The climate of South Charleston
Given its geographical position in
West Virginia, USA,
South Charleston reveals itself with a predominately Humid Subtropical climate, denoted as Cfa, in line with the Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies that the city experiences no dry season with the temperature of the warmest month averaging above 71.6°F (22°C).
Delving into the yearly climate, the temperature swings from a frigid low of 25.3°F (-3.7°C) in
January to hitting a peak of 85.6°F (29.8°C) in
July, indicating substantial fluctuation across different seasons. Humidity in South Charleston maintains a relative constancy throughout the year, maintaining an average above 75%. Precipitation reveals monthly rainfall from a low of 1.81" (46mm) in
September to a high of 3.94" (100mm) in
May and reiterates the climate's subtropical nature.
Unique weather conditions emerge in the annual snowfall, while common in winter months, interestingly, it diminishes to none between
June and
October. The amount of daily sunshine ranges across the year, reaching its zenith of 10.2 hours in
August before plummeting to its nadir of 3.7 hours in
December.
The best time to visit South Charleston
Considering factors such as comfortable temperatures, lower likelihood of rainfall, and abundant sunshine,
June through
August stand out as the optimal time for visiting
South Charleston. During this period, temperatures hover between 74.8°F (23.8°C) and 85.6°F (29.8°C), coupled with the longest daily sunshine span, and relative humidity often below 80%. These aspects combine to create ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit South Charleston
The most challenging period for visitation falls between
December and
February. Throughout this stretch, the low temperature ranges from 25.3°F (-3.7°C) to 28.8°F (-1.8°C) and daily sunshine is at its minimum, touching just 3.7-4.5 hours. With these conditions, outdoor activities could be a challenging endeavor for tourists not accustomed to severe cold. Furthermore, the likelihood of snowfall is highest during these months, potentially leading to disruptions in transportation.
Spring weather in South Charleston
Spring in
South Charleston ushers in a gradual upward shift in temperature from 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
March to 74.8°F (23.8°C) in
May. Correspondingly, the lowest temperature sees an incline from 36.3°F (2.4°C) to 54.1°F (12.3°C). Rainfall is more than 3" (76mm) in each month of spring, with May experiencing the highest volume of 3.94" (100mm). Daily sunshine also enters a growth phase, stretching from 5.9 hours in March to 9 hours by May.
Summer weather in South Charleston
In
South Charleston, the summer months from
June to
August are characterized by the warmest temperatures of the year. High temperatures in this season range from 77.9°F (25.5°C) to 85.6°F (29.8°C), while the lower limit remains between 59.7°F (15.4°C) and 63.3°F (17.4°C), ensuring relatively balmy nights. Rainfall decreases throughout summer, starting at 3.23" (82mm) in June and reducing to 2.09" (53mm) by August. The average hours of daily sunshine peak at around 9.9-10.2 hours.
Autumn weather in South Charleston
Autumn in
South Charleston sees temperatures gradually dropping, with the high temperatures declining from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in
September to 52.7°F (11.5°C) by
November. Similarly, the low temperatures also decrease from 56.7°F (13.7°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C). Rainfall remains fairly consistent in autumn, fluctuating between 1.81" (46mm) and 2.72" (69mm). The daily sunshine also dwindles during this period, going from 8.3 hours to 5.5 hours.
Winter weather in South Charleston
In
South Charleston, winters are marked by low temperatures, limited sunshine, and increased snowfall. High temperatures in winter float between 38.7°F (3.7°C) and 43.7°F (6.5°C), while lows can go down to 25.3°F (-3.7°C) in
January. Rainfall registers its highest in
December at 3.11" (79mm), whereas the notable snowfall peaks in January at 5.51" (140mm). Sunshine during winter dwindles to the year's lowest of 3.7-4.1 hours per day.
Weather in January
South Charleston experiences a chilly start with
January as expected of winter in
West Virginia. This month records the highest snowfall, both in terms of the number of days and the volume, with 5.51in spread across 14.1 days. The volatile weather patterns this time of year can impact commuting, hence travelers may want to take precautions.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
South Charleston brings slight relief from
January's cold pervasiveness, yet it remains a winter month and embraces cold climate. It's marginally less snowy than January, but still invites snow lovers with 4.61in of snow falls over 10.8 days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Transitioning into spring,
March sees a significant shift in
South Charleston's weather patterns. The snowfall volume reduces dramatically this month, with only 3.66in falling through merely seven days. The month's weather characteristics lean more towards rainfall rather than snow, an early sign of the upcoming greener months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
South Charleston is a time when the city truly awakens from its wintery slumber. No significant snowfall is recorded this month, only a mere 0.55in, illustrating a clear shift from the colder months. The temperatures and daylight hours rise noticeably, as do rainfall days, a sign of the natural landscape's rejuvenation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
South Charleston is a beacon of warmer days ahead. Witnessing the highest rainfall of the year with 3.94in, this month somewhat heralds the onset of the summer season. Despite the shared presence of clouds and sun, the abundant light usually paves the way for outdoor recreational activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, ushering in the heart of summer in
South Charleston, sees the temperatures rise steadily. The warmest month's onset is characterized by maximum temperatures soaring up to 85.6°F (29.8°C). Despite being marginally humid, the evening breeze often brings a comforting respite.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands out as the hottest month in
South Charleston, embracing the summer spirit with temperatures peaking at 85.6°F (29.8°C). With no snow, minimal rainfall and maximum clear sky days, July makes for a pleasant time for various activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
South Charleston brings a subtle transition from the pinnacle of summer to the onset of fall. Temperatures begin to slightly decrease; however, the maximum still touch as high as 84.6°F (29.2°C). A subtle yet steady shift in weather patterns marks August as the transition month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
South Charleston captures the essence of fall, with moderate temperatures and slightly overcast days. The city bids adieu to high summer temperatures, now reeling in a cooler 77.9°F (25.5°C). The change in weather is palpable, especially in the evenings, when a slight nip in the air hints towards the coming winter.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
South Charleston sees a noticeable drop in temperatures, setting the stage for the arrival of winter. Subtle indicators of winter, like the occasional rise of 1.22in snowfall over just a couple of days, pique the residents' interest.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of winter in
South Charleston with the temperatures dipping noticeably. The dip in temperature coupled with an increase in snowfall, 1.61in over 3.6 days, signals the start of the winter season. The leafless trees against the dull backdrop of the winter sky, creates an alluring, monochromatic cityscape.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the last month of the year, brings
South Charleston into the peak of winter. Snowfall reaches a considerable amount this month, registering at 4.53in over 9.2 days. The city adorned in a white blanket creates a sight quite picturesque.
Weather in December »