The biggest temperature swing occurs between October and November, as typical highs shift from 23.8°C / 74.9°F to 19.2°C / 66.5°F (about 4.7°C / 8.4°F).
| Month | Low Temperature | High Temperature | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.8°C | 14.3°C | COOL |
| February | 8.3°C | 15.9°C | MILD |
| March | 11.2°C | 18.9°C | MILD |
| April | 14.9°C | 22.5°C | WARM |
| May | 19.3°C | 26.3°C | WARM |
| June | 23.1°C | 29.1°C | WARM |
| July | 24.8°C | 30.3°C | HOT |
| August | 24.4°C | 29.6°C | WARM |
| September | 22°C | 27.6°C | WARM |
| October | 17.1°C | 23.8°C | WARM |
| November | 11.8°C | 19.2°C | MILD |
| December | 8.8°C | 16°C | MILD |
July has the warmest typical feels-like highs (35.5°C / 95.9°F), while January is coolest (12.1°C / 53.7°F).
| Month | Low Feels Like | High Feels Like | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3°C | 12.1°C | COOL |
| February | 5.2°C | 14.1°C | COOL |
| March | 8.7°C | 17.9°C | MILD |
| April | 13.6°C | 22.7°C | WARM |
| May | 20°C | 28.2°C | WARM |
| June | 26°C | 33.1°C | HOT |
| July | 28.8°C | 35.5°C | HOT |
| August | 28.2°C | 34.6°C | HOT |
| September | 24°C | 30.7°C | HOT |
| October | 16.8°C | 24.7°C | WARM |
| November | 9.6°C | 18.1°C | MILD |
| December | 5.9°C | 14.3°C | COOL |
August is wettest at 161 mm / 6.34 inches, while November is driest at 64.4 mm / 2.54 inches.
| Month | Baseline | Rainfall | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.8 mm | 74.6 mm | MODERATE |
| February | 25.8 mm | 83.8 mm | MODERATE |
| March | 25.8 mm | 81.8 mm | MODERATE |
| April | 25.8 mm | 80.4 mm | MODERATE |
| May | 25.8 mm | 67.8 mm | MODERATE |
| June | 25.8 mm | 127.2 mm | WET |
| July | 25.8 mm | 135.8 mm | WET |
| August | 25.8 mm | 161 mm | WET |
| September | 25.8 mm | 131 mm | WET |
| October | 25.8 mm | 94.3 mm | MODERATE |
| November | 25.8 mm | 64.4 mm | MODERATE |
| December | 25.8 mm | 91.6 mm | MODERATE |
June has the strongest peak UV (around index 8.7).
| Month | Baseline | UV Index | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 4.7 | MODERATE |
| February | 0 | 6.1 | HIGH |
| March | 0 | 7.5 | HIGH |
| April | 0 | 8.2 | VERY HIGH |
| May | 0 | 8.5 | VERY HIGH |
| June | 0 | 8.7 | VERY HIGH |
| July | 0 | 8.6 | VERY HIGH |
| August | 0 | 8.4 | VERY HIGH |
| September | 0 | 7.7 | HIGH |
| October | 0 | 6.5 | HIGH |
| November | 0 | 5 | MODERATE |
| December | 0 | 4 | MODERATE |
Daylight ranges from 10h in December to 14.3h in June.
| Month | Baseline | Daylight Hours | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0h | 10.3h | BALANCED |
| February | 0h | 11h | BALANCED |
| March | 0h | 12h | BALANCED |
| April | 0h | 13h | LONG |
| May | 0h | 13.9h | LONG |
| June | 0h | 14.3h | LONG |
| July | 0h | 14.1h | LONG |
| August | 0h | 13.3h | LONG |
| September | 0h | 12.4h | BALANCED |
| October | 0h | 11.4h | BALANCED |
| November | 0h | 10.5h | BALANCED |
| December | 0h | 10h | BALANCED |
August is most humid (81.9%), while April is driest (71.5%).
| Month | Baseline | Humidity (avg) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67.9% | 73.2% | HUMID |
| February | 67.9% | 74.3% | HUMID |
| March | 67.9% | 72.6% | HUMID |
| April | 67.9% | 71.5% | HUMID |
| May | 67.9% | 73.8% | HUMID |
| June | 67.9% | 78.5% | MUGGY |
| July | 67.9% | 80.2% | MUGGY |
| August | 67.9% | 81.9% | MUGGY |
| September | 67.9% | 79.4% | MUGGY |
| October | 67.9% | 75.8% | MUGGY |
| November | 67.9% | 74.1% | HUMID |
| December | 67.9% | 76% | MUGGY |
March has the strongest typical average wind (15.1 km/h / 9.4 mph), while August is calmest (11.3 km/h / 7.0 mph).
| Month | Baseline | Wind (avg) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.8 km/h | 14.6 km/h | CALM |
| February | 9.8 km/h | 14.7 km/h | CALM |
| March | 9.8 km/h | 15.1 km/h | CALM |
| April | 9.8 km/h | 15.1 km/h | CALM |
| May | 9.8 km/h | 13.9 km/h | CALM |
| June | 9.8 km/h | 12.7 km/h | CALM |
| July | 9.8 km/h | 12 km/h | CALM |
| August | 9.8 km/h | 11.3 km/h | CALM |
| September | 9.8 km/h | 13 km/h | CALM |
| October | 9.8 km/h | 12.9 km/h | CALM |
| November | 9.8 km/h | 13.6 km/h | CALM |
| December | 9.8 km/h | 13.9 km/h | CALM |
January is windiest by P95 gust signal (59.4 km/h / 36.9 mph).
| Month | Baseline | Wind (gusts) | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 km/h | 59.4 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| February | 0 km/h | 58.7 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| March | 0 km/h | 56.9 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| April | 0 km/h | 56.2 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| May | 0 km/h | 52.2 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| June | 0 km/h | 48.2 km/h | WINDY |
| July | 0 km/h | 45 km/h | WINDY |
| August | 0 km/h | 44.3 km/h | WINDY |
| September | 0 km/h | 50 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| October | 0 km/h | 50 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| November | 0 km/h | 52.2 km/h | VERY WINDY |
| December | 0 km/h | 53.6 km/h | VERY WINDY |
August has the most rain days (~22.5), while November has the fewest (~8.8). Rain days count the average number of days in a month with measurable rain (about 0.1 mm or more).
| Month | Baseline | Rain Days | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3.3 days | 10 days | FREQUENT |
| February | 3.3 days | 9.6 days | FREQUENT |
| March | 3.3 days | 10.4 days | FREQUENT |
| April | 3.3 days | 9.1 days | FREQUENT |
| May | 3.3 days | 11.9 days | FREQUENT |
| June | 3.3 days | 19.1 days | VERY FREQUENT |
| July | 3.3 days | 21.5 days | VERY FREQUENT |
| August | 3.3 days | 22.5 days | VERY FREQUENT |
| September | 3.3 days | 16.8 days | VERY FREQUENT |
| October | 3.3 days | 9.7 days | FREQUENT |
| November | 3.3 days | 8.8 days | SOME |
| December | 3.3 days | 10 days | FREQUENT |
August has the most heavy rain/washout risk days (~9). Heavy rain days are the average number of days likely to bring stronger downpours that can disrupt outdoor plans.
| Month | Baseline | Heavy Rain Days | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| February | 0 days | 5 days | FREQUENT |
| March | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| April | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| May | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| June | 0 days | 8 days | PERSISTENT |
| July | 0 days | 8 days | PERSISTENT |
| August | 0 days | 9 days | PERSISTENT |
| September | 0 days | 7 days | PERSISTENT |
| October | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| November | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
| December | 0 days | 4 days | FREQUENT |
July has the highest heat-risk day count (~5 days). Heat days are the average number of days that exceed our location-specific heat-risk threshold.
| Month | Baseline | Heat Days | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| February | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| March | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| April | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| May | 0 days | 1 days | LOW |
| June | 0 days | 4 days | ELEVATED |
| July | 0 days | 5 days | ELEVATED |
| August | 0 days | 3 days | ELEVATED |
| September | 0 days | 1 days | LOW |
| October | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| November | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
| December | 0 days | 0 days | LOW |
Daylight varies from 10 hours in December (winter) to 14.3 hours in June (summer), which is a difference of 4.3 hours.
Northern Hemisphere seasons shape the weather patterns throughout the year. Here's what to expect in each season:
A month-by-month ranking of key weather risks and comforts for this destination, based on historical climate data.
| Ranking Goal | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest rain risk | Jan 4 risk days | Mar 4 risk days | Apr 4 risk days | May 4 risk days |
| Lowest heatwave risk | Jan 0 risk days | Feb 0 risk days | Mar 0 risk days | Apr 0 risk days |
| Lowest cold risk | May 0 risk days | Jun 0 risk days | Jul 0 risk days | Aug 0 risk days |
| Lowest wind disruption risk | Aug 44 km/h | Jul 45 km/h | Jun 48 km/h | Sep 50 km/h |
| Most comfortable evenings | Oct 81 / 100 | May 77 / 100 | Apr 72 / 100 | Nov 56 / 100 |
| Best outdoor reliability | Oct 92 / 100 | Nov 90 / 100 | Dec 88 / 100 | Apr 84 / 100 |
Click any month for detailed weather information and packing advice.
Get personalized month rankings based on weather comfort, outdoor activity suitability, and seasonal conditions.
Travel planning FAQ
Quick answers to the weather questions you ask the most.
The best months to visit Charleston depend on your preferences. For warm weather, July is typically the warmest month. For dry conditions, November, May, January tend to have the least rainfall. Consider your priorities, and whether you prefer warmer temperatures, drier weather, or longer daylight hours.
July is typically the warmest month in Charleston, with average high temperatures reaching around 30°C (86°F). This is peak summer weather, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
January is usually the coldest month, with average low temperatures dropping to around 7°C (45°F). Pack warm layers if visiting during this time, especially for evening activities.
August typically sees the most rainfall in Charleston, averaging around 161mm (6.3 inches). It's wise to pack waterproof layers and have some indoor backup plans if you're visiting during this month.
November is typically the driest month, with average rainfall of just 64mm (2.5 inches). This makes it an excellent time for outdoor exploration and activities with minimal risk of rain disruption.
Temperatures in Charleston range from average lows of 16°C (61°F) to highs of 23°C (73°F). This variation means you'll want to pack differently depending on when you visit, as layers are key for adapting to the seasonal changes.
Yes, sun protection is important in Charleston. UV levels can reach 9 during peak months, which is considered very high. Pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you'll be outdoors for extended periods.