Charleston Climate

Average Annual Temperatures and Precip. (at RSS Weather)

Charleston has a mild climate most of the year. However, it can be hot and humid during July and August. January and February are the coolest months.
The most pleasant weather is found during the March-May and October-December time periods. During these 6 months, the weather is relatively cool and refreshing; making these two periods ideal for walking and sightseeing. However, there can be days that are much warmer and days that are much cooler than what would be expected based upon average temperatures.
No matter when you visit Savannah, be sure to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with firm toes (the sidewalks tend to have uneven surfaces) and an umbrella. A small backpack for water and snacks can be very useful. A little bug repellant spray can help kept the mosquitoes and gnats at bay when they are prevalent. spraying by the county is often very effective. Gnats tend not to be pesky when there is wind or cooler temperatures. 

Spring: March - May

This can be a very busy time for visitors.

The weather during March-May is varied and can make the following items useful: 
  1. Layered clothing.
  2. Light sweater.
  3. Shorts and tank tops.
Springtime gives rise to several annual events and celebrations: 

MARCH

Charleston International Antiques Show
Charleston Fashion Week
Festival of Houses and Gardens by Historic Charleston Foundation
Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Walking Tour of Private Houses and Gardens by The Garden Club of Charleston
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BB&T Charleston Wine & Food Festival
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin' Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
South Carolina Stingrays Hockey
Best of Broadway Series

 

APRIL

Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival
Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Cooper River Bridge Run
East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival
Family Circle Cup
Flowertown Festival
Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival
Lowcountry Senior Games
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Wine Stroll Wednesdays at Middleton Place
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin' Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
Riverdogs Baseball

 

MAY

Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival
Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
First Flush Festival at the Charleston Tea Plantation
Grace Episcopal Church Tea Room
Greek Festival
North Charleston Arts Festival
Piccolo Spoleto Festival
Spoleto Festival USA 
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Wine Stroll Wednesdays at Middleton Place
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin’Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
French Quarter Art Walk
Riverdogs Baseball

 

Summer: June - August

Savannah summers are hot and humid, often reaching into the high 90's during the afternoons. Mornings and evenings are best for walking and sightseeing.

The afternoons are a good time to take a trip to the Tybee Island Beach (a 25-minute drive from the Historic District).
Around mid-August the temperatures start to moderate, fewer tourists are visiting, and you may find lower prices for lodging.

JUNE

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Spoleto Festival USA Finale at Middleton Place
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin’Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
Riverdogs Baseball


JULY

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Palette and Palate Stroll by Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association
Patriots Point 4th of July Blast
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin’Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
Riverdogs Baseball


AUGUST

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
First Day Festival by the Mayors Office for Children, Youth and Families
Fishing for Miracles King Mackerel Tournament by Key West Boats

 
Fall: September - November

Fall temperatures are spring like and moderate, offering an invigorating contrast to the summer solstice. Temperatures range from the low 50's to the low 80's. This is a good time to enjoy outdoor cafés and outdoor activities.

During the Fall season, you can find lower prices for lodging and food while still having pleasant weather; making this period a good time to visit Charleston.

The weather remains quite warm until mid-October, and you probably will not need a jacket until the end of November.

SEPTEMBER

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Fall Candlelight Tours of Homes and Gardens by Preservation Society of Charleston
Moja Arts Festival
Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Wine Stroll Wednesdays at Middleton Place
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin’Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
Riverdogs Baseball

OCTOBER

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Charleston Garden Festival
Komen Race for the Cure
Latin American Festival
Mt. Pleasant Children’s Day Festival
Taste of Charleston
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Charleston Farmer’s Market
Wine Stroll Wednesdays at Middleton Place
Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
Sippin’Saturdays at Irvin-House Vineyards
French Quarter Art Walk
South Carolina Stingrays Hockey

 

NOVEMBER

Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Charleston Fine Art Annual Event
Harvest Fest
Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov-Dec)
Plantation Days at Middleton Place
The Battle of Secessionville at Boone Hall Plantation
“Whale of a Sale” by The Junior League of Charleston
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Charleston Fine Art Annual - Annual November Event Not rated yet
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Harvest Fest - Annual November Event Not rated yet
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James Island Connector Run Annual November Event Not rated yet
Breathtaking views and a point-to-point start/finish in historic Charleston at Cannon Park. The race includes chip-timing for a 10K and 5K run as well …

 
Winter: December - February

Winters in Charleston are relatively mild, but high humidity can make it seem colder than the thermometer indicates. You will find lines short and restaurants open with good seating. So, it's a great time to visit Savannah. You may also find the best prices on both lodging and food.

During the December-February time period, the temperatures often range from highs in the mid 60's during the day to low 30's at night. However, it can be surprisingly warm or cold on some days -- so be prepared with a light jacket and a little warm weather clothing for those unusually warm or cold days.

DECEMBER

Annual Spirituals Concert
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Charleston Farmers Market (April-December)
Charleston Christmas Parade
Charleston Parade of Boats
Family Yuletide
Happy New Year Charleston!
Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov-Dec)
Marion Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kwanzaa Festival
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[NONE]

JANUARY

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town (for locals only)
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[NONE]

FEBRUARY

Lowcountry Oyster Festival
Lowcountry Blues Bash
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
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Sound of Charleston
Second Sunday on King Street
South Carolina Stingrays Hockey
Best of Broadway Series


Average Temperatures and Precip:

Avg. LowAvg. HighMeanAvg.
MonthTemp.Temp.Temp.Precip.
January37 °F59 °F50 °F3.62 in.
February39 °F62 °F52 °F2.62 in.
March46 °F69 °F59 °F3.83 in.
April52 °F76 °F66 °F2.44 in.
May61 °F83 °F74 °F2.77 in.
June69 °F88 °F74 °F4.96 in.
July73 °F91 °F83 °F5.50 in.
August72 °F89 °F82 °F6.54 in.
September67 °F85 °F78 °F6.13 in.
October55 °F77 °F69 °F3.02 in.
November46 °F78 °F61 °F2.18 in.
December39 °F62 °F53 °F2.78 in.