Weather & Climate in Optima, OK
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Optima enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 3,014 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg | |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,014 ft (919 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 426/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7613°N, 101.3492°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Texas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.3.
| Apr 14, 2021 | 34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas | M4.3 | 106 km | 8 km |
| May 25, 2021 | 3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma | M4.1 | 139 km | 8 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 | 17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas | M3.5 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Oct 13, 2017 | 7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma | M3.0 | 145 km | 4 km |
| Jun 15, 2007 | 3 km WSW of Pampa, Texas | M2.9 | 141 km | 5 km |
| May 14, 2013 | 8 km SE of Canadian, Texas | M2.9 | 137 km | 5 km |
| Jul 9, 2015 | 6 km SSW of Fritch, Texas | M2.8 | 134 km | 7 km |
| Feb 27, 2012 | 25 km WSW of Lipscomb, Texas | M2.8 | 99 km | 5 km |
| Jan 21, 2020 | 12 km NNE of Rosston, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 132 km | 7 km |
| May 17, 2024 | 3 km SSE of Hartley, Texas | M2.7 | 136 km | 4 km |
| Oct 2, 2017 | 6 km ESE of Channing, Texas | M2.7 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Apr 14, 2021 | 34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas | M2.7 | 106 km | 7 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 | 7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 145 km | 2 km |
| Jan 21, 2025 | 5 km NW of Pampa, Texas | M2.6 | 136 km | 6 km |
| Mar 25, 2016 | Texas Panhandle region | M2.6 | 119 km | 5 km |
| Jan 8, 2011 | 7 km SSE of Hartley, Texas | M2.5 | 139 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 199 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 | EF4 | 41 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 18, 1982 | EF4 | 89 km | 88.0 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1977 | EF4 | 95 km | 38.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 | EF4 | 92 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 | EF4 | 55 km | 15.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 | EF3 | 60 km | 6.3 mi | 3 |
| Nov 16, 2015 | EF3 | 56 km | 51.3 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1996 | EF3 | 44 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1993 | EF3 | 29 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1993 | EF3 | 13 km | 18.5 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1990 | EF3 | 71 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 | EF3 | 55 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 1987 | EF3 | 63 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 1987 | EF3 | 61 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1978 | EF3 | 93 km | 14.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 | EF3 | 76 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1972 | EF3 | 70 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1971 | EF3 | 95 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1963 | EF3 | 65 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1962 | EF3 | 77 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 acres, 2018).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2018 | BADGER HOLE | 49,146 | 99 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 23,123 | 96 km |
| 2020 | 412 FIRE | 22,069 | 70 km |
| 2022 | BEAVER RIVER FIRE | 20,512 | 52 km |
| 2011 | TUNNER | 17,774 | 59 km |
| 2022 | 23 AND DD | 8,885 | 85 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 8,750 | 99 km |
| 2021 | COBB FIRE | 7,142 | 24 km |
| 2011 | HASKELL COUNTY | 6,736 | 76 km |
| 1997 | BUOY LINE | 6,118 | 18 km |
| 2016 | OPTIMA | 5,084 | 24 km |
| 2006 | MOUNT CARMEL | 4,061 | 92 km |
| 2017 | BLACK MONDAY | 3,376 | 59 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 3,303 | 84 km |
| 2011 | TURKEY TRACK | 3,271 | 99 km |
| 2017 | OKS - BEAVER | 3,168 | 72 km |
| 2022 | 23 FIRE | 2,704 | 80 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 2,605 | 50 km |
| 2006 | STEELER | 2,471 | 45 km |
| 2016 | CLEARLAKE 149/22 | 2,399 | 93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F (2°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 0.3 in | Driest |
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 1.1 in | |
| April | 56°F (13°C) | 1.5 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 2.3 in | |
| June | 76°F (25°C) | 2.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 81°F (27°C) | 2.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 2.6 in | |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 1.4 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 1.8 in | |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 in |
Optima has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 36°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.3").