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Contents
- The climate of Charleston
- The best time to visit Charleston
- The worst time to visit Charleston
- Spring weather in Charleston
- Summer weather in Charleston
- Autumn weather in Charleston
- Winter weather in Charleston
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Trees along both sides of a street in Charleston, South Carolina
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 (31.2°C) observed in July and the lowest temperature of 44.4°F (6.9°C) 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 (12.1km/h) in August to 9.4mph (15.1km/h) 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" (181mm). On the other hand, January and November are relatively drier months experiencing an average rainfall of 1.42" (36mm) and 1.93" (49mm) respectively. With such unique variations in weather patterns and conditions throughout the year, Charleston's climate certainly presents an intriguing picture.
Consequently, shifts in temperature are witnessed throughout the year with the highest temperature of 88.2°F (31.2°C) observed in July and the lowest temperature of 44.4°F (6.9°C) 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 (12.1km/h) in August to 9.4mph (15.1km/h) 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" (181mm). On the other hand, January and November are relatively drier months experiencing an average rainfall of 1.42" (36mm) and 1.93" (49mm) 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 (13.9°C) to 79.5°F (26.4°C), 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 (30.8°C) to 88.2°F (31.2°C). 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 (13.9°C) in March to a maximum of 79.5°F (26.4°C) in May. The rainfall also follows an ascending pattern, with an average rainfall of 1.42" (36mm) in March gradually increasing to 2.87" (73mm) 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 (31.2°C) 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" (181mm) 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 (28.6°C) that descends to 65.7°F (18.7°C) in November. Furthermore, this season sees a decrease in rainfall days yet November still experiences 1.93" (49mm) 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 (16°C) in December to the year's absolute lowest of 44.4°F (6.9°C) 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" (51mm), 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" (56mm) 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" (72mm) 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" (73mm) 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" (181mm) 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" (127mm), indicates that wet weather is still expected. The onset of September brings with it an average high-temperature of a moderately hot 83.5°F (28.6°C), showing a negligible variation from the month before. 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" (108mm), cutting through the generally dry spell of preceding months. Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 13, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year in Charleston?
Charleston's temperature records reveal January as the coldest month, marked by average highs of 57°F (13.9°C) and lows of 44.4°F (6.9°C).
What are the least humid months in Charleston?
January and March, with an average relative humidity of 73%, are the least humid months.
What is the driest month in Charleston?
The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 9.8 days and typically collects 1.42" (36mm) of precipitation.
How much does it rain in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, during the entire year, the rain falls for 178.9 days and collects up to 41.93" (1065mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow in Charleston?
January and December are months with snowfall in Charleston.
What is the snowiest month in Charleston?
The month with the most snowfall in Charleston is January, when snow falls for 0.4 days and typically aggregates up to 0.12" (3mm) of snow.
How many days does it snow in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, during the entire year, snow falls for 0.6 days and aggregates up to 0.16" (4mm) of snow.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Charleston?
January is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
When it does not snow in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, snow does not fall in February through November.
What month is the ocean coldest in Charleston?
The month with the coldest seawater in Charleston, South Carolina, is February, with an average ocean temperature of 62.1°F (16.7°C).
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Charleston?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Charleston, South Carolina, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
When is the highest UV index in Charleston?
The months with the highest UV index in Charleston are May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
When are the longest days in Charleston?
With an average of 14h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Charleston.
What part of the year is the hottest in Charleston?
Charleston's July weather reaches an average high of 88.2°F (31.2°C) and an average low of 77.4°F (25.2°C), making it the warmest month.
What month has the most sunshine in Charleston?
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 11h of sunshine.
What is the wettest month in Charleston?
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 24.8 days and accumulates 7.13" (181mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the warmest ocean in Charleston?
The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average ocean temperature of 83.5°F (28.6°C).
What is the most humid month in Charleston?
With an average relative humidity of 78%, December is the most humid month in Charleston, South Carolina.
What is the month with the shortest days in Charleston?
With an average of 10h and 0min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Charleston, South Carolina.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Charleston?
December has the least sunshine of the year in Charleston, with an average of 5.7h of sunshine.
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).
Average pressure
Charleston, SC
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.98"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.12"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.13"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).
Average wind speed
Charleston, SC
- Average wind speed in January:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.2mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.4mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.3mph - Average wind speed in October:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
8.8mph - Average wind speed in December:
8.7mph
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).
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%).
Average rainfall
Charleston, SC
- Average rainfall in January:
1.42" - Average rainfall in February:
2.01" - Average rainfall in March:
2.2" - Average rainfall in April:
2.83" - Average rainfall in May:
2.87" - Average rainfall in June:
4.45"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (7.13").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.42").
Average rainfall days
Charleston, SC
- Average rainfall days in January:
9.8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
20.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
23.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
24.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
18.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.7 days - Average rainfall days in December:
11.1 days
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).
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").
Average snowfall days
Charleston, SC
- Average snowfall days in January:
0.4 days - Average snowfall days in February:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0.1 days
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).
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).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Charleston, SC
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in May:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in December:
10h and 0min
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).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 5min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 5min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 4min
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).
Average sunshine days
Charleston, SC
- Average sunshine days in January:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
16.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
6.7 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
5.7 days - Average sunshine days in August:
3.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
18.9 days - Average sunshine days in November:
18.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.8 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (19.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (3.8 days).
Average UV index
Charleston, SC
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 7).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover
Charleston, SC
The months with the most cloud cover are February and December (Cloud cover 39).
The months with the least cloud cover are June and July (Cloud cover 26).
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).