Charleston Weather + Year Round Climate

Charleston, South Carolina, is famous not only for its rich history and coastal charm but also for its warm, subtropical climate. It’s actually the reason we, like many others made our way to this coastal city of charm. In fact, I can’t imagine ever returning to the cold, snowy, sunless winters of the midwest where I grew up. The cool thing about Charleston, is that not only do we have hot, beach-worthy days in spring and fall, but we also get to experience a change of seasons with a mix of spring blooms and vibrant fall colors in between. That being said, I’ll never agree that we truly have a winter here in the low country, but I guess that depends on where you grew up!

Here’s a closer look at what Charleston’s weather is like throughout the year.

Spring

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in Charleston. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s °F, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. The spring season also brings an explosion of blossoms, especially in Charleston’s famous gardens, where azaleas, magnolias, and wisteria come into full bloom. A favorite springtime activity of ours is a drive down to Johns Island. You’re sure to see azaleas in full color for miles.

Spring is also festival season in Charleston, as the delightful weather makes it perfect for outdoor events like the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and the Spoleto Festival.

That being said those perfect days do begin to transition into summer days when the humidity begins to rise toward the end of spring. We always hope that doesn’t happen until June, but who knows how lucky we get each year. That being said spring remains as one of our favorite seasons and the most picturesque.

Summer

Charleston summers are known for being hot, humid, and sunny, with temperatures regularly reaching the high 80s to mid-90s °F. You’ll find that many feel these days drag on and can be rather taxing, which is also why you’ll find that many locals head towards higher, cooler ground, and are replaced by beach vacation tourists. That being said, AC is a must and many might find themselves retreating indoors or to nearby beaches, like Folly Beach or Isle of Palms, which is always the best option to cool off.

Afternoon thunderstorms are also common in summer, often bringing heavy rain and brief cooling periods. And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention hurricane season, which starts up each year as a threat in June-November. The peak activity is typically late summer, and local residents know to be well-prepared for these occasional storms, which can drop heavy rains, create coastal flooding, and cause storm force winds. That being said, many are drawn to the coastal lifestyle, of which, hot weather, and sunny beach days are apart. And these all absolutely define Charleston’s summer months.

Fall

Autumn in Charleston is one of the best times to visit, as the intense summer heat begins to ease, and temperatures settle into the 70s and 80s °F. Humidity levels drop, making for comfortably warm days and slightly cooler evenings. Though we don’t get extensive fall colors with our trees changing colors, the season definitely casts a warm golden light to the city’s historic streets and gardens. And one of our favorite things is to catch that golden hue glistening off of the marsh.

The risk of hurricanes continues through early fall, but the season overall is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. From October to November, Charleston hosts a number of festivals, such as the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, Charleston Fall Home & Garden Tours and MOJA Arts Festival, that takes advantage of the mild days.

Winter

Again, it’s hard for us to claim that this season actually exists in Charleston when we’ve hit the beach in every month of the year, but there is typically a few weeks where daytime temperatures rangefrom the mid-50s to mid-60s °F, and on a rare occasion nighttime temperatures can drop to the 30s and 40s °F. Snow is very rare, and frost only occasionally appears in the mornings. That being said winter is a quiet and peaceful season here where there are many festive events Winter is a quiet season, like the Holiday Festival of Lights, and Marion Square Christmas Tree Lighting, which make the season feel festive even without snow.

Charleston’s climate is inviting year-round, offering warm summers, mild winters, and a beautiful, blooming spring and fall. The subtropical weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities most of the year, though summer heat can be intense. With its charming beaches, picturesque cityscape, and comfortable seasons, Charleston’s climate is a major draw for residents and visitors alike, embodying a little bit of Southern warmth all year long.