Oklahoma City
Oklahoma's capital, founded in the 1889 Land Run, draws visitors to the Bricktown canal district, its museums and the 1995 bombing memorial.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of Oklahoma, a state in the south-central United States. The city is often shortened to OKC. It was founded during the 1889 Land Run and became the state capital after Oklahoma joined the Union in 1907. Oil and natural gas form the largest economic sector, and oil derricks dot the capitol grounds.
The main sights cluster in a few areas. Bricktown is an entertainment district along a canal, with walking trails and water taxis. The Myriad Botanical Gardens downtown include the Crystal Bridge tropical conservatory, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial remembers the people killed in the April 19, 1995 bombing. Museums cover science, western heritage and the histories of Indigenous nations in Oklahoma. Summers are hot and humid, and the main severe weather season runs from March through June.
Oklahoma City in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Oklahoma City
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 30 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 53%
Oklahoma City
02:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today25°16°53%Monday: Rain. High 25°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Tue16°10°14%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Wed20°9°1%Wednesday: Clear. High 20°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu17°11°18%Thursday: Rain. High 17°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Fri20°9°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sat21°12°9%Saturday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 9%.
Updated 11:51 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Oklahoma City
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Plan around Oklahoma City
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideOklahoma City FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.