HOTTEST (AVG)
in United States
#10 / 20
Charleston, United States
The climate in Charleston is continental, with annual average temperatures spanning 14°C / 58°F during January up to 30°C / 87°F in July.
Annual rainfall patterns show an average of 99 mm / 3.9 inches per month, with August being the wettest (161 mm / 6.3 inches) and November the driest (64 mm / 2.5 inches).
The UV index ranges from 4 in December to 9 in June, so strong sun protection is essential during summer months.
The longest days occur in June with around 14.3 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 10 hours.
Charleston offers distinct seasons, each with its own character and appeal for different types of travelers.
Today's forecast
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Climate at a glance
The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Charleston.
Typical range
High / low
Average highs up to 30.3°C and lows down to 6.8°C.
Rain pattern
Wettest month
August averages 161 mm.
UV
Typical peak band
Typical peak UV is High.
Daylight
Seasonal range
Roughly 10 hrs to 14 hrs.
Wind
Typical strength
Average around 14 km/h, peaking in March.
Humidity
Typical range
Generally 72 % to 82 %.
When should I go?
Our top-rated months for visiting Charleston, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions
Typical weather by month
Compare all monthsTip: click on a card to see detailed daily weather averages for that month.
How Charleston compares
See how it ranks against the rest of United States for key metrics.
COOLEST (AVG)
in United States
#16 / 20
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in United States
#5 / 20
WINDIEST (AVG)
in United States
#7 / 20
HIGHEST UV
in United States
#9 / 20
MOST HUMID
in United States
#5 / 20
Short term outlook
Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Charleston, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How does the weather in Charleston feel over the year?
On a typical year, you can expect highs around 23°C (73°F) and lows near 16°C (61°F). Conditions usually feel warm in the daytime and mild once the sun goes down. You may notice some humidity at times. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.
When is the best time to visit Charleston for dry weather?
When is sun exposure strongest in Charleston?
UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is Charleston humid?
It can feel humid, especially in the warmer months, when humidity can climb to around 82%. Light, breathable fabrics help a lot on muggy days.
Is Charleston a windy place?
Across the year, average winds sit around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 59 km/h (37 mph). Overall it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.
How much daylight does Charleston get?
On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.