The climate of Beaufort
Beaufort, nestled in the heart of
South Carolina, USA, benefits from a humid subtropical climate, known as Cfa, according to the Köppen climate classification. It is characterized by an absence of a dry season, signifying the presence of significant rainfall and humidity levels throughout the year. The city's climate is effectively demonstrated by a broad spectrum of weather parameters, varying noticeably throughout the course of a year.
The yearly temperature cycle in Beaufort swings from an average low of 44.1°F (6.7°C) in the beginning of the year to an average high of 89.6°F (32°C) by
July. Humidity stays on the moderate side with average relative humidity ranging from 71% to 77% across twelve months. Rainfall is a staple element of Beaufort's weather, fluctuating from 0.87" (22mm) in
February to a peak of 3.54" (90mm) in
August. Accompanying this, the number of rainfall days climbs from 8.6 days in
January to a high point of 21.8 days in August.
Being located in the southeast, Beaufort barely has any snowfall days, limiting to just 0.2 days in January. As the region inclines towards the equator, an ample amount of daylight is observed, stretching from 10.3 hours in January to 14.3 hours in
June. Similar to the daylight hours, the city gets plenty of sunshine, tallying an average of 5.6 hours a day in
December-climbing to 11.2 hours per day in July.
The best time to visit Beaufort
The ideal time to visit
Beaufort is between mid-
April and mid-
June or from
September to mid-
November when the weather is pleasant and moderate. During these periods, average daily temperatures range from 67.1°F (19.5°C) to 85.1°F (29.5°C), showing a delightful blend of warmth and gentle breeze. Rainfall during these months is less frequent. Sunlight is also abundant, offering visitors ample time to explore the beauty of this coastal city with hours of daylight spanning from 12 hours in April to 13.8 hours in June and 12.4 hours in September.
The worst time to visit Beaufort
A period to consider cautiously before planning a trip to
Beaufort is from late
June through
August. The weather during this time tends to be warmer with average high-temperature peaking at 89.6°F (32°C) in
July. The relative humidity also reaches 76% contributing to a much hotter-feeling environment. Adding to the sultry temperatures, these three months are the rainiest of the year, with rainfall days peaking at 21.8 days and accumulating rainfall reaching 3.54" (90mm) in August.
Spring weather in Beaufort
Spring in
Beaufort, running from
March to
May, sees a steady increase in temperature from 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 66.9°F (19.4°C). Rainfall during this period increases significantly from 1.18" (30mm) in March to 1.81" (46mm) in May. The sunshine hours also pick up during these months, peaking at 10.5 hours in May, and the city basks in an increasing number of daylight hours, hitting a high of 13.8 hours by the end of the season.
Summer weather in Beaufort
Summer in
Beaufort spans from
June to
August and records the highest temperatures of the year, with averages swinging from 73.9°F (23.3°C) in June to a scorching 76.6°F (24.8°C) by August. These months witness the most significant amounts of rainfall with a peak of 3.54" (90mm) in August and the days with rain reaching 21.8. Despite being the rainiest, this season still receives ample sunshine with around 10.9 hours daily in June, decreasing slightly to 10.8 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Beaufort
Autumn sees a gradual decline in temperature from 72.5°F (22.5°C) in
September to 52.9°F (11.6°C) by
November. Correspondingly, rainfall decreases drastically from 2.28" (58mm) in September to a scanty 1.02" (26mm) by November, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities. Sunshine hours reduce gradually to 6.2 hours per day in November, while daylight hours get shorter, tallying at 10.5 hours by November's end.
Winter weather in Beaufort
Winter in
Beaufort lasts from
December through
February. December starts with an average low temperature of 49.1°F (9.5°C) that drops to 44.1°F (6.7°C) by
January. It is during this period that Beaufort experiences the least amount of rainfall with it dwindling to 0.87" (22mm) in February. Daylight hours are at their shortest in this season, coming down to 10.1 hours in December. Regular sunshine hours also follow the trend with 5.6 hours a day in December. The cool winter breeze is maintained by wind speeds varying between 7.8mph (12.6km/h) and 8.1mph (13km/h) during this period.
Weather in January
January ushers in the New Year with cool temperatures on
Beaufort, well below the yearly average. A crisp average high of 57.6°F (14.2°C) and low of 44.1°F (6.7°C) makes January chilly compared to upcoming months. Occasional rainfall marks the weather patterns in this month, giving a fresh start to the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from
January's cold grip,
February in
Beaufort hints at the upcoming spring season. The average temperatures climb slightly from the previous month, indicating a warming trend. February is a drier time, yet the region experiences a general uptick in relative humidity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring begins to unfold,
March sees a noticeable change in
Beaufort's weather. From the cooler tones of winter, March transitions to warmer days with a notable increase in average temperature. The landscape flourishes under a striking 12 hours of daylight, signalling protracted daytime activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Beaufort is typified by the full bloom of the spring season. A significant increase in temperature echoes the city's shift into warmer quarters. The weather changes from the cooler, wetter
March, with an upsurge in average high temperatures to 74.7°F (23.7°C), marking the onset of impending summer.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May ushers in not just warmer temperatures, but also the exciting onset of the summer season in
Beaufort. The shift from spring to summer is marked by higher temperatures, underlining the seasonal change. It isn't just the temperature that signals summer, as the city also experiences a significant increase in daylight hours.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the gateway to summer, graces
Beaufort with long, warm days. Seasonal shifts in temperature and sunlight usher in the peak season. Tropical climate patterns amplify the moisture profile and, as a result, rainfall becomes a more common visitor to the region.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July takes the reins from
June, sustaining the city's rhythm of long, vibrant summer days. Peak daytime temperatures recorded in July hit a yearly high of 89.6°F (32°C), embodying the classic South Carolinian summer. Additionally, rainfall is prevalent, supplementing the city's natural reserves.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the time when summer begins to simmer down in
Beaufort, signaling the approaching end of the peak tourist season. There's a subtle shift towards cooler temperatures, yet the weather remains dominantly warm and humid. Rainfall levels rise, adding to August’s humid, yet comfortable climate.
Weather in August » Weather in September
When
September arrives,
Beaufort hits the pause button on its vibrant summer rhythm and gradually starts to welcome the autumn season. Although temperatures begin to decline marginally, the remnants of summer still keep the city sufficiently warm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the autumn season in full swing to
Beaufort. This month features decreased temperatures, particularly compared to the warmer
September. Moreover, daylight hours continue to shorten, adding to the classic autumn ambiance.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees
Beaufort gracefully transitioning into the winter season. The shift from the warmth of
October to cooler November days is perceptible in the average temperatures. The city experiences dwindling daylight hours and an overall drop in relative humidity, emphasizing the wintry ambiance.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings
Beaufort full circle, culminating in the return of the cooler temperatures. The fall in temperature, down to an average high of 61.3°F (16.3°C), and low of 49.1°F (9.5°C), brings forth the chill of winter after the moderate climes of
November.
Weather in December »