Charleston, SC Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Charleston
Charleston has a humid subtropical climate, marked by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Average daytime highs range from about 58°F (15°C) in January to around 88°F (31°C) in July, and the city records roughly 136 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 58°F (15°C)
- Record high: 98°F (37°C) · Record low: 11°F (-11°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (19 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.6 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 77°F (25°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 58°F (15°C) and lows around 44°F (7°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 11°F (-11°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 7.0 inches (177 mm) of rain over 19 days, while March is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58° | 44° | 10 | 3.2 in | 7.6 h/day | 73% |
| February | 62° | 48° | 9 | 3.3 in | 8.0 h/day | 76% |
| March | 67° | 53° | 9 | 3.0 in | 8.9 h/day | 72% |
| April | 73° | 59° | 8 | 4.3 in | 10.8 h/day | 70% |
| May | 80° | 67° | 11 | 3.5 in | 11.5 h/day | 73% |
| June | 85° | 74° | 16 | 4.8 in | 11.6 h/day | 77% |
| July | 88° | 77° | 17 | 4.9 in | 11.5 h/day | 78% |
| August | 86° | 76° | 19 | 7.0 in | 10.7 h/day | 81% |
| September | 83° | 72° | 14 | 5.9 in | 9.9 h/day | 79% |
| October | 76° | 63° | 7 | 3.7 in | 9.3 h/day | 75% |
| November | 67° | 53° | 8 | 3.2 in | 8.2 h/day | 75% |
| December | 62° | 49° | 9 | 4.8 in | 7.0 h/day | 77% |
Charleston month by month
Charleston weather in January
January brings highs around 58°F (15°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in February
February brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 9 wet days.
Charleston weather in March
March brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 9 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in April
April brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 8 wet days.
Charleston weather in May
May brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 11 wet days.
Charleston weather in June
June brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 16 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 17 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in August
August brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 19 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Charleston.
Charleston weather in September
September brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 14 wet days.
Charleston weather in October
October brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 7 wet days.
Charleston weather in November
November brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 8 wet days.
Charleston weather in December
December brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 9 wet days.
Seasons in Charleston
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Charleston is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 73°F (23°C) and nights around 60°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Charleston brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 52 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 brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (24°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Charleston is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 61°F (16°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
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 February to May and October to November, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Charleston with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 77°F (25°C).
Charleston temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.