The best time to visit Charleston, SC, is in the spring or the fall. In our experience, Charleston has mild temperatures year-round, but March to May and September to November allow you to escape the heat and humidity and the Atlantic Ocean hurricane season.
Charleston sits on the South Carolina coast and sports a subtropical climate. Summers are hot and sticky, with frequent rain and a chance of hurricanes. The city’s coastal location can make winters breezy and a little chilly.
Spring and autumn fall between these two extremes. In these seasons, the weather in Charleston is pleasant, but the chance of rain and storms is lower. After visiting at various times of the year, we think this delightful Southern city is at its finest in these months. On top of the better weather conditions, spring and fall are festive seasons, with plenty of exciting festivals and events rolling through town.
Want to find out exactly when to go to Charleston for the ideal South Carolina adventure? Pick the perfect season and month to travel with our handy Charleston weather guide, including a full breakdown by season and by month!
Weather in Charleston, SC
By season
Spring
Early spring in Charleston, SC, is mild and gradually reaches warm temperatures by the end of the season. We believe it’s the ideal time to comfortably explore the city and mix in some summer activities.
The weather can be variable at the start of the spring season; we’d recommend checking the forecast as you go to avoid a rain shower putting a dampener on your plans. Dress in cooling base clothing with layers to easily adapt to the changing elements.
Charleston gets even more colorful in spring. Vibrant magnolias and azaleas are blooming at every turn. Visit the plantations at this time of year to see the full glory of the stunning gardens.
We’d suggest planning a visit to Charleston in spring in advance. You’ll have to contend with soaring hotel prices, especially around Easter. The city will be crowded, so if you’re looking for a quiet break, it might be better to visit mid-week.
We love visiting in spring to take in all the great events happening around the city. Some of our favorites to look out for include the Charleston Spring Wine Festival at the end of March and the Charleston Festival in April.
Summer
Expect an exodus from the city in the summer, with most people choosing to focus their days around Charleston’s surrounding beaches. After finding ourselves here in the summer, we must say that the heat and humidity can be stifling, but the coastal breezes make it (slightly) more bearable.
Spend your mornings cooling off on the beach, paddle boarding, or chartering a boat. Thunderstorms usually start in the afternoon, so spend them napping, browsing the museums, or taking a long, lazy lunch.
Since summer falls in the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season, we’d recommend booking a summer visit to Charleston last minute. There’s a chance hurricanes and flooding could derail your plans in the city. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance with hurricane and natural disaster coverage.
The weather in Charleston in summer is blazing hot, but the cloud cover is high. Even on cloudy days, make sure you wear SPF, as the UV levels are strong. Also, take lots of mosquito spray with you and drink plenty of water!
Like spring, summer is a fantastic time to get festive in the city. Explore Gullah Geechee history & culture at the annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant or the Lowcountry’s Caribbean culture at Charleston Carifest in June.
Fall
Fall is the second busiest season for Charleston, SC, but has slightly fewer crowds than in the spring. As it turns colder, there’s less focus on beach days and more activities, drawing people back into the heart of the city.
Temperatures remain high in fall and decrease gradually, but there’s still a hurricane and storm risk at the start of the season. Relief fills the city as the humidity starts to fade away.
Rain is likely at any time in Charleston, but fall has low rainfall. It’s one of our favorite seasons to visit to enjoy warm days and lots of time outdoors.
In our opinion, fall is the best time to explore all our favorite tourist attractions in Charleston, SC. The charming architecture and changing leaves give the whole area a perfect autumnal ambiance.
Stroll pretty waterways and gardens lined with orange maple trees. Sink into Charleston’s rich heritage with tours of historic homes or soak up the buzzing atmosphere of the local farmer’s markets.
There are also plenty of events we think are worth checking out in the fall. Families with young kids will love visiting the Boone Hill Pumpkin Patch at the Boone Hall Plantation, taking place from the end of September to Halloween. Or chow down on delicious Lowcountry grilled favorites at the Holy Smokes BBQ Festival in November.
Keep in mind that in the autumn season, the temperature drops quite a bit at night; take a sweater for dinner and evening walking tours.
Winter
Charleston doesn’t normally come to mind for a winter break. But with its milder temperatures, we think this Southeast destination is a great alternative to snowy destinations.
While the air gets a lot cooler in winter, the weather is still pleasant compared to other US cities in the winter. Snow is rare, but there’s a chance of moderate rainfall.
As winter is Charleston’s low season, the crowds have all but disappeared. This means we often find great deals on hotels and easier access to our favorite restaurants in the city.
Enjoy walking the cobbled streets and Charleston’s top attractions in a quiet, relaxed environment. The winter months are great for taking one of Charleston’s famous carriage rides, where we can tick off multiple sights in a few hours on an old-world horse-drawn cart.
You won’t need a swimsuit—in fact, we’d advise against it—brrr! But we think winter is a great time to take a walk on Charleston’s beautiful beaches. With the sunseekers gone, we can truly appreciate the quiet seaside beauty of the area and get some fresh air in this Atlantic Coast paradise.
Despite the cooler weather, winter hosts several festivals in Charleston. From mid-November to the end of the year, celebrate the holiday spirit at the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Seafood-loving foodies will love taking part in the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation in February.
By month
January
January isn’t a great month to visit Charleston if you want guaranteed sunny days. The daily weather is changeable. In our experience, January can bring anything from clear blue skies to clouds and rain.
The average temperature in January is 60°F (16°C), but remember that this encompasses the warmer and cooler days. Rain is likely, with an average of 3.5 inches over ten days. We’d recommend packing lots of layers and preparing to be spontaneous with your plans.
The highlight of January is Charleston Restaurant Week, usually taking place near the beginning of the month. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the largest oyster festival in the world, also sometimes falls at the end of the month. Head over to Boone Hall Plantation to gobble down tasty oysters, watch shucking and eating contests, and enjoy lots of live music.
February
February is a pretty time to visit Charleston, and we think this Southern gem is a romantic Valentine’s Day destination. The average highs are 63°F (17°C), ideal for enjoying cozy walks to the cutest places in the city. Cloud cover is around 47%, so there’s a chance of some crisp sunny days.
In February, nature lovers flock to Charleston for the Southeastern Wildlife Expedition. This event includes impressive animal demonstrations and discussions to boost environmental awareness.
Another unique event is the Bacon and Bourbon Festival. Sample bacon dishes from the top chefs in the area alongside tasting bourbon from 25 different distilleries.
March
Temperatures in Charleston, SC, warm up in March, with averages of 70°F (21°C) by the end of the month. With daylight hours reaching 12.5 hours, we’ll have plenty of time to get out and explore the city.
March mornings are still chilly, but afternoons are warm. We’d suggest going out with lots of layers so you can strip down as the day goes on. It’s a pleasant time to stroll the beaches, but we should warn you: It’s a little cold to swim with water temperatures around 65°F (18°C).
This month is a dream for foodies, with the arrival of the Charleston Wine and Food Festival, one of our favorite festivals of the year. Jump headfirst into the area’s beautiful combination of seafood and Southern hospitality. Take part in tastings, dinners, and workshops to find your new favorite dish.
April
April is a popular time to visit Charleston, SC, and one of our favorite months to travel here. Average highs sit at 73°F (23°C), and the intense summer humidity hasn’t set in yet. You’ll have the ultimate flexibility of exploring the city comfortably or spending days lounging on the beach. Rain is still a possibility in April, but, in our experience, showers are not as heavy and become less frequent.
In April, children are still in school, so you can avoid the influx of family tourism and the long queues for attractions. (And we think that’s a huge adventure considering how dense we know the high-season crowds can be from our visits.)
If you love a city in bloom, plan your visit to align with the Flowertown Festival in Summerville. It’s filled with stunning azaleas and wisteria, as well as a farmers market, workshops, and arts and crafts.
Foodies will also find plenty to love at the Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. This popular annual event brings the spirit of Louisiana to Charleston with delicious Creole and Cajun dishes like jambalaya, andouille sausage, and crawfish.
May
The weather in Charleston in May is warm and tends to get hot at the peak of the day. Average daytime temperatures sit around 82°F (28°C) with highs up to 93°F (34°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C).
The humidity is starting to linger, increasing from 30% to 72% by the end of the month. This brings a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, so plan any outside activities for the morning. With skies still clear 57% of the time, we think it’s a great month for outdoor sightseeing and water sports.
The end of May sees the Spoleto Festival roll into town. Hit up a variety of theatrical performances in historic theaters, green spaces, and churches all around the city. From indie rock concerts and operas to musicals and plays, there’s something for everyone during this popular annual festival.
June
The heat ramps up in June. Temperatures average 85°F (29°c) and can reach up to 100°F (38°C). Humidity is also high at around 75%. The hot & humid weather sends many people to the coast for the cooling ocean breezes. Spend your afternoons at Charleston’s many museums so you can escape into the air conditioning.
June is the start of hurricane season; don’t be surprised if your plans get disrupted by stormy weather. Make sure you have the right travel insurance and follow safety advice.
Events wind down in June, but you can still attend Spoleto, America’s premier performing arts festival, which often continues into the first week or so of the month. Alongside this is Piccolo Spoleto, a celebration of Southeastern USA arts, literature, and performance.
July
July is Charleston’s hottest month. The oppressive heat of the summer has set in, and, in our opinion, it’s not a great time to visit. Average highs are 91°F (33°C), and humidity reaches 98% by the end of the month.
Beach and sailing days are a must in July, but book last minute in case a storm rolls in. Sea temperatures are ideal for swimming at 82°F to 84°F (28°C to 29°C). Don’t forget to bring along plenty of water, loose-fitting clothes, bug spray, and a high-SPF sunscreen.
When we’ve passed through Charleston in summer, we’ve noticed that days usually start off sunny and grow progressively overcast. Expect the city to be busy during the 4th of July celebrations. Embrace the tropical climate at the Caribbean Jerk Festival at Riverfront Park.
August
August offers little respite from the heat. Daily highs are around 86°F (30°C), and humidity is still at 93% by the end of the month. August is Charleston’s rainiest month. Afternoons bring welcome showers and storms, providing a short but welcome break from the heat.
We’re hardly surprised that there aren’t many organized events in August since the oppressive temperatures make large crowds impractical. Most festivals are in the evening and concentrated around further away waterside locations.
Enjoy the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series at James Island County Park or sip drinks among the fish during Beer From Here at the South Carolina Aquarium.
September
Temperatures remain high in September. Average highs are 82°F (28°C), and humidity levels are around 75%. The heat brings lingering summer crowds looking for some last-minute sun. Hurricane season progresses into the month, so we still think it’s a risky time to visit if you want guaranteed clear days.
Labor Day weekend kicks off Charleston’s fall event calendar. Get a taste of the city’s jazz heritage at the Lowcountry Jazz Festival and feast on all the tastiest Southern food during the fall edition of Restaurant Week.
October
The heat is bearable again by October. Daily highs average 77°F (25°C), but humidity is at 73%. It’s a little colder, but water activities are still possible with a water temperature of about 78°F (26°C). Some days in October are warmer than others, so we’d suggest packing lots of layers to give you options for all weather.
The charming city is the perfect backdrop for seasonal fun. Embrace the spooky season with ghost tours through haunted houses and cemeteries in the Charleston Historic District and the French Quarter.
October is also a vibrant time to visit, thanks to creative events like the First Friday Art Walk and MOJA Arts Festival. If you’re missing your furry friend, pop over to Dogtoberfest. The cute and free pet expo raises money for local rescue organizations.
November
Pleasant weather continues in Charleston well into November. You’ll experience average highs of 70°F (21°C), but this could reach the low 80s (27°C to 28°C) on a warm day.
Days are often sunny, but it can get cool when it’s overcast; make sure you have a light jacket. November is also the driest month, with only six days of rain. This is Charleston, though, so we’d still recommend packing an umbrella!
The last of the cozy fall activities take place at the start of the month before the city is lit up with twinkling lights for the holidays. Enjoy classic seasonal events like the Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park and the Holiday Festival of Lights.
December
December is a great time to get into the holiday spirit without the chilling temperatures of other winter destinations. Daily highs average 62°F (17°C), with a chance of 77°F (25°C) on warmer days. Crowds are low, so expect to find great deals on some of our favorite hotels in Charleston, SC, on your winter getaway.
Charleston comes alive with glittering Christmas decorations and palmetto trees adorned with shimmering golden lights. For a Christmas lights bonanza, check out the Mount Pleasant Tree Lighting and Christmas Light Parade, when over 100 boats decked out in crazy decorations are paraded down Coleman Boulevard.
