Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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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
- When to go to Charleston
- Important essentials for Charleston
- Activities for Charleston
- Charleston in January: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in February: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in March: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in April: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in May: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in June: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in July: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in August: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in September: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in October: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in November: weather and what to pack
- Charleston in December: weather and what to pack

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
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Other health necessities
Don't forget these
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most places, but check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Airplane or car necessities
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Charleston. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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:
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Trousers
Long dresses
This one, for example.
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
If you see Charleston Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
Castle hopping? For The Citadel, take:
Dresses that cover your knees
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Trousers
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:
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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:
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
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:
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
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:
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
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:
Sandals
Light skirts
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
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:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
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:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
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:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunglasses
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
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:
Bug repellent
Light skirts
Extra socks
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
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:
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
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