Charleston (SC), United States of America - Weather and Climate
The weather in Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America, can vary greatly throughout the year, with temperatures shifting from very warm in the summer to mild in the cooler months. The city is also known for its heavy rainfall, especially during the late summer and early fall. Charleston is famed for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture. Many people consider it a favorite destination for culture, food, and coastal scenery. Now, let’s explore all the climate details to give you a complete picture.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from very warm to moderate in Charleston. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 32°C in July to a moderate 15°C in the coolest month, January.
Nights are cooler, with lows often dropping to around 5°C during the colder months.Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Charleston has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1298 mm of rainfall annually. The climate in Charleston shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect heavy rainfall in August, with an average of 185 mm of precipitation over 17 rainy days.
In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 70 mm of rainfall over 10 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Charleston Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
For those who appreciate different seasons, Charleston serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 9.8 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 5.7 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Charleston.
The city experiences its highest humidity in August, reaching 79%. In February, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 67%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Forecast for Charleston (SC)
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Charleston in the United States of America
During the months of April and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in June and August.
July has an average maximum temperature of 32°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 15°C.
August tops the wettest month list with 185 mm of rainfall.
January is the driest month with 70 mm of precipitation.
May is the sunniest month with an average of 295 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
