Charleston SC Water Temperature

Romantic Charleston in South Carolina is the oldest city in the US state and one of the most beautiful. Charleston lies on the Atlantic coast on a peninsula created by the paths of the Cooper River and the Ashley River as they flow into the ocean. The city is easy to reach from anywhere in the US by road, and the rest of the world by air or sea.


The historic part of town escaped damage in the Civil War so many buildings are over 100 years old, and the city has more than enough entertainment and shopping to satisfy the most discerning visitor. Nearby, Folly Beach, the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island offer almost perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and water sports.

Charleston SC is a city close to atlantic ocean. August is the month with the hottest water temperature at 83.8°F / 28.8°C. The coldest month is February with an ø water temperature of 57.9°F / 14.4°C. January is the month with the lowest precipitation of 0in / 0mm and August with the highest precipitation in a year with 5.8in / 147.9mm. The avg. air temperature is around 81°F / 27.2°C, July is the month with the highest temperature. January is the coolest with 50.5°F / 10.3°C average air temperature. May, June, July, August, September would be the best time to visit. mild temperate climate with hot summer would be the climate here.

Charleston SC Summary

Description Value
Current water temperature /
Warmest Month Water Temperature: August with 83.8°F / 28.8°C
Coldest Month Water Temperature: February with 57.9°F / 14.4°C
Warmest Month Air Temperature: July with 81°F / 27.2°C
Coldest Month Air Temperature: January with 50.5°F / 10.3°C
Wettest Month: August with 5.8in / 147.9mm
Driest Month: January with 0in / 0mm
Highest Humidity August with 81.4%
Lowest Humidity April with 70.5%
Best Time to Visit: May, June, July, August, September
Climate Classification mild temperate climate with hot summer

The water temperature at Charleston SC has an average low of 57F or 13C in January which gradually rises through 71F or 21C in April to 82F or 27C in July when it feels bathtub warm. These excellent conditions make swimming and surfing at Folly Point and other local beaches popular, and ensures that summer seasons last longer. Some of the best surfing conditions are found in spring and autumn where good waves combine with warm waters for a truly enjoyable experience.

Charleston SC water temperature by month

atlantic ocean water temperature by month

Max. Water

Temperature (°F)

ø. Water

Temperature (°F)

Min. Water

Temperature (°F)

January

61.5 59.2 57.4

February

59 58.1 57.2

March

61.9 59.5 58.3

April

68.9 65.3 61.7

May

77.2 73 69.3

June

82.2 80.1 77.4

July

84.2 83.3 82

August

84.2 83.8 83.3

September

83.3 81.3 79

October

79 75.4 71.6

November

71.6 67.6 63.9

December

64.2 62.4 60.8

atlantic ocean water temperature by month

Max. Water

Temperature (°C)

ø. Water

Temperature (°C)

Min. Water

Temperature (°C)

January

16.4 15.1 14.1

February

15 14.5 14

March

16.6 15.3 14.6

April

20.5 18.5 16.5

May

25.1 22.8 20.7

June

27.9 26.7 25.2

July

29 28.5 27.8

August

29 28.8 28.5

September

28.5 27.4 26.1

October

26.1 24.1 22

November

22 19.8 17.7

December

17.9 16.9 16

August is the month with the warmest water temperature at 83.8°F / 28.8°C. The month with the coldest is February with an average water temperature of 57.9°F / 14.4°C.

Best time to visit Charleston SC

Charleston is a vibrant, lively city and an exciting choice for any time of year. The city has a humid subtropical climate and winters are mild and summers are warm. Rainfall is possible throughout the year, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket just in case. January temperatures can range from 38.1F or 3.4C to 59F or 15C, while July temperatures can be from 73.6F or 23.1C to 91.1F or 32.8C. ON average, temperature tend to remain in the higher parameters, so long days at the beach are an option from March till October.Charleston SC has something to appeal to everyone, and this beautiful city is steeped in history.


Charleston SC weather by month / climate table

Max.

Temperature

°F

ø.

Temperature

°F

Min.

Temperature

(°F)

Precip.

(in)

Rainy Days

(d)

Rel. Humidity

(%)

January

60.8 50.5 42.4 0 1 71.1%

February

65.7 53.4 43.3 0 0 71.7%

March

69.8 58.3 46.2 0 0 70.7%

April

75.4 65.3 56.1 0 0 70.5%

May

82.9 72.5 62.4 0.1 0 72.8%

June

86 78.8 71.8 3 8 77.6%

July

87.8 81 75.2 3 8 79.2%

August

87.3 80.4 74.7 5.8 18 81.4%

September

84.2 76.6 69.3 1.6 3 79.2%

October

79.2 69.1 57.9 0 0 74.5%

November

72.9 59.9 49.6 0 0 72.3%

December

64.6 54.7 45.7 0 0 74.6%

Max.

Temperature

°C

ø.

Temperature

°C

Min.

Temperature

(°C)

Precip.

(mm)

Rainy Days

(d)

Rel. Humidity

(%)

January

16 10.3 5.8 0 1 71.1%

February

18.7 11.9 6.3 0 0 71.7%

March

21 14.6 7.9 0 0 70.7%

April

24.1 18.5 13.4 0 0 70.5%

May

28.3 22.5 16.9 3.5 0 72.8%

June

30 26 22.1 75 8 77.6%

July

31 27.2 24 75.5 8 79.2%

August

30.7 26.9 23.7 147.9 18 81.4%

September

29 24.8 20.7 39.9 3 79.2%

October

26.2 20.6 14.4 0 0 74.5%

November

22.7 15.5 9.8 0 0 72.3%

December

18.1 12.6 7.6 0 0 74.6%
The warmest avg. temperature is around 81°F / 27.2°C, July is the month with the highest temperature. January is the coolest with 50.5°F / 10.3°C average air temperature. January is the month with the min. precipitation of 0in / 0mm and August with the max. precipitation in a year with 5.8in / 147.9mm.

What you should see if you visit Charleston SC

Try a guided history or ghost tour to get a feel for the city in days gone by, or opt for a fun carriage tour to take in the sensational scenery. Charleston is known as a centre for fine cuisine, particularly seafood and there are dozens of terrific restaurants to choose from. Shop at the Market which is popular with visitors, or in the elegant downtown boutiques. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, whether you’re visiting on business or for a laid back beach break. Visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began; you can take a ferry to this famous national monument from Liberty Square or Patriot’s Point. The city has a long military tradition and you can see parades each Friday at the Citadel, or visit Fort Moultrie, a Civil War site on Sullivan’s Island. The island also has wonderful beaches and is one of the most popular spots for swimming, kayaking, surfing and hang gliding.

Activities & POI in Charleston SC

Type of Activity List
Beach Cummings Point, Grice Beach, Sunrise Park Beach
Marina for Sailing, Boat adventures, fishing Cooper River Marina, Charleston City Marina, Carolina Yacht Club, Charleston Navigation Company, City Marina, Charleston Maritime Center, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Attraction Rainbow Row (south end), Rainbow Row (north end), Aiken-Rhett House, Colonel Robert Brewton House (1721), USS Clamagore, USS Laffey, Preservation Society of Charleston
Golf Course Patriot Point Links on Charleston Harbor, Charleston Municipal Golf Course

Picture Copyright CC 2.0 Flickr: Ron Cogswell

You might also like