Charleston's summer heat gets the attention, but the humidity and afternoon storms are what wreck plans. July has 88°F (31°C) highs, 77°F (25°C) lows and 21 rain days, so the right fabric and a rain shell matter more than how many outfits you bring. And those pretty old streets are uneven, so your shoes matter too.
Charleston weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 57°F14°C | 63°F17°C | 68°F20°C | 73°F23°C | 81°F27°C | 84°F29°C | 88°F31°C | 86°F30°C | 82°F28°C | 75°F24°C | 68°F20°C | 61°F16°C |
| Low | 43°F6°C | 48°F9°C | 54°F12°C | 61°F16°C | 66°F19°C | 73°F23°C | 77°F25°C | 75°F24°C | 70°F21°C | 61°F16°C | 54°F12°C | 46°F8°C |
| Rain days | 10 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 14 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild by most standards, with highs of 57°F (14°C) to 63°F (17°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C) to 48°F (9°C). Evenings on the Battery get chilly with the wind off the harbor. A light jacket and a sweater are plenty.
Spring
March–MayOur favorite time to go. Highs run 68°F (20°C) to 81°F (27°C), the azaleas are out at Middleton Place and Magnolia, and March and April only see 7 or 8 rain days. May turns humid with 14 rain days, so pack lighter fabrics then.
Summer
June–AugustHot, sticky and stormy. Highs reach 84°F (29°C) to 88°F (31°C), nights stay at 73°F (23°C) to 77°F (25°C), and July has 21 rain days, usually short afternoon thunderstorms. Wear linen or light cotton, do walking tours in the morning and bring bug spray for evenings near the marsh.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 82°F (28°C) with 11 rain days, and it's hurricane season. October is the sweet spot, with 75°F (24°C) highs and just 6 rain days. By November it's 68°F (20°C), so add a light layer for the evenings.
What to bring to Charleston
0 of 22 packed- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Charleston's marshes breed mosquitoes, and this lasts up to 12 hours on your skin. It's 4 oz, so decant it if you're flying carry-on only.
Made for a porch or patio dinner in the Lowcountry. It sets up a 20 feet (10 meters) zone while you sit, though it won't help once you start walking.
July brings 21 rain days, usually as one quick afternoon storm. This packs into its own pocket, so it's already in your bag when the sky opens over King Street.
Summer storms here come fast and pass fast. It's a light, packable women's rain shell that's easy to keep in a day bag.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
With 86°F (30°C) days and sticky nights, you'll want cold water all day. This keeps it cold for 24 hours and fits most car cupholders for the drive out to the beaches.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A walking tour at 88°F (31°C) in that humidity is rough. This puts some air on your face, just charge it every night since the battery runs a few hours on high.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
For Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island. It keeps a wet swimsuit away from everything else in your bag.
Clothing
- Breathable linen or cotton tops · 5July has 25°C lows and 21 rain days
- Light shorts or skirts · 3
- Sundress or chinos for dinner · 2
- Light sweater · 1Dec–Feb highs of 14–17°C
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Supportive walking shoes · 1 pairOld streets and sidewalks are uneven
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Compact umbrellaAfternoon storms in summer
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSummer highs reach 31°C
- Anti-chafe balmHumidity on long walks
- Basic medications
Documents and money
- ID or passport
- Travel insuranceHurricane season runs June to November
Tech
- Phone charger
What shoes should you pack for Charleston?
The historic district has cobblestone streets like Chalmers Street, brick sidewalks pushed up by tree roots and uneven slate. Skip flimsy flip-flops for walking tours and wear cushioned sneakers or sandals with real support. Pack a second pair in summer, because shoes get soaked in the afternoon storms.
What do people wear in Charleston?
Charleston dresses up a little more than most beach towns. Sundresses, linen shirts, chinos and loafers fit in at the King Street restaurants. Beachwear is for Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island, not dinner downtown.
What plugs does Charleston use?
Charleston uses Type A and B plugs at 120V, the standard US outlets. Visitors from abroad need an adapter and should check their chargers handle 120V. Most phone and laptop chargers do.
Tours and things to do in Charleston
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Charleston.
What should you leave at home for Charleston?
Leave the heavy jeans in summer. They'll be soaked by noon and won't dry in that humidity. You don't need a winter coat either, a light jacket covers even January.
Packing for Charleston: questions people ask
What should I wear in Charleston in summer?
Linen and light cotton, breathable shoes and a packable rain shell. Highs hit 88°F (31°C) in July with 77°F (25°C) lows and frequent afternoon storms.
When is the best time to visit Charleston?
March, April and October. Highs run 68°F (20°C) to 75°F (24°C) and those months only get 6 to 8 rain days.
Do I need bug spray in Charleston?
Yes, especially in summer and around the marshes, the old plantations and outdoor patios at dusk. Mosquitoes are common in the humid months.
What shoes should I wear in Charleston?
Supportive sneakers or walking sandals. Cobblestones and root-cracked brick sidewalks in the historic district are hard on thin soles.
Is Charleston rainy?
In summer, yes. July gets 21 rain days and August 18, mostly short afternoon thunderstorms. October is the driest month with 6.
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