Oklahoma winters get a bad reputation — but the truth is that most Oklahoma winters have far more mild days (50–70°F) than extreme ones. With the right outdoor living setup, you can comfortably use your patio, covered space, or outdoor kitchen well into December and even through mild January and February days. Here’s how to make the most of Oklahoma’s mild winter days outdoors.
Oklahoma’s Winter Weather Reality
The Tulsa metro averages about 50°F in December and January. That’s chilly but entirely manageable with the right outdoor setup. Truly cold days (below 30°F) are scattered throughout winter — not the norm. Oklahoma winters are more about occasional ice events and a handful of bitter cold spells than sustained cold, unlike our neighbors to the north.
This means a properly designed covered patio can be genuinely usable for at least half the days from November through February in the Tulsa area.
Outdoor Heating for Oklahoma Winters
Infrared Patio Heaters
Infrared heaters are our top recommendation for Oklahoma covered patios. Unlike convective heaters that just warm air (which Oklahoma wind immediately disperses), infrared heaters warm objects and people directly — similar to the sun’s warming effect. Ceiling-mount infrared heaters with natural gas or propane supply provide intense, directional heat that makes a 45°F evening feel like 65°F under a covered patio.
We integrate ceiling-mount heaters into covered patio framing at initial construction when clients want year-round capability. Cost: $600–$1,500 per heater installed, depending on BTU output and unit type.
Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
Nothing extends the outdoor season like fire. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit extends your comfortable outdoor temperature range by 15–20°F — making a 35°F evening feel tolerable with a fire burning. Gas fire features are preferable for winter use because they start instantly and can be turned off immediately, unlike wood fires that require preparation and burndown time.
Outdoor Ceiling Fans — Keep Them Running
Most people don’t realize you can run ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise blade direction) in winter to push warm air down from the ceiling. Under a covered patio with a heater, reversing your fans can improve heating efficiency significantly. Most quality outdoor fans have a direction switch accessible at the motor housing.
Weatherproofing Your Outdoor Space for Winter
Windscreens and Screens
Oklahoma wind is the enemy of winter outdoor comfort. A covered patio with no wind protection is difficult to use below 50°F regardless of heaters. Options:
- Motorized drop screens: Fabric screens that deploy from above the pergola or at the eave line to block wind while maintaining visibility
- Clear vinyl curtains: Attached at the pergola frame and pulled across as needed — economical and effective
- Screen enclosure panels: For full enclosure, aluminum frames with screen or polycarbonate panels create a three-season room
Protect Your Outdoor Kitchen for Winter
Before Oklahoma’s first hard freeze:
- Drain the outdoor sink supply line and add antifreeze to the P-trap
- Close the gas shutoff valve at the house (not just at the appliance)
- Cover appliances with weather-rated appliance covers
- Wipe down all stainless surfaces with a stainless steel protectant
- Check and replace any deteriorated door gaskets on refrigerators
Design Your Oklahoma Outdoor Space for Year-Round Use
If you’re planning a new outdoor living space and want it to be usable year-round, mention this specifically in your initial consultation with us. Year-round design decisions (heater mounting locations, wind screen attachment points, fire feature positioning) are much easier to integrate during construction than to retrofit later. Call (918) 779-1317 or schedule a free consultation.
