Charleston, WV Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Charleston
Weather in Charleston is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 85°F (30°C), while January highs hover near 44°F (6°C). Annual precipitation averages 52.0 inches (1320 mm) over about 150 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 85°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 44°F (6°C)
- Record high: 96°F (36°C) · Record low: -13°F (-25°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (15 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 9 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 85°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 68°F (20°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 44°F (6°C) and lows around 28°F (-2°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 96°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -13°F (-25°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.3 inches (135 mm) of rain over 15 days, while November is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 9 days in a typical year, mostly from December through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44° | 28° | 13 | 4.2 in | 5.1 h/day | 70% |
| February | 50° | 31° | 13 | 5.2 in | 6.2 h/day | 68% |
| March | 57° | 37° | 13 | 4.3 in | 7.5 h/day | 66% |
| April | 66° | 46° | 13 | 4.3 in | 8.9 h/day | 68% |
| May | 74° | 56° | 16 | 5.2 in | 10.1 h/day | 76% |
| June | 81° | 63° | 14 | 4.8 in | 11.7 h/day | 75% |
| July | 85° | 68° | 15 | 5.3 in | 11.3 h/day | 77% |
| August | 83° | 66° | 14 | 4.6 in | 10.9 h/day | 78% |
| September | 79° | 61° | 8 | 3.7 in | 9.7 h/day | 75% |
| October | 69° | 51° | 9 | 3.3 in | 8.2 h/day | 72% |
| November | 57° | 39° | 10 | 2.9 in | 6.8 h/day | 69% |
| December | 50° | 34° | 13 | 4.0 in | 5.2 h/day | 72% |
Charleston month by month
Charleston weather in January
January brings highs around 44°F (6°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in February
February brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 31°F (-1°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Charleston weather in March
March brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Charleston weather in April
April brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 13 wet days.
Charleston weather in May
May brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 16 wet days.
Charleston weather in June
June brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 14 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in July
July brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month and the wettest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 14 wet days.
Charleston weather in September
September brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 8 wet days.
Charleston weather in October
October brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 9 wet days.
Charleston weather in November
November brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 10 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in December
December brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Seasons in Charleston
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Charleston is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 41 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Charleston brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 66°F (19°C); expect showers on roughly 43 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Charleston is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 50°F (10°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Charleston is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 48°F (9°C) and nights around 31°F (-1°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season, plus around 7 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Charleston?
Is Charleston hot in summer?
Is Charleston cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Charleston get in a year?
Best time to visit Charleston
The best time to visit Charleston is generally April to June and August to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 75°F (24°C).
Pack for Charleston with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 68°F (20°C).
Charleston temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.