The month in detail
What to expect in October
Autumn in Charleston is often underrated: 77°F, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Rain risk remains low (18% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if May (8.6/10) remains theoretically better.
October ranks 3 out of 12 months in Charleston. Compared to September: −5°F daytime, 12 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in October
UV index
6 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
comfortable
16°
Sea
23°C
pleasant for swimming
Daylight
11.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 32
Compare
Is October the right month?
The best month in Charleston is May (8.6/10), 0.3 pt higher than October.
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
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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 October
If October 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 October?
In October, the sea averages 74°F in Charleston: pleasant for swimming. Swimming is pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Charleston in October?
The average UV index reaches 6 in October in Charleston (moderate), with about 11.2h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.