Charleston

Planning a trip or just curious about the weather in Charleston? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts to help you plan your day.

Charleston in the USA features a humid subtropical climate, meaning travelers can expect warm weather throughout most of the year. The city is characterized by distinct seasons, each offering its own unique weather conditions and atmosphere for exploration.

Summers in Charleston are generally hot and humid, with average temperatures in July and August around 27-28°C, and highs often exceeding 30°C. In contrast, winters are mild, with average temperatures in January around 11°C, rarely dropping to freezing. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with comfortable temperatures, ideal for walking and outdoor activities.

As for precipitation, it is distributed throughout the year; however, the summer months (June, July, and August) stand out with the highest number of rainy days — between 18 and 22 per month. This indicates a period with more frequent, though not necessarily heavy, rainfall. During the rest of the year, the number of rainy days ranges from 7 to 14, providing plenty of sunny periods to enjoy the city.

The temperature regime in Charleston is characterized by notable seasonal changes, offering visitors a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. The hottest months are traditionally July, with an average temperature of 27.8°C and highs regularly reaching 31.1°C, and August, where the average temperature is 27.4°C and the mercury often rises to 30.5°C. January is considered the coolest month: at this time, the average temperature stays around 10.9°C, and minimum night temperatures drop to an average of 6.4°C, while daytime highs can reach 15.3°C.

The summer months in Charleston, spanning from June to August, bring truly hot weather. In June, the average air temperature is 26.3°C, with daytime highs around 29.9°C and nighttime lows typically not dropping below 22.6°C. July and August continue this trend, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30-31°C and nighttime temperatures remaining in a comfortable 24-24.5°C range. Humidity during this period can be high, which intensifies the feeling of heat, especially during the day.

Winter in Charleston, from December to February, is notable for its mildness. In December, the average temperature is 12.5°C (ranging from 8.4°C at night to 16.6°C during the day), and in January, the coolest month, the average temperature is 10.9°C (from 6.4°C to 15.3°C). By February, the temperature begins to gradually rise, reaching an average of 14.1°C, with nighttime lows around 9.7°C and daytime highs up to 18.6°C. Daily temperature fluctuations exist but are generally moderate, averaging 6°C to 9°C depending on the month. This ensures relatively comfortable conditions even in the winter period, especially compared to the harsher winters in other regions.

Precipitation in Charleston occurs throughout the year, but its intensity and frequency vary significantly by season. The most pronounced wet period occurs during the summer months. July and August are the rainiest: on average, there is 6 mm of precipitation, and the number of rainy days reaches 22 and 21, respectively. June is also characterized by higher humidity with 5 mm of precipitation and 18 rainy days, followed by September with 5 mm and 14 rainy days. This indicates that summer and early autumn are the times when the chance of rain is highest.

In contrast to the summer period, some months have significantly less precipitation. The driest months by volume are January, October, and November, each recording only 2 mm of precipitation. In terms of rainy days, April and October can be considered the least wet, each averaging only 7 days with precipitation. The remaining months — February, March, May, and December — show moderate figures, with precipitation ranging from 3 to 4 mm and 9 to 11 rainy days.

Given Charleston's temperature patterns, precipitation falls primarily as rain. Snow is an extremely rare occurrence here. The nature of summer precipitation, with many rainy days but moderate total volume, suggests frequent but not always prolonged or heavy rain. During drier periods, rain becomes less frequent, providing more sunny days for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When packing for a trip to Charleston, keep its warm and humid subtropical climate in mind. In the summer (June-August), it can be hot and humid, with temperatures often rising above 30°C and a significant number of rainy days (18 to 22 per month). Therefore, your wardrobe should primarily consist of lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Be sure to pack an umbrella or a compact raincoat. Regardless of the season, you'll need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as comfortable shoes for long walks around the city.

For a visit to Charleston during the cooler times of year — winter (December-February) or the transitional spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months — the principle of layering works best. In winter, with temperatures ranging roughly from 6°C to 19°C, you'll need long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or fleece jackets, and a mid-season coat. In spring and autumn, the weather can be quite changeable, ranging from warm sunny days to cool evenings, so the ability to add or remove layers will be very helpful. A light jacket or windbreaker will also be useful. And remember, an umbrella can come in handy during these seasons as well, since precipitation is still possible, even if less frequent and heavy than in summer (7-14 rainy days per month, excluding the summer peak).