Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.

Traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Charleston, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.


When to go to Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Charleston, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

Important essentials for Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Charleston, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS

Other health necessities


  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent kit.


  • Emergency rapid COVID-19 test

    U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

Activities for Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Charleston.

If you plan to visit the beautiful Circular Congregational Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you go to The Battery and White Point Gardens, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these

If you see Charleston Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

Castle hopping? For The Citadel, take:

We also recommend these top tours in and around Charleston.

What to wear/what to pack for Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

Traveling to Charleston in January, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

February

February in Charleston can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

March

March in Charleston is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

April

April in Charleston is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

May

If you visit Charleston during May, you are likely to notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

June

In June, Charleston is hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

July

In July, Charleston can be very hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

August

August for Charleston is really hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

September

If you vacation in Charleston during September, you may see that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

October

If you visit Charleston during October, you are likely to see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

November

November in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

December

December in Charleston is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Check out our guides for these other locations: Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, Świdnica, Poland, Praiano, Italy, Supetar, Croatia, Middle Hills, Nepal, Glendale, California, United States of America, Amelia, Kentucky, United States of America, Hogenakkal, India, Abakan, Russia, Dunfanaghy, Ireland, and Anti Atlas, Morocco.