Packing List
December Packing List for Tulsa — What to Wear & Bring
December brings a freeze to Tulsa with average lows of 30°F and a recurring risk of ice storms. Daytime highs of 50°F feel chilly due to plains winds, making heavy parkas essential for the holiday lights at Utica Square. With 7 days of precipitation, waterproof gear is a priority for visiting Winterfest at the BOK Center.
Averages 30–50°F, ~7 days of rain
Clothing
The only way to stay comfortable during 30°F nights while viewing the famous holiday lights at Utica Square.
A local Tulsa favorite that provides enough warmth for a 50°F afternoon visit to the Philbrook Museum.
Extra insulation for outdoor activities like Winterfest ice skating downtown near the BOK Center.
Protects your neck from the biting December wind that sweeps across the open Oklahoma landscape.
Necessary for the 7 days of precipitation that can often turn into a chilly sleet or freezing rain.
Footwear
Crucial for navigating the ice storm risk that Tulsa frequently faces throughout the month of December.
Keeps toes dry and warm during the 30°F lows and damp winter mornings near the river.
A necessity for any outdoor walking, ensuring comfort despite the humid December chill.
Practical and stylish for navigating the indoor-outdoor mix of Utica Square's holiday shopping areas.
Accessories
Blocks the 30°F wind and adds a vital layer of protection during long evenings at the Gathering Place.
Keep your hands warm while taking photos of the Art Deco skyline or the festive holiday displays.
Provides extra warmth for your ears during the 30°F nights without the bulk of a full winter hat.
The combination of 30°F air and Oklahoma wind can quickly chap skin during December outdoor visits.
Gear
A 'just-in-case' item for Tulsa's sudden ice storm risks that can make downtown sidewalks treacherous.
With 7 days of precipitation, a sturdy model is needed to withstand the gusty December winds on the plains.
Keep your coffee or cider hot while walking through the festive Winterfest village and skating rink.
Small but effective for staying comfortable during outdoor holiday events when the temperature hits 30°F.
Local tips for Tulsa in December
- 1.Utica Square’s holiday lights are a major local tradition; dress for 30°F lows if you plan to walk the shopping center after dark.
- 2.Winterfest at the BOK Center features outdoor skating; waterproof gloves are a must for any spills on the cold ice.
- 3.Ice storms are a real risk in December; even one day of precipitation can make downtown Tulsa sidewalks extremely slippery.