Avg High
Charleston in May
Verdict
In Charleston, May has a distinct spring feel. As the season moves along, temperatures are climbing noticeably. You can usually expect a warm month that feels variable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.
It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Sun exposure can add up quickly around the middle of the day.
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
14h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Pleasant warmth with a noticeable cool-down after sunset. Direct sun can push it into “hotter than expected” territory.
- Rain pattern - On-and-off showers. Showers tend to come in pulses rather than lingering. Expect showers to appear fairly often.
- Midday sun - Midday sun is intense. You can burn surprisingly quickly, so sun protection is strongly recommended. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Exposure - A steady breeze, and gusts can make exposed walks feel cooler and more blustery. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Charleston.
Hottest (avg)
#5 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#11 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#5 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#9 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 13.9 hours
- UV index (max)
- 8
- Typical sun hours
- 05:20 – 19:11
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 12
- Cloud cover
- 49%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 74%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Charleston?
Typical May days in Charleston reach highs of 26°C (79°F) with nights around 19°C (66°F). It usually feels warm by day and mild after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows near 19°C (66°F). That means warm days and mild nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 68 mm (2.7 in) across roughly 12 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 14 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 05:20 and sunset near 19:11. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 8), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 52 km/h (32 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.