Charleston, SC: When to Go and Weather

Weather: Semi-tropical Charleston experiences four traditional seasons. Summers are warm and somewhat rainy, but winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping down into the lower 30s during the day. These moderate temperatures relate to Charleston's location in an Appalachian mountain valley near the intersection of the Kanawha and Elk rivers. Temperatures can change quickly due to conflicting air flowing into the valley - tropical from the south and arctic from the north - and the city is frequently blanketed in fog.

Summer: July and August see plenty of rain and thunderstorms. Some days are hot and humid, but in general, the summer weather is surprisingly comfortable for a city located in one of the southernmost states. The average temperature is 76 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 7 inches.

Fall: Tropical storm season runs from June to December, but Charleston weather usually only feels stronger effects of hurricanes at sea during the months of September and October. Rain and wind can ravage the city for a few days at a time, but hurricanes rarely hit the city directly. The average temperature is degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 4 inches.

Winter: Frost occurs in Charleston, but it rarely ever snows. Charleston weather is mild in December, January, February, with lows in the 30s. The average temperature is 38 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3 inches.

Spring: Balmy springs with sunny days and temperatures in the 60s and 70s characterize spring in Charleston. The average temperature is 64 degrees F and the average monthly rainfall is 3.5 inches.

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When to Go: Peak Season

Summertime brings the most visitors to Charleston. The city enjoys temperatures that are significantly cooler than inland South Carolina, and the city is alive with outdoor festivals and locals dining at sidewalk cafes. Hotel rates are highest at this time, but you don't have to reserve months ahead of time: this is a laid-back travel destination, even in the peak season. Some summer days can be oppressively humid with sudden rain showers, but generally, visitors will have comfortable weather for strolling the city's gardens or kicking back on a porch swing in the evenings, cold cocktail in hand.

When to Go: Off Season

Winter is the off season in Charleston, but the weather is mild with clear skies and little rain. Golfers can still enjoy several courses that are open year-round, and the city's museums, restaurants, historic houses, and aquarium all remain open. Temperatures often rise to hit nearly 60 degrees F during the afternoon. The only crowds are at the golf course and other outdoor recreation areas, though you're more likely to run into locals than tourists. You'll save cash on hotel rooms at this time, as the city sees fewer out-of-towners despite the mild (and usually dry) weather.

When to Go: Shoulder Season

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall plenty of weekenders but fewer traveling families. Hotel rates drop, especially in months like April and November, and all of the city's main attractions are open and uncrowded. If you do plan to come for a weekend, don't count on your favorite B&B being available: you'll want to book a room a week or two ahead of time. Remember that Charleston is coastal, so you need to be flexible in fall: the occasional rain and wind that blows into the city as a result of a tropical storm could affect your plans to tour plantations and gardens.

• Sun

   

  Partly Cloudy

  70  52

• Mon

   

  Scattered Showers

  71  47

• Tue

   

  Partly Cloudy

  60  51

• Wed

   

  Rain

  68  55

• Thu

   

  Mostly Cloudy

  59  42

• Fri

   

  Partly Cloudy

  56  40

• Sat

   

  Partly Cloudy

  58  44

Get more information on Charleston weather.