Climate and monthly weather forecast
Charleston, SC

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Trees along both sides of a street in Charleston, South Carolina
Trees along both sides of a street in Charleston, South Carolina

The climate of Charleston

Charleston, a beautiful city nestled on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, USA, experiences a predominant Humid subtropical climate with Cfa representing its Köppen climate classification. This classification is generally characterized by hot, wet summers and cool winters. The aptly identified Humid subtropical climate implies that the city does not enter any substantial dry season throughout the year.

Consequently, shifts in temperature are witnessed throughout the year with the highest temperature of 88.2°F observed in July and the lowest temperature of 44.4°F observed in January. Humidity also displays marginal fluctuations throughout the year, achieving its peak of 78% in December and a relatively lower value of 73% in March and May. The wind speed also displays gradual transitions, varying from 7.5mph in August to 9.4mph in April, hence contributing to the city's humid subtropical climate.

When assessing rainfall, an interesting pattern emerges where the months of August to October garner the highest amount of rainfall, with August seeing the peak rainfall of 7.13". On the other hand, January and November are relatively drier months experiencing an average rainfall of 1.42" and 1.93" respectively. With such unique variations in weather patterns and conditions throughout the year, Charleston's climate certainly presents an intriguing picture.

The best time to visit Charleston

Given the overall climate conditions of Charleston, the best time to visit largely depends on individual preferences for temperature and rainfall. Regardless, the months from March to May emerge as an ideal timeframe for a visit. During these months, the average temperatures range from 57°F to 79.5°F, offering a relatively comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Alongwith the lower rainfall days in comparison to the later parts of the year and average daylight of around 12 hours, the spring months cater to a pleasant travel experience.

The worst time to visit Charleston

Contrarily, the months from June to August may be considered as less desirable for travel plans to Charleston. These months witness the highest temperatures reaching up to 87.4°F to 88.2°F. Along with the scorching temperatures, these months experience the highest number of rainfall days, impacting the comfort level of visitors and potentially interrupting outdoor plans.

Spring weather in Charleston

Spring in Charleston, stretching from March to May, offers a moderate climatic environment perfectly suited for outdoor activities. The average temperatures fluctuate from 57°F in March to a maximum of 79.5°F in May. The rainfall also follows an ascending pattern, with an average rainfall of 1.42" in March gradually increasing to 2.87" in May. Meanwhile, the daylight hours also show a noticeable increase, advancing from 12 hours in March to 13.9 hours in May.

Summer weather in Charleston

The summer months, June through August, sees Charleston's temperatures soar to higher levels, peaking at 88.2°F in July. Combined with the absolute highest levels of average relative humidity, ranging from 75% to 76%, the overall weather conditions could be deemed as rather hard to cope with. Additionally, these months observe an uptick in rainfall with August garnering a substantial 7.13" of rainfall.

Autumn weather in Charleston

Autumn, spanning from September to November, witnesses a downturn in temperatures when compared to the summer months. September starts off with an average temperature of 83.5°F that descends to 65.7°F in November. Furthermore, this season sees a decrease in rainfall days yet November still experiences 1.93" of rainfall, marking the onset of winters.

Winter weather in Charleston

The winters in Charleston, falling between December and February, bring about the year's lowest temperature readings, averaging from 60.8°F in December to the year's absolute lowest of 44.4°F in January. Despite these cooler temperatures, the city records the year's peak relative humidity during these months, with December standing at 78%. Interestingly, despite low temperatures, snowfall days are significantly low with only 0.1 snowfall days recorded in December and 0.4 in January.

Weather in January

In Charleston, South Carolina, January brings chilly weather. After a cooler start to the year, temperatures start to climb. Despite being the coldest month, January still experiences some warm days. The climatic conditions here lean towards mild and moist, with frequent presence of thick clouds. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Charleston's February weather follows closely on the heels of January. It is marked by a palpable nip in the air, accentuated by sporadic rainy days. However, the later part of the month witnesses a rebound in temperature. With an uptick in rainfall to 2.01", February effectively transitions the city from winter to early spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The vestiges of winter yield to balmy spring weather in March. Charlestonites enjoy a more agreeable climate the month. Bright days with increased sunshine hours are characteristic, while cloud cover reduces. However, rains continue to pepper the month with 2.2" of rainfall. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By the time April makes an appearance, Charleston is firmly entrenched in spring. Warmer days, modest wind speeds, and reasonably clear skies define the month’s temperament. In terms of precipitation, April sets itself apart with the highest rainfall of 2.83" amidst 12.8 days of rain. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May nudges Charleston into the noisy, chaotic season of summer. As temperatures inch higher, residents brace for longer, sunnier days. Amidst these warming trends, the interesting facet of May's weather is the significantly high rainfall of 2.87" that the city receives. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June steers Charleston right into the heart of summer. The prominence of sunny days combined with optimal sea temperatures marks the start of the busy tourist season. Dealing with the heat becomes easier for locals and visitors alike, as they find respite in the cooling evening sea breezes. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is a crucial month for Charleston, marking the zenith of summer. The weather is typically hot and humid, with some rainfall offering brief respite from the neck-cranking heat. Standing at its peak, July signals a slight uptick in relative humidity at 75%. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer streak with sultry days and warm nights in Charleston. While temperatures rise, they cool somewhat towards the end of the month signaling incoming Autumn. Recorded rainfall levels peak at 7.13" in August, making it the wettest month of the year. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September is a month of transition for Charleston. The weather takes on a more temperate feel as autumn sets in. Decreasing daily sunshine hours and a subtle dip in temperatures mark the shift from summer to autumn. Despite this, rainfall volume born out at 5", indicates that wet weather is still expected. In September, Charleston notes an average high-temperature of a moderately hot 83.5°F, hardly different from the preceding month. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October sees Charleston embracing the autumn season in all its glory. Residents and tourists both enjoy the cooler temperatures and decreased rainfall. Though sunny days become more precious, October is favored for outdoor festivals and fall foliage viewing owing to the comfortable weather. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a significant shift in Charleston's weather. Winter begins to make a comeback, breaking the sequence of warm months. However, despite a noticeable cooling trend, November retains a balanced climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Charleston residents brace for the winter chill. The change to colder weather is noticeable as daylight hours dwindle and twilight arrives earlier each day. A significant weather event in December is the increased precipitations at 4.25", cutting through the generally dry spell of preceding months. Weather in December »
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FAQ

What is the coldest month in Charleston?

Charleston, South Carolina, experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with an average peak of 57°F and a low of 44.4°F.

What are the least humid months in Charleston?

January and March, with an average relative humidity of 73%, are the least humid months in Charleston.

What is the driest month in Charleston?

January is the month with the least rainfall in Charleston. Rain falls for 9.8 days and accumulates 1.42" of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Charleston?

Throughout the year, there are 178.9 rainfall days, and 41.93" of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Charleston?

Months with snowfall in Charleston, South Carolina, are January and December.

When does it snow the most in Charleston?

January is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 0.4 days and accumulates 0.12" of snow.

How many days does it snow in Charleston?

In Charleston, during the entire year, snow falls for 0.6 days and aggregates up to 0.16" of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Charleston?

January is the month with the lowest UV index in Charleston, South Carolina, with an average maximum UV index of 3.

When it does not snow in Charleston?

In Charleston, snow does not fall in February through November.

When is the ocean coldest in Charleston?

February is the month with the coldest seawater in Charleston, South Carolina, with an average ocean temperature of 62.1°F.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Charleston?

On Sunday, March 12. 2023, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Charleston, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 5. 2023, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When is the highest UV index in Charleston?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.

When are the longest days in Charleston?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 14h and 18min of daylight.

What is the warmest month in Charleston?

July is the warmest month in Charleston, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 88.2°F and an average low of 77.4°F.

What month has the most sunshine in Charleston?

The month with the most sunshine in Charleston, South Carolina, is July, with an average of 11h of sunshine.

What is the wettest month in Charleston?

The month with the most rainfall in Charleston is August, when the rain falls for 24.8 days and typically aggregates up to 7.13" of precipitation.

What month is the ocean warmest in Charleston?

The month with the warmest seawater in Charleston is August, with an average ocean temperature of 83.5°F.

What is the most humid month in Charleston?

The most humid month is December, with an average relative humidity of 78%.

What is the month with the shortest days in Charleston?

The month with the shortest days in Charleston, South Carolina, is December, with an average of 10h and 0min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Charleston?

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5.7h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Charleston, SC

Average temperature - Charleston, SC

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (57°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (77.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (44.4°F).

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Average pressure
Charleston, SC

Average pressure - Charleston, SC

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Charleston, SC

Average wind speed - Charleston, SC

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.5mph).

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Average humidity
Charleston, SC

Average humidity - Charleston, SC

The month with the highest relative humidity is December (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January and March (73%).

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Average rainfall
Charleston, SC

Average rainfall - Charleston, SC

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (7.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.42").

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Average rainfall days
Charleston, SC

Average rainfall days - Charleston, SC

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (24.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.7 days).

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Average snowfall
Charleston, SC

Average snowfall - Charleston, SC

The month with the highest snowfall is January (0.12").
The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0").

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Average snowfall days
Charleston, SC

Average snowfall days - Charleston, SC

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (0.4 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Charleston, SC

Average sea temperature - Charleston, SC

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (83.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (61.9°F).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Charleston, SC

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Charleston, SC

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 10h and 0min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 42min).

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Average sunshine days
Charleston, SC

Average sunshine days - Charleston, SC

The month with the most sunshine days is January (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (3.8 days).

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Average visibility
Charleston, SC

Average visibility - Charleston, SC

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).

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Charleston, South Carolina, USA

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