The climate of greater North Charleston is considered “temperate to subtropical.” On average, the region enjoys 230 days of sunshine each year, and the average growing season lasts 294 days.
|
Latitude |
32° 54′ N |
|
Longitude |
80° 02′ W |
|
Average Daily Temperature |
65.9° F; 18.9° C |
|
Average Daily High |
75.7° F; 24.3° C |
|
Average Daily Low |
56.1° F; 13.4° C |
|
Average Days with Sunshine |
63% |
|
Average Precipitation |
50.14″; 127.36 cm |
|
Average Relative Humidity |
86% (AM); 56% (PM) |
Monthly Averages, Charleston International Airport, Charleston S.C. MSA
|
Month |
Temp (°F) |
Temp (°C) |
Relative Humidity (AM) |
Relative Humidity (PM) |
Precipitation (inches) |
Precipitation (centimeters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
January |
49.2 |
9.6 |
83% |
55% |
3.17 |
8.05 |
|
February |
51.3 |
10.7 |
82% |
53% |
3.12 |
7.92 |
|
March |
57.7 |
14.3 |
83% |
50% |
3.95 |
10.03 |
|
April |
64.9 |
18.3 |
84% |
49% |
2.69 |
6.83 |
|
May |
72.7 |
22.6 |
85% |
53% |
3.51 |
8.92 |
|
June |
78.8 |
26.0 |
86% |
59% |
5.73 |
14.55 |
|
July |
81.5 |
27.5 |
88% |
62% |
7.34 |
18.64 |
|
August |
80.7 |
27.1 |
90% |
63% |
6.89 |
17.50 |
|
September |
76.3 |
24.6 |
90% |
62% |
5.36 |
13.61 |
|
October |
66.8 |
19.3 |
89% |
56% |
3.02 |
7.67 |
|
November |
57.9 |
14.4 |
87% |
53% |
2.27 |
5.77 |
|
December |
50.9 |
10.5 |
84% |
55% |
2.99 |
7.59 |
|
Annual |
65.7 |
18.7 |
86% |
56% |
50.04 |
127.10 |
|
Source: Southeast Regional Climate Center, 5/2013. |
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Seasonal Conditions
|
In the Spring, surfers hit the beaches and Charleston’s festival season is in full gear. |
Spring – In the Charleston region, the spring season is the most spectacular time of the year. From early March into early June, azaleas, dogwoods and other spring garden flowers bloom in abundance. Average springtime temperatures range from 58° F (14.4° C) to 72° F (22.2° C). |
|
Summer is the time for local farmer’s markets and days spent on the water. |
Summer – Summers in the Charleston region are warm and humid. Average daily temperatures range from 78° F (25.6° C) to 82° F (27.8° C), with daily highs averaging between 87° F (30.6° C) to 91° F (32.8° C). The area’s coastal location results in a cooling effect, which often helps keep temperatures several degrees cooler than those inland. Summer is the area’s wettest season, with 41% of total rainfall occurring during this period. However, cooling afternoon showers or thunderstorms are responsible for much of this rain. |
|
Nothing says ‘Fall’ more than oyster roasts and other Lowcountry favorites. |
Autumn – From the start of autumn in late September continuing into early November, the weather is typically sunny and temperature extremes are rare. Pre-winter cold spells generally occur by late November. In September, temperatures average 76° F (24.4° C). By November, the average daily temperature has fallen to 58° F (14.4° C). |
|
Winter is a special time for Charleston locals, with intimate gatherings of friends and neighbors. |
Winter – Winter in the Charleston region starts in December and runs through February. The winter season is typically mild, with periods of rain and a slight chance of snow flurries in late December and early January. Daily temperatures average between 47° F (8.3° C) and 52° F (11.1° C). The region generally experiences its first freeze in early December, with the last freeze in late February. Temperatures of 20° F (6.7° C) or less rarely occur. |