Charleston In Summer
Spring and fall are the seasons of choice for trips to Charleston for visitors whose travel arrangements can be flexible. Summers in Charleston are hot and uncomfortably humid, to the extent that for many people, activity may be restricted for much of the afternoon through July and August.
Nonetheless, the city attracts tourists year-round, and the beachfront towns and resorts nearby, in particular, are thronged with families on vacation, with June an especially popular month to visit.
See also:
– Visiting Charleston in spring or fall
– Music festivals in Charleston and the lowcountry
– When is the best time of year to visit Charleston?
– Things to do during your visit
Summer Weather In Charleston
Charleston’s weather in the summer months of June, July and August is usually uncomfortably hot and humid. Unless you are used to this kind of weather, or are obliged to travel at this time of the year, it is better to visit in the cooler months of fall through spring instead.
June temperatures average a high of 88°F (31°C). July and August are hotter still, with average highs of 90°F-plus (32-33°C). Average lows are in the 70-73°F (21-23°C) range through the summer months. On a day-by-day basis, you can expect the maximum temperature to be in the 85-95°F range most of the time.
The humidity levels are oppressive through summer, and stay that way into September. Humidity is especially high in July and August, when high temperatures and uncomfortable humidity frequently persist until well into the evening.
Charleston’s rainy season starts in June, continuing through summer and into September. During this period, rainfall averages 6-7 inches per month. Afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms are common, with a good chance of rain on any given day.
There is a risk of hurricanes from June through November.
→ More about Charleston’s weather in June, July and August
Ideal Summer Activities
The temperature and humidity in Charleston become increasingly oppressive as summer wears on, with cooling outdoor activities the favored pastime for visitors during June through August.
When the weather is at its hottest, plan to do the bulk of your sightseeing in the morning. While more modern museums and other attractions may be air conditioned, historic buildings, including historic house museums and plantations, may not be.
Afternoons will usually be best spent on relaxing and restful activities, or otherwise at the beach where the ocean offers an opportunity to cool off. Whatever activities you choose for this time of the day, it is sensible to check the local weather forecast and be prepared for rain: afternoon rainstorms and sometimes thunderstorms are a frequent occurence through summer.
Later sunsets in summer lengthen the sight-seeing day considerably, although the heat and humidity can unfortunately stay high through much of the evening. Evening and sunset boat or kayak tours are a cooling activity to enjoy at this time of the day.
Summer Festivals & Events In Charleston
Charleston’s popular Spoleto Festival and its sibling event, the Piccolo Spoleto, are both underway by early summer. Charleston Carifest, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival and the monthly Shaggin’ on the Cooper dancing are also held over summer (and of the course the city’s annual Fourth of July celebrations), but otherwise comparatively few events are scheduled for the hottest months of year, in favor of the cooler spring and fall seasons.
For more details of events this month, see:
Planning A Summer Visit To Charleston
Although summer is ostensibly the off-season for tourism to Charleston, it is still advisable to book ahead for a full choice of places to stay, as families with school-age children obliged to vacation during the summer months prop up demand at this time of year.
The situation is different in the barrier island towns and resorts north and south of the city. Here, summer is the most popular time of year to visit, and advance reservations, preferably made some time before you plan to visit, are a necessity. This is especially the case for rental properties suitable for families.
The Spoleto Festival in early June attractions vast numbers of people to Charleston and its vicinity. If you are visiting around the time of the festival dates, it will generally also be necessary to book well ahead of time.
When choosing your accommodation, make certain that air conditioning is available, as temperatures and humidity often remain high throughout the night.
In terms of what to pack, umbrellas, sun block and bug spray are necessities, and you should also be prepared for the possibility of heavy storms and even hurricanes. You may also like to check if your travel insurance policy includes coverage for cancellations and curtailments in the case of hurricanes and other heavy weather.
If you are hoping to enjoy certain activities such as a boat tour or other nature excursion, it may be advisable to make reservations a few days before you travel: inquire directly with the tour provider for information on how long before the day their tours tend to book up.