What is the weather like in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers throughout most of the state. Mild winters predominate in the eastern and southern part of the state but cool to occasionally cold winters are the standard in the northwestern areas of the state, especially areas at or above 600 feet in elevation. On average, between 40 and 80 inches of precipitation falls annually across the state.
Does South Carolina have four seasons?
South Carolina is a four-season state, with each season being longer or shorter depending on the region.
Winter: December – February or March
For example, in the northwestern mountain area (the Upstate), winter is cold and snowy, lasting from December through March, with temperatures ranging from 26 at higher elevations to 40 degrees in the plains. In contrast, winter in the Low Country along the Atlantic Coast has significantly milder temperatures with little to no snowfall. Temperatures range from 40 to 60 degrees.
Spring: March-May
Springtime arrives all over South Carolina just a little later (mid to late March) in the mountains and earlier on the coast. Wherever you live or visit in South Carolina, spring is a beautiful time of year with gorgeous weather and perfect temperatures.
Summer: June – September
Summer in South Carolina is hot, and people like it that way. Every region has its extremes, but overall, whether you live Upstate, in the Midlands, or the Low Country, you’ll be warm. Wear a hat, pack some flip-flops, and enjoy a dip in one of the state’s cooling lakes. Oh, and eat ice cream.
Fall: September – November
From the mountains to the ocean shores, fall in South Carolina is a season of cooler temperatures, brilliant foliage, and bountiful harvests. Warm clothes are still optional most days, with people getting by on cool nights with a cozy sweater.
What part of South Carolina is warm all year-round?
South Carolina is the eighth-hottest state in the United States, with an average annual temperature of 62.4ºF. The state’s subtropical climate supports long hot summers and mild winters in its eastern and southern regions. The northwestern areas of South Carolina tend to have cold winters, especially at high elevations. On average, there are 216 sunny days per year in South Carolina. The US average is 205 sunny days.
What is the coldest month in South Carolina?
January is the coldest month of the year in South Carolina, with the average low temperatures ranging from 26°F in the mountains to 40°F in the plains. The Low Country along the Atlantic Coast offers milder temperatures in January, averaging about 60°F.
Source: Wikipedia.org
South Carolina Weather by the Month
Weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year in South Carolina, with the average low temperatures ranging from 26°F in the mountains to 40°F in the plains. The Atlantic Coast averages between 40°F to 60°F while the Upstate is between 26°F to 44°F. The days are mild with moderate sunshine of 7 hours and usually remain in the 44°F to 60°F zone.
Snowfall is light between 1″ to 3″ and increases in the Blue Mountains. Sledding and tubing are popular on the high mountain slopes. Depending on where you live, winter can be a time for tasty craft beers and Beer Festivals, hiking state parks, and holing up in a cozy cabin.
In the Low Country you could be strolling the beaches or playing golf!
Wherever you go in January, pack warm clothes for the evenings even though the days seem to be mild.
Watch out for winter storms that can close highways and affect power lines Upstate in January in South Carolina.
Weather in February
February is mildly cold and relatively dry in South Carolina. However, the days see warm sunshine, with average temperatures in the 47°F to 63°F range. The midlands region has average temperatures of 41°F to 63°F.
Visitors to the high western mountains enjoy snowfall and related winter activities such as sledding, stubbing, and skiing. Appropriate winter clothing is needed, and a cozy wood fire in a mountain cabin can take the chill out of any winter day.
You rarely need a heavy winter coat in the midlands and along the coast, but sweaters and long-sleeved shirts are a good idea. Sunny days are standard, so pack up a few t-shirts too. February marks the end of winter in South Carolina, and the entire state sees daily warmer temperatures.
Weather in March
March is the beginning of the beautiful spring season in South Carolina, with blooming flowers and green landscapes. The average high temperatures are in the 56°F to 69°F range, while the average low temperatures are in the 35°F to 49°F zone.
The ground is entirely free of snow and ice except for on the tops of high mountains. Ocean water temperatures are a bit cold for swimming, but there is terrific fishing for sheepshead, weakfish, bull redfish, flounder, and sea bass just offshore if you want to enjoy the sea air and catch a tasty lunch.
The spring season sees many tourists in South Carolina, and March is ideal for budget travelers looking for discounted accommodations. If March Break is in your plans, head for some of South Carolina’s beautiful beaches.
Weather in April
April is a beautiful time to visit South Carolina. Day temperatures are in the 64°F to 75°F range, while nights average 42°F to 55°F. The Upstate is pleasant between 49°F to 73°F while the midlands region registers between 51°F to 76°F.
The precipitation is 2″ to 3″ in much of the state. Expect bright sunshine of 7 to 8 hours.
The growing season is in full swing, and cool-season plants like lettuce, kale, parsley, and cilantro are still producing, and some plants are entering their most productive weeks of the year. Cherries and strawberries arrive at farmers’ markets or you can pick your own right on the farm. Pie anyone?
Hunting and fishing enthusiasts take to the forests for white tailed deer and lakeshores abundant with striped bass.
Spring is the time to bike and hike the mountain trails and enjoy the fresh air.
Weather in May
In South Carolina, May is the driest month of the spring season with clear sunny skies. The average high temperatures are in the warm 71°F to 82°F range, while the average low temperatures are in the mild 51°F to 63°F zone.
With 8 hours of daily sunshine. May is an excellent time to explore national and state parks.
Dawn and dusk bring regular sightings of wild animals and local birds foraging for food.
The Low Country coast is popular, and people explore the long shoreline and beautiful beaches.
Weather in June
June begins the hot and humid summer season in South Carolina and a rainy period along the coast. Nights are comfortable in the 56°F to 70°F range, while the days average high temperatures between 76°F to 92°F. The midlands region has temperatures in the 68°F to 91°F zone. Occasional cooling afternoon thunderstorms offer a reprieve from the heat.
Along the coast fresh evening breezes are welcomed by tourists and residents strolling the beaches. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts, and sandals are perfect summer wear. Add a hat and sunglasses while beachcombing and you’ll be comfortable and stylish!
South Carolina sees many visitors who seek the hot weather in June.
Weather in July
July is usually the hottest month of the year in South Carolina, with the average high temperatures in the range of 79°F. to 95°F. Coastal areas are slightly milder (between 71°F. to 91°F) than in the midlands region, which sees temperatures in the 73°F. to 95°F range. Nights average between 62°F to 73°F and tend to be mild in the western mountains.
Precipitation tends to be highest on the coast so bring a light jacket. July brings 4″ to 7″ of rainfall across the state, much in the form of afternoon thunderstorms that cool the conditions post-rain. The 8 hours of sunshine is bright, but the humidity is at a yearly high with a lot of cloud cover.
Mountain lodges, state parks, and coastal areas are popular tourist with tourists. Visitors to South Carolina in July also enjoy the highlands Upstate, where the mountain air offers a pleasant change from the heat of the plains.
Weather in August
August is hot in South Carolina, with a minimum of 8 hours of daily sunshine. The average high temperatures are in the 77°F to 93°F range, while the average lows are between 61°F to 72°F. Rainfall averages from 4″ to 8″ and is the highest in the coastal belt.
Ice cream shops are busy in August (cookie dough anyone?) and iced tea and lemonade top the list of hydrating beverages.
Light summer clothing is best so break out those breezy cotton sundresses, swimsuits, t-shirts and shorts. Visitors take to the cool lake waters and swimming holes in August and love to visit museums, zoos, and parks during the long days of summer. The South Carolina state flower Yellow Jessamine appears in every nook and corner in the state, thriving in the warm August sunlight. The temperatures drop steadily in South Carolina by the end of August, but you can still have ice cream!
Weather in September
September begins the stunningly beautiful autumn season in South Carolina. Temperatures drop steadily averaging in the range of 55°F to 88°F. Cooler days are ahead.
Rainfall averages 4″ to 6″ with mostly clear blue skies and sunny days. Early fall may bring an occasional heatwave that can, briefly, push the midday temperatures over 90°F.
Foliage colors begin to change in the mountains by the fourth week of September and quickly spread from west to east.
Harvesting begins for root crops such as beets, carrots, onions, and potatoes. The farmer’s markets are abundant with colorful fall vegetables and fruits.
Hunters look forward to September; it’s the month they head for the forests and marshes to bag their quotas of deer and waterfowl.
Weather in October
October is the most colorful autumn month in South Carolina. Average highs are in the range of 63°F to 79°F while average low temperatures are between 46°F to 55°F.
October receives between 3″ to 5″ of rainfall across the state. Freezing nights are rare and camping in the mountains is enjoyable in cooler temperatures under clear starry skies.
Families and friends gather around crackling bonfires throughout the many state park campgrounds. Lakeshore forests and mountains are ideal for viewing the changing colors of fall leaves that peak by the fourth week of October in many places. The brilliant foliage of pine, spruce, oak, and aspen is at its peak contributing hues of red, gold, orange, and purple. The harvest season is in full swing, and there is plenty of produce, including apples, pumpkins, and corn. For many, October is the best time to visit South Carolina.
It may also be a perfect time for your Low Country Discovery Visit to Celadon.
Weather in November
November is the driest month of the year in South Carolina, with a rainfall of only 2″ in the state. The average high temperatures are in the 55°F to 69°F range and average low temperatures drop into the cold zone between 37°F to 47°F.
The days receive bright sunlight of 7 hours but are warm at best. Conditions tend to be breezy and occasionally advance to windy, as the nights can drop below freezing.
Harvest season is over but wine and beer festivals draw many residents and visitors. Budget travelers find trips to be more economical in November. The first snowflakes arrive in the mountains and signal the beginning of the cold season. November is an excellent time to visit the coasts of South Carolina.
Weather in December
December is the beginning of the winter season in South Carolina with moderate rainfall between 3″ to 4″. The average highs are in the mild 46°F to 60°F range, while the average lows are between 29°F to 39°F.
Snowfall is moderate in the Midlands and Upstate regions. Along the coast snowfall is rare with the coast receiving no snow or less than an inch of measurable snow in the year. Much of the state enjoys up to 7 hours of sunlight even in the coldest season. Occasionally, a cold front will travel to the interior, but temperatures rarely drop to extreme levels for extended periods. Snowstorms are rare, but even a minor snowfall is enough to stall everyday life.
A jacket or sweater is generally sufficient for people used to cold conditions. In December snowbirds from the north, happy to leave their snow-shovels, boots and parkas at home, migrate to South Carolina in search of warm weather.
Source: Weather Atlas USA
We’ve made it easy and fun for you to visit South Carolina.
A Celadon Discovery Visit is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Low Country and get to know Beaufort and Celadon as your potential new home.
Contact us now to arrange your Discovery Visit.
