Monthly climate guide

Charleston in August

August in Charleston is late summer, with a settled seasonal pattern already in place. It can feel distinctly hot through the middle of the day, with only small changes from morning to evening. There is plenty of daylight to stretch outdoor time. Most days feel close to what the averages suggest, with straightforward pacing.

Annual ranking snapshot

Ranked across 12 months

August in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in Charleston.

Hottest (avg)
WARMER
#2 / 12

One of the warmer months.

Wettest (avg)
WETTEST
#1 / 12

The wettest month of the year.

Daylight Hours
IN-BETWEEN
#4 / 12

Around the yearly average.

Windiest (avg)
WIND
#12 / 12

Usually calmer than most months.

Highest UV
UV
#4 / 12

Near the middle of the yearly UV range.

Most Humid
HUMID
#1 / 12

The muggiest month of the year.

Climate normals

Four planning pillars

Monthly climate breakdown

A detailed look at the typical climate conditions for August.

Thermal profile

Temperature

Typical daytime high

Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Light window

Sunshine

13.3 h

Average daylight

UV index (max)
8
Typical sun hours
05:43 - 19:02

Wet-day pattern

Rain & Snow

Typical rainfall

Rainy days
22 days
Cloud cover (avg)
59%

Air feel

Humidity & Wind

82%

Average humidity

Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Historical daily baseline

Daily climate explorer

Pick a day to inspect the usual conditions through August in Charleston. Based on a 30-year historical climate baseline, not a forecast.

Primary control

Select a day

Scroll to compare daily conditions. The summary updates with your selection.

Secondary context

Monthly trend

Day 15 selected

Median daytime highs across the month, with a softer low line.

Daily climate explorer for AugustMonthly trend chart for the selected climate metric, with the chosen day marked.2025303511631°C
Median temperatureMedian lowTypical range

Day 15 selected for August. Temperature 29.3°C.

Historical disruption baseline

Typical disruptions in August

Based on 30 years of historical data, these are the disruption patterns most likely to affect plans in August.

Humidity High impact

Muggy days Measures: Muggy days (dew point >=20C). Observed about 94% of days (29.3 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

29.3 days / month

Share of days
~94% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~25°C (P95)
Why this matters

Muggy conditions are possible on ~29 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Heat High impact

Hot feels-like days Measures: Hot feels-like days (>=32C). Observed about 82% of days (25.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

25.5 days / month

Share of days
~82% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~40°C (P95)
Why this matters

Feels-like heat >=32C is possible on ~25 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Heat High impact

Very hot feels-like Measures: Very hot feels-like days (>=35C). Observed about 48% of days (14.8 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

14.8 days / month

Share of days
~48% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~40°C (P95)
Why this matters

Very hot feels-like conditions are possible on ~15 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Heat High impact

Heat stress risk Measures: High heat stress days. Observed about 48% of days (14.8 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

14.8 days / month

Share of days
~48% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~40°C (P95)
Why this matters

Heat stress is possible on ~15 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Heat High impact

Hot days Measures: Hot days (>=30C). Observed about 39% of days (12.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

12.2 days / month

Share of days
~39% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~34°C (P95)
Why this matters

Hot days are possible on ~12 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Humidity High impact

Oppressive humidity Measures: Oppressive humidity days (dew point >=24C). Observed about 38% of days (11.8 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

11.8 days / month

Share of days
~38% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~26°C (P95)
Why this matters

Oppressive humidity is possible on ~12 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Show all disruptions (26 more)
Rain High impact

Rain disruption Measures: Likely rain disruption days. Observed about 31% of days (9.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

9.5 days / month

Share of days
~31% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~37mm (P95)
Why this matters

Rain disruption risk appears on ~9 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Rain High impact

Washout risk Measures: Washout day risk. Observed about 27% of days (8.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

8.5 days / month

Share of days
~27% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~42mm (P95)
Why this matters

Washout conditions are possible on ~8 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Rain High impact

Heavy rain days Measures: Heavy rain days (>=10mm). Observed about 16% of days (4.9 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

4.9 days / month

Share of days
~16% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~47mm (P95)
Why this matters

Heavy rain is possible on ~5 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Rain High impact

Washout run Measures: Multi-day washout runs. Observed about 2.1 days/month in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

2.1 days / month

Share of days
Upper edge
Up to ~46mm (P95)
Why this matters

Multi-day washout runs are possible on ~2 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Rain High impact

Very heavy rain Measures: Very heavy rain days (>=25mm). Observed about 4% of days (1.1 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

1.1 days / month

Share of days
~4% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~67mm (P95)
Why this matters

Very heavy rain is possible on ~1 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Wind High impact

Stormy conditions Measures: Storm-impact proxy days. Observed about 2% of days (0.6 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

0.6 days / month

Share of days
~2% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~91km/h (P95)
Why this matters

Stormy conditions are possible on ~1 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.

Wind High impact

Strong gusts Measures: Strong gust days (>=60 km/h). Observed about 2% of days (0.6 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

0.6 days / month

Share of days
~2% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~92km/h (P95)
Why this matters

Strong gusts are possible on ~1 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.

Rain High impact

Extreme rain Measures: Extreme rain days (>=50mm). Observed about 1% of days (0.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

0.2 days / month

Share of days
~1% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~109mm (P95)
Why this matters

Extreme rain is possible on ~0 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Heat Moderate

Feels-like heatwave Measures: Feels-like heatwave runs (>=3 days). Observed about 2.3 days/month in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

2.3 days / month

Share of days
Upper edge
Up to ~39°C (P95)
Why this matters

Feels-like heatwave runs are possible on ~2 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Heat Moderate

Heatwave run Measures: Heatwave runs (>=3 hot days). Observed about 1.8 days/month in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

1.8 days / month

Share of days
Upper edge
Up to ~34°C (P95)
Why this matters

Heatwave runs are possible on ~2 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Visibility Moderate

Fog-likely signal Measures: Fog-likely visibility proxy. Observed about 4% of days (1.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

1.2 days / month

Share of days
~4% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~94% (P95)
Why this matters

Fog-likely conditions are possible on ~1 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Humidity Minor

Humid days Measures: Humid days (dew point >=18C). Observed about 99% of days (30.6 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

30.6 days / month

Share of days
~99% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~25°C (P95)
Why this matters

Humid conditions are possible on ~31 days. Comfort and pace can drop quickly, so plan shorter outdoor blocks with air-conditioned backup stops.

Heat Minor

Warm nights Measures: Warm nights (min >=22C). Observed about 94% of days (29.0 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

29.0 days / month

Share of days
~94% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~27°C (P95)
Why this matters

Warm nights are possible on ~29 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Rain Minor

Wet days Measures: Wet days (>=0.1mm). Observed about 82% of days (25.4 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

25.4 days / month

Share of days
~82% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~23mm (P95)
Why this matters

Measurable rain is possible on ~25 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Humidity Minor

High humidity Measures: High humidity days (RH >=80%). Observed about 70% of days (21.7 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

21.7 days / month

Share of days
~70% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~91% (P95)
Why this matters

High humidity is possible on ~22 days. Comfort and pace can drop quickly, so plan shorter outdoor blocks with air-conditioned backup stops.

Rain Minor

Rainy hours Measures: Rain-hours signal (>=3h rain). Observed about 66% of days (20.6 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

20.6 days / month

Share of days
~66% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~19h (P95)
Why this matters

Several rainy hours are possible on ~21 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Cloud Minor

Cloudy days Measures: Cloudy days (cloud cover >=60%). Observed about 53% of days (16.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

16.5 days / month

Share of days
~53% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~99% (P95)
Why this matters

Cloudy skies are possible on ~16 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Rain Minor

Wet most of day Measures: Wet-most-of-day signal (>=6h rain). Observed about 45% of days (13.8 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

13.8 days / month

Share of days
~45% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~21h (P95)
Why this matters

Wet-most-of-day conditions are possible on ~14 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.

Heat Minor

Hot nights Measures: Hot nights (min >=25C). Observed about 36% of days (11.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

11.2 days / month

Share of days
~36% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~27°C (P95)
Why this matters

Hot nights are possible on ~11 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Humidity Minor

Convective risk Measures: Convective storm risk proxy. Observed about 31% of days (9.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

9.5 days / month

Share of days
~31% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~25°C (P95)
Why this matters

Convective risk signal appears on ~9 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Cloud Minor

Mostly cloudy days Measures: Mostly cloudy days (cloud cover >=80%). Observed about 27% of days (8.5 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

8.5 days / month

Share of days
~27% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~100% (P95)
Why this matters

Mostly cloudy skies are possible on ~8 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Wind Minor

Gusty days Measures: Gusty days (>=40 km/h). Observed about 19% of days (5.8 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

5.8 days / month

Share of days
~19% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~66km/h (P95)
Why this matters

Gusty conditions are possible on ~6 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.

Cloud Minor

Overcast days Measures: Overcast days (cloud cover >=95%). Observed about 10% of days (3.0 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

3.0 days / month

Share of days
~10% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~100% (P95)
Why this matters

Overcast skies are possible on ~3 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Other Minor

Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data Measures: Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data. Observed about 4% of days (1.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

1.2 days / month

Share of days
~4% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~94 (P95)
Why this matters

Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data is possible on ~1 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.

Wind Minor

Breezy days Measures: Breezy days (mean wind >=25 km/h). Observed about 1% of days (0.4 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

0.4 days / month

Share of days
~1% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~31km/h (P95)
Why this matters

Breezy conditions are possible on ~0 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.

Heat Minor

Very hot days Measures: Very hot days (>=35C). Observed about 1% of days (0.2 days/month) in August. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.

Likely frequency

0.2 days / month

Share of days
~1% of days
Upper edge
Up to ~36°C (P95)
Why this matters

Very hot days are possible on ~0 days. Midday activity often needs adjustment around shade, hydration, and indoor fallback options.

Travel planning FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the weather questions you ask the most.

Is August a good time to visit Charleston?

Typical August days in Charleston reach highs of 30°C (86°F) with nights around 24°C (75°F). It usually feels hot by day and warm after dark. It is among the wetter months, so it is wise to have some indoor backup plans or flexible activities.

What are temperatures like in August?

Daytime temperatures in August typically peak near 30°C (86°F), while nights drop to around 24°C (75°F). Expect hot afternoons and warm evenings.

How much does it rain in August?

Rainfall in August averages 161 mm (6.3 in) across roughly 22 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.

How many hours of daylight are there in August?

You can expect about 13 hours of daylight in August. Sunrise is typically around 05:43 and sunset near 19:02. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.

How strong is the sun in August?

UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 8), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is it windy in August?

In August, average wind speeds are around 11 km/h (7 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 44 km/h (27 mph). On the ground, it is it often feels breezy, especially in more exposed spots or along the coast.

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