For anyone planning a trip to Oklahoma, the question of when is the best time to visit can be daunting.
While each part of this great state has its own unique highlights, certain times should be avoided if you want your stay to be memorable.
From the extreme weather in summer and winter, to holidays and festivals during peak season – there’s a lot to consider when it comes to avoiding travel nightmares.
Read on for our must-know tips about what’s considered as the worst time of year to visit Oklahoma.
The Worst Time To Visit Oklahoma
Visiting Oklahoma during the summer months is not recommended due to its intense heat and humidity.
Temperatures in July and August often reach into triple digits, making sightseeing very uncomfortable.
Strong storms with powerful winds strike the area regularly, making outdoor activities dangerous.
Tornadoes are common occurrences from supercells that develop during the spring season — April to June.
Tornadoes risks like in Oklahoma during the summer:
Oklahoma has a high risk of tornadoes during the summer months due to its location in the heart of Tornado Alley.
The exact cause of this phenomenon is still under debate, but some meteorologists believe that the combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and dry air from the Rocky Mountains creates an ideal environment for thunderstorm development and tornado formation.
Oklahoma’s flat terrain and low altitude make it especially vulnerable to violent wind events.
Tornadoes typically peak between April and June in Oklahoma, with more than 200 reported occurrences on average during those months– that’s over 8 times more than any other season.
Furthermore, studies have found that tornadoes become increasingly powerful and destructive as they move eastward, due to their enhanced interaction with humidity levels in the air.
This means that tornadoes moving into Oklahoma have greater potential for damage than those forming earlier in their path.
Things to avoid doing in Oklahoma in the summer: 7 things
When visiting Oklahoma in the summer, it’s beneficial to have a plan of action.
⛔ Avoid outdoor activities during peak storm seasons as they could put you in direct danger.
⛔ Avoid visiting the popular attractions during peak hours as they tend to get overcrowded and uncomfortable.
⛔ Avoid taking long drives on highways, especially late at night — thunderstorms can cause flash flooding on roads that are not designed for it.
⛔ Avoid any areas of Oklahoma that are prone to flash flooding and powerful storms.
⛔ Avoid camping or participating in any outdoor activities without proper safety gear, such as helmets and life jackets.
⛔ Avoid staying out in the sun for too long — heat exhaustion is a real danger during the summer months.
⛔ Avoid leaving your hotel room without an umbrella — you never know when it might start raining!
Knowing what to avoid during specific times of year can help make your trip to Oklahoma safe and enjoyable. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing all that this beautiful state has to offer.
Dangers of visiting Oklahoma during the summer:
Visiting Oklahoma during the summer months can pose a variety of health and safety risks.
⚠ The intense heat and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or exhaustion, while thunderstorms can bring powerful winds that make outdoor activities dangerous.
⚠ Flash flooding is also a major risk in areas prone to heavy rains, as well as an increased risk for tornadoes — which are more common during this time of year due to the combination of warm moist air from the Gulf Coast and dry air from the Rocky Mountains.
⚠ The risk of injuries or fatalities increases when participating in outdoor activities without proper safety gear such as helmets and life jackets.
⚠ Finally, visitors should also take care to avoid being out in the sun for too long — heat exhaustion is a real danger during the summer months.
By following these safety tips, travelers can ensure that their visit to Oklahoma remains safe and enjoyable despite the summer’s dangers.