Things to Do in Oklahoma City in September

September Weather in Oklahoma City

29°C (84°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

91 mm (3.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect football weather - Oklahoma Sooners home games create electric atmosphere with temperatures ideal for tailgating at 24°C (75°F) kickoff temps
State Fair of Oklahoma runs entire month with 65% less crowds than peak weekends, plus comfortable walking weather for the 435-acre fairgrounds
Storm season transitions bring spectacular lightning displays and dramatic cloud formations - photographers get golden hour lighting that lasts 20 minutes longer than summer
Hotel rates drop 40% after Labor Day weekend while weather remains ideal for outdoor activities until mid-month heat spikes end

Considerations

Severe weather risk peaks mid-month with tornado watches possible - September averages 3-4 severe storm days that can disrupt outdoor plans
Heat can spike unexpectedly to 38°C (100°F) during Indian Summer periods, making afternoon outdoor activities uncomfortable
Many local festivals end after Labor Day weekend, leaving fewer cultural events in the latter half of September

Best Activities in September

Oklahoma City Thunder District Entertainment

September marks pre-season activities and district events with comfortable evening temperatures perfect for outdoor concerts and street festivals. The Paycom Center hosts events without summer's oppressive heat, and walking the entertainment district is pleasant with average evening temps of 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: Book entertainment events 2-3 weeks ahead as September marks return of major acts after summer touring break. Tickets typically range $25-150 depending on venue. Check current entertainment options in booking section below.

Bricktown Canal and Historic District Tours

Perfect weather for walking tours and water taxi rides with comfortable humidity levels and occasional cooling breezes. September's mild mornings (19°C/66°F) are ideal for exploring the canal district before afternoon heat builds. Storm season creates dramatic backdrops for photography.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8-10am) offer best weather conditions and lighting. Book walking tours through licensed operators - typically $15-35 per person. Water taxi rides don't require advance booking unless part of guided tour package.

State Fair of Oklahoma Experience

The entire month features Oklahoma's premier event with perfect walking weather early-mid September. Temperatures are ideal for outdoor fair activities, and September weekdays have 50% fewer crowds than peak fair weekends. Fair food is best experienced when temperatures are comfortable for walking the grounds.

Booking Tip: Weekday visits (Tuesday-Thursday) offer shortest lines and best experience. Fair admission typically $8-12, parking $10-15. Ride wristbands $25-35. Book any special fair events or concerts 1-2 weeks ahead.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Outdoor Activities

September's mild mornings and comfortable humidity make this the best month for garden walks and outdoor yoga classes. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory provides air-conditioned backup during afternoon heat spikes, while evening events benefit from pleasant 24°C (75°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Free garden access daily. Special events and classes typically $10-25 per person. Book evening events early as they're most popular in September's comfortable weather. Check current programming in booking section below.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Indoor cultural activities perfect for midday heat breaks, with September featuring special exhibitions and comfortable weather for exploring outdoor sculpture gardens. The museum's Western art collections and interactive exhibits provide excellent storm-day backup plans.

Booking Tip: General admission $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. September features rotating special exhibitions with separate fees $5-10. Plan 3-4 hours for full experience. Check current exhibitions and special programs in booking section.

Oklahoma City Zoo Adventure

September's moderate temperatures make this ideal for outdoor zoo walking before October crowds and summer heat. Animals are more active in cooler weather, and the zoo's 400+ acres are comfortable to explore with morning temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F).

Booking Tip: Arrive at opening (9am) for best animal viewing and comfortable temperatures. Admission $12-16 adults. Parking $8. Special experiences like train rides $3-5 extra. Book special animal encounters 1 week ahead during peak season.

September Events & Festivals

Entire month of September

State Fair of Oklahoma

Oklahoma's largest annual event featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, and famous fair food. September is the entire run with special themed weekends and major concerts. Less crowded on weekdays with perfect weather for fairground walking.

Multiple September weekends

Oklahoma Sooners Football Season

Home games create city-wide excitement with massive tailgating parties and electric atmosphere. September typically features 2-3 home games with perfect football weather and passionate fan culture showcasing Oklahoma pride.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 19°C (66°F) but afternoons can hit 29°C (84°F), pack light jacket for early morning and breathable shirts for afternoon

Weatherproof phone case and portable charger - September storms can be sudden and severe, plus you'll want photos of dramatic lightning displays

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - fair grounds and outdoor attractions involve lots of walking, occasional wet conditions from brief storms

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 requires protection, especially during fair and outdoor activities with limited shade

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief afternoon storms occur 6 days on average, usually lasting 20-30 minutes

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for quick outdoor coverage during sudden September showers

Breathable cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics - 65% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Wide-brimmed hat - essential for fair activities and outdoor attractions, especially during midday temperature peaks

Portable fan or cooling towel - helpful during unexpected heat spikes that can reach 38°C (100°F) during Indian Summer periods

Cash in small bills - State Fair vendors and some local attractions prefer cash, ATMs have long lines during peak times

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Bricktown or Midtown - these areas offer walkable access to major attractions and avoid downtown event traffic during OU football weekends when hotel rates spike 60%

Download radar weather apps - Oklahoma locals live by weather radar in September due to rapid storm development, know when to head indoors before storms hit

Fair food strategy: visit during weekday afternoons (2-4pm) for shortest lines at popular food trucks, avoid Friday-Sunday when waits exceed 45 minutes for signature items

Football game traffic - plan extra 90 minutes travel time on OU home game Saturdays, use ride-share pickup zones away from stadium area to avoid surge pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling only outdoor activities without weather backup plans - September storms develop quickly and can last several hours, always have indoor alternatives ready

Assuming State Fair runs all month at same intensity - Labor Day weekend through mid-September sees heaviest crowds, plan weekday visits for better experience

Underestimating football weekend impact - OU home games affect entire city traffic, hotel availability, and restaurant waits, book services well ahead on game weekends