The climate of Florence
Florence, situated in
South Carolina, USA, embodies the unique characteristics of a humid subtropical climate with no dry season, also described by Köppen as climate classification Cfa. The city resides in an environment where all twelve months have significant precipitation. Monthly temperatures showcase a noticeable fluctuation while the humidity stays fairly consistent.
Average high temperatures increase from 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
January to a peak of 89.6°F (32°C) in
July, before descending back to 56.1°F (13.4°C) in
December. Simultaneously, average lows exhibit a similar pattern, commencing the year at 37°F (2.8°C), peaking at 72.3°F (22.4°C) in July, and finally, dropping to 41.2°F (5.1°C) in December. During the course of a year, humidity tends to vary minimally between 72% to 78% making Florence a humid locale throughout the year.
Rainfall trends show a consistent distribution over the calendar. However, July registers a high with 3.82" (97mm) whilst the driest month is January with a total of 1.65" (42mm). In essence, the wettest period in Florence is the summer season. Snowfall is rare in the city, with minimal amounts seen in January,
February, and
November. Unique to this location is the favorable visibility of approximately 6 miles that stays remarkably constant across the year.
The best time to visit Florence
Planning a trip to
Florence hinges on personal preferences. For those seeking warm weather and long sunny days, the months from
May to
July would be ideal. During these months, the temperature escalates from 72.5°F (22.5°C) to a scorching 89.6°F (32°C). Moreover, during this period, Florence receives the most sunshine, reaching its highest in July with 10.9 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Florence
Florence experiences its most cumbersome weather during the months of
July and
August. During this period, the city records an average high temperature of 89.6°F (32°C) to 88.3°F (31.3°C) and an average low temperature of 72.3°F (22.4°C) to 71.2°F (21.8°C). This, coupled with relative humidity of 75% to 77%, and the most considerable rainfall of up to 3.82" (97mm), makes it quite uncomfortable for tourists. Therefore, it is less advisable to visit Florence during these months.
Spring weather in Florence
Florence witnesses spring between
March and
May. During this period, the weather gradually warms up from a modest average high of 63.3°F (17.4°C) in March to 79.7°F (26.5°C) in May. The lower limit of temperature follows the same trend increasing from 46°F (7.8°C) in March to a balmy 62.6°F (17°C) in May. The daylight time also expands from 12 hours to 14 hours. This is the time when Florence starts to see more sunshine with up to 9.4 hours in
April and 9.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Florence
The summer in
Florence spans
June through
August, marked by high temperatures, extensive daylight, and significant precipitation. The average high temperature during these months varies from 86.7°F (30.4°C) in June, peaks at 89.6°F (32°C) in
July, and settles at 88.3°F (31.3°C) in August. Sunshine remains abundant with 10.4 to 10.9 hours per day. This period also coincides with the city's wettest months, receiving the highest rainfall.
Autumn weather in Florence
The transition of summer to winter during
September through
November brims with cooler weather in
Florence. The average high temperature recedes gradually from 83.7°F (28.7°C) in September to 62.1°F (16.7°C) in November. Similarly, the average low temperature follows a decreasing trajectory settling to 45.3°F (7.4°C) in November from an onset of 66.2°F (19°C) in September. The daylight hours and sunshine also diminish during these months, posting lowest daylight hours of 10.4 in November.
Winter weather in Florence
Finally, winter in
Florence encompasses the months of
December through
February. During this season, the city observes coldest temperatures with average highs ranging from 56.1°F (13.4°C) in December to 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
January, and average lows hovering between 37°F (2.8°C) to 41.2°F (5.1°C). Interestingly, even during these cooler months, the city continues to receive a substantial amount of rain with February witnessing 2.28" (58mm). Despite shorter days with 9.9 to 10.2 hours, Florence manages to accumulate 5.5 to 5.6 hours of sunshine daily during these months.
Weather in January
Taking a glimpse at
Florence's weather in
January, the year starts off with decently cool temperatures and noticeable humidity levels. Changes appear minor relative to the weather in
February, with the cold softly easing up. The apparent increase in cloud cover signifies more overcast days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Switching focus to
February,
Florence experiences a small boost in average temperatures and relative humidity compared to
January. The month inches closer to spring's warmer embrace, with noticeably less snowfall than the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings more noticeable warming signs to
Florence, indicating the creeping onset of spring. The month sees a transition to milder temperatures compared to
February, accompanied by an increase in daylight hours which are a boon for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in further warming, marking a palpable difference from
March and an even more significant contrast to the winter months. The majority of precipitation in this period comes from increased rainfall, shedding the last vestiges of winter's snow.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Stepping into
May,
Florence leans more heavily into spring, distanced from the cooler temperatures of
April. Enjoying extended daylight hours fused into the mix, the weather favors longer outdoor experiences. This period also heralds increased rainfall, a steep jump from that observed in the previous month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Florence heralds the start of summer and a significant hike in temperatures, compared to its spring predecessor,
May. A shift becomes evident in the cloud cover, with fewer clouds seen than in previous months. Among this month's unique features are increased daylight hours, generous sun exposure, and a peak in relative humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Observing
July's weather in
Florence, the month proves to be the peak of summer's heat, superseding the already intense temperatures of
June. Although it is the hottest month, the decrease in relative humidity lends faint relief. Emphasizing its summer characteristics, July exhibits the least number of sunshine days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Focusing on
Florence's weather in
August, the heat wave that initiated in
July continues with barely any respite. The reduced sunshine hours prove deceptive as temperatures remain significantly high, showing a negligible cooling from the previous month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Florence serves as a gatekeeper to fall, bringing a distinct drop in temperatures from the heat-intensive
August. With decreased heat and gentle winds, the weather begins to show signs of the approaching Autumn. A commensurate fall in humidity levels offers a reprieve to the earlier summer moistness.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
By
October,
Florence experiences a clearer shift towards cooler temperatures, diverging from the warmer
September. Visual indicators include increased cloud cover and receding daylight hours. Florence begins to prepare for the upcoming winter months, with the relative humidity dropping further.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks a definitive entry into the late fall with a marked drop in temperatures from
October. A cloudy cloak often encircles
Florence, causing a decrease in sunlight hours compared to the month before. Preemptively echoing winter, November records a minor resurgence in snowfall, charting 0.04" (1mm) after several snow-devoid months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wading into
December,
Florence dives into the full intensity of winter after a comparatively mild
November. Lower temperatures set the stage for the appearance of winter frost, signaling the bid farewell to the now distant autumn.
Weather in December »