The climate of North Charleston
North Charleston, nestled in
South Carolina, USA, takes on a semblance of a humid subtropical area, marked by no dry season in its territory. This climate category can be attributed to its Köppen climate classification: Cfa.
North Charleston's temperatures span from 42.8°F (6°C) to 89.6°F (32°C), revealing a considerable difference between its warmest and coldest months. Relatively, the humidity constantly hovers at 72% to 77%. This high humidity along with abundant rainfall, ranging from 0.67" (17mm) to 4.29" (109mm), imparts a characteristic hazy attribute to the city’s climate. Rainfall days in North Charleston likewise show a vast range, varying from 6.9 to 22.7 days per month, denoting the alternating dry and wet periods throughout the year.
A highlighted phenomenon in North Charleston's climate is the absence of snowfall. With the exception of minor traces noted in
December, the city remains free from the typical winter chills. Daylight hours range from 10 hours during the shorter winter days to 14.3 hours in the heart of summer, ensuring ample sunshine for both locals and visitors. Monthly visibility scores maintain stability at 6 miles, allowing for fair weather conditions most of the year.
The best time to visit North Charleston
The optimum time for a visit to
North Charleston depends largely on the individual's temperature preference. However, the city shines most brightly in late spring, through
May, and early autumn, in
September. During these periods, the city experiences mild weather with temperature highs averaging between 80.8°F (27.1°C) in May and 84.4°F (29.1°C) in September. These months also have fewer rainfall days, with 13.4 and 14.8 respectively, ensuring mostly dry and sunny days. Combined with longer daylight hours, extending to 13.9 hours in May and 12.4 hours in September, North Charleston provides perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit North Charleston
Adverse weather conditions dominate
North Charleston during
July and
August, where temperatures soar to 89.6°F (32°C) and 88.3°F (31.3°C), respectively. Additionally, these months witness precipitation at its peak, reaching 2.68" (68mm) in July and a high 4.29" (109mm) in August, with more than 21 rainfall days each. Consequently, the high humidity along with soaring temperatures might render these months less favorable for tourists, especially those uncomfortable with humid and rainy conditions.
Spring weather in North Charleston
Spring brings a period of transformation to
North Charleston, beginning with temperatures that steadily trek from 56.8°F (13.8°C) in
March, to 66.2°F (19°C) in
April, culminating to 80.8°F (27.1°C) by
May. The increase remains twinned with a growth in daylight hours, which rise from 12 hours in March to an ample 13.9 hours by May. Rainfall tends to follow a similar pattern, moving from 1.14" (29mm) in March and peaking at 1.65" (42mm) in April, before it diminishes to 1.42" (36mm) by May.
Summer weather in North Charleston
Climate peaks during the summer months in
North Charleston. Beginning in
June, with an average high of 87.1°F (30.6°C), the city experiences its warmest days in
July with 89.6°F (32°C), before a mild decrease to 88.3°F (31.3°C) in
August. This is accompanied by escalated rainfall amounts, increasing from 2.6" (66mm) in June to a dramatic 4.29" (109mm) in August. Notwithstanding the high rainfall, longer days with summits of up to 14.3 hours of daylight in June enhance the brightness of North Charleston during these months.
Autumn weather in North Charleston
Autumn sets in with a noticeable reduction in heat, where the temperature drops from 84.4°F (29.1°C) in
September to 76.1°F (24.5°C) in
October and reaches 65.8°F (18.8°C) by
November. Rainfall, prominent in the preceding summer months, begins to subside to 1.89" (48mm) in October, and decreasing significantly to 1.02" (26mm) in November. Declining daylight hours complement the seasonal transformation with a decrease from 12.4 hours in September to 10.5 hours in November.
Winter weather in North Charleston
The onset of winter brings a further cooling down in
North Charleston. Starting from a chilly 60.4°F (15.8°C) in
December, the temperature low reaches 42.8°F (6°C) in
January, marking the coldest month. The winter months also receive the lowest rainfall of 0.67" (17mm) in January and 0.91" (23mm) in
February. Lastly, the shorter days during winter also record the lowest daylight, resting at 10 hours in December and January.
Weather in January
In
North Charleston,
South Carolina, the start of the year brings cool temperatures, abundant clouds, and a breezy atmosphere.
January's weather remains somewhat consistent, with maximum temperatures peaking at 56.8°F (13.8°C) and minimum temperatures falling to 42.8°F (6°C).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February’s weather sees a shift as
North Charleston begins to show early signs of spring. The city experiences a moderate rise in temperatures looking at the high of 60.6°F (15.9°C) and the low of 45.9°F (7.7°C). Compared to the previous month, February witnesses higher temperatures, aligning more with the upcoming month of
March.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in April
North Charleston’s weather in
April shows definitive signs of summer approaching with noticeably warmer temperatures. This month sees a significant rise in daytime temperatures, moving to 74.1°F (23.4°C) at the highest and 59°F (15°C) at the lowest.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With the onset of summer,
May experiences a definitive shift in
North Charleston's weather. The temperatures rise steeply with the highest reaching 80.8°F (27.1°C) and the lowest at 66.7°F (19.3°C). The increase in temperature is evident as May’s weather takes a marked leap from that of
April, drawing closer to the hotter month of
June.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June brings the true onset of summer to
North Charleston,
South Carolina, with its warm and humid weather. The average temperature values hit their stride with the highest at 87.1°F (30.6°C) and the lowest at 73.4°F (23°C). June’s weather, although warmer than
May, is still comparatively mild than the intense heat of
July.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As far as
North Charleston's weather goes,
July marks the peak of summer with the highest temperature averages for the year. Expect temperatures to settle between 76.5°F (24.7°C) at its lowest and 89.6°F (32°C) at its highest.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Weather in September
September brings the beginning of fall to
North Charleston, introducing the initial stages of the cooling trend. The temperatures lessen compared to the summer months, with the highest reaching 84.4°F (29.1°C) and the lowest dipping down to 72°F (22.2°C).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
North Charleston's weather in
October captures the essence of the fall season with comfortable temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. The city cools down further from
September, recording an average high temperature of 76.1°F (24.5°C) and an average low of 62.1°F (16.7°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The arrival of
November brings about a noticeable dip in
North Charleston's average temperatures. The city begins to experience colder days with a maximum temperature of 65.8°F (18.8°C) and minimum temperature falling to 51.8°F (11°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the beginning of winter in
North Charleston,
South Carolina, with its cooler temperatures and festive atmosphere. North Charleston's weather rolls towards the year's core winter, observing the highest temperature of 60.4°F (15.8°C) and the lowest being 47.3°F (8.5°C).
Weather in December »