The month in detail
What to expect in March
Spring marks the start of the good season in Charleston. Temperatures rise (68°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain risk remains low (19% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if May (8.6/10) remains theoretically better.
March ranks 6 out of 12 months in Charleston. Compared to February: +4°F daytime, +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in March
UV index
6 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
10°
Sea
16°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
11.8h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 36
Compare
Is March the right month?
The best month in Charleston is May (8.6/10), 0.9 pt higher than March.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Charleston
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Charleston
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · United States
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 88°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 57°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘAugust · 41%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in March
If March doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
SavannahUnited StatesNew OrleansUSASaint AugustineUnited StatesOuter BanksUnited States
SuzhouChina
Location
Where is Charleston ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesTemperate oceanic climate with a 8.6 → 4.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
32.78°N · 79.93°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Charleston?
May is the best month with 81°F highs, 68°F lows, 8.0h of sunshine and 25.0% rainy days. The months of May & April offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Charleston get in May?
Charleston averages 8.0 sunshine hours per day in May. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Charleston?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Charleston in May?
In May, overnight lows reach 68°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is Charleston good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Charleston scores 6.1/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains May with a score of 8.0/10.
When should you avoid Charleston?
January is the most difficult month to visit Charleston, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Charleston in March?
In March, the sea averages 61°F in Charleston: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Charleston in March?
The average UV index reaches 6 in March in Charleston (high), with about 11.8h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.