windy days, OKC spring is a comfortable time to visit, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, offering a season that inspires outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Outdoor Spaces in Bloom
Nothing says “spring” like a bed of fresh flowers and a lawn fit for a picnic. Travelers can soak it all in at Myriad Botanical Gardens, a lush 15-acre oasis in the heart of downtown OKC, complete with ornamental gardens, splash fountains and a playground.
This is also a great time to explore the city’s many neighborhood parks and trails, like the Martin Park Nature Center and nearly 100 miles of interconnected trails throughout the region. For a picnic, stock up at 30th Street Market and walk a block north to charming, tree-lined Edgemere Park.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
Spring is high time for events and festivals, including some of the city’s most beloved traditions: the Festival of the Arts, the Paseo Arts Festival and deadCenter Film Festival.
Easy Sightseeing Weather
With nature abloom, it’s the perfect season for sightseeing in OKC, from lighthouse sunsets at Lake Hefner to wetland adventures at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, and quirky attractions along scenic Route 66.
Learn more in our spring travel guide.
SUMMER
Come summer, longer days, stacked event calendars and abundant sunshine give visitors lots to do. A season pulsing with energy and excitement, summer in OKC is a home run. Just remember to bring sunscreen.
Scissortail Park Activities & Events
OKC’s downtown “front lawn,” Scissortail Park, offers 70 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns, fields, playgrounds and sports courts, along with events and markets all season. Highlights include Scissortail Park Night Markets, Oklahoma PrideFest and a summer concert series.
Oklahoma City Public Farmers Market Highlights
The historic OKC Public Farmers Market comes to life in the summer, bustling with energy and events, like a solstice festival, Vintage 405 Fest and, of course, its iconic weekly farmers markets. Be sure to grab a margarita for the patio at Powerhouse while you’re there.
Family Friendly Attractions & Summer Events
During summer vacation, it’s the perfect time to visit family friendly attractions like the OKC Zoo, Frontier City Theme Park and Riversport OKC, where kids can cool off on tubes and rafts. For hotter days, seek out indoor fun at the Science Museum Oklahoma.
Learn more in our summer travel guide.
FALL
It’s easy to fall in love with OKC fall, a season of crisper temperatures, cozier outings and festive traditions.
Orr Family Farm & Fall Attractions
Fall is the perfect time for “agri-tainment” at Orr Family Farm, where visitors can celebrate the season with a giant corn maze, hayrides and a pumpkin patch. Other attractions include an animal barn, a fishing pond and a fully restored 1974 vintage carousel.
Myriad Botanical Gardens in Autumn
Like the weather, Myriad Botanical Gardens changes through the seasons, with fall signaling the return of the family-favorite Pumpkinville festival. In October, the gardens feature colorful displays made with 30,000 pumpkins, along with activities like pumpkin painting, storytelling and a vendor market. This is also a great time to warm up indoors at the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.
Outdoor Events & Festivals
The most festive time of year, fall marks the annual return of the Oklahoma State Fair, the Asian Night Market Festival, the Plaza District Festival and Ok!toberfest at OKC Fair Park.
Learn more in our fall travel guide.
WINTER
A season to be merry and bright, OKC winter means shorter days and cooler temps, with colorful holiday experiences across the city and annual traditions steeped in nostalgia.
Downtown in December Celebrations
The holiday season kicks off with Downtown in December, a series of family friendly events and activities throughout the city center. From November through the new year, visitors can experience Christmas classics like Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” and OKC Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Civic Center Music Hall.
The Holiday Pop-Up Shops are an annual mainstay in Midtown for holiday shoppers, while the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival takes place in Bricktown in November, with Santa in tow.
Holiday Lights & Seasonal Displays
For more holiday lights, pose for photos by the enormous Christmas tree at The National, Autograph Collection Hotel, then stroll down Broadway to marvel at all the lights in Automobile Alley. You can even see lights from the water, on a Bricktown Water Taxi, as you sail past light displays on the Bricktown Canal.
Ice Skating at Devon Ice Rink
A timeless holiday tradition, families can lace up their skates and hit the ice at the Devon Ice Rink. Located at Myriad Botanical Gardens, the rink is open to the public seven days a week starting mid-November.
Learn more in our winter travel guide.
PLAN THE IDEAL OKC TRIP
Whether you’re looking for scenic sightseeing in spring, fun in the summer sun, a family friendly fall festival or holiday cheer, every season in OKC brings its own reasons to visit. Plan your trip based on what you’d like to experience and explore the rest of our seasonal guides to start building your perfect itinerary.
