Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Charleston, West Virginia, 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, West Virginia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America by month

January

In January, Charleston is brisk, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). During your visit, you can expect several inches of snow. This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

Traveling to Charleston in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time and snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

If you go to Charleston in March, you will notice that it is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

May

In May, Charleston is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 50%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

In June, Charleston is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you vacation in Charleston during July, you are likely to find that it is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

In August, Charleston is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Charleston, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

September in this region is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

October

October in Charleston is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

If you vacation in Charleston during November, you will probably notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

December in Charleston is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about half of the time. It also snows sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

What to do in Charleston, West Virginia, United States of America

Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia, is deemed as one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the state. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, the city offers a plethora of tourist attractions to visitors all year round. From exploring the Capitol Complex to kayaking on the Kanawha River, there are plenty of things to do for every type of traveler. In this article, we will highlight some of the top tourist attractions in Charleston, West Virginia.

1. State Capitol Complex - The State Capitol Complex is a must-visit attraction in Charleston. The complex features the West Virginia Capitol Building, the Governor's Mansion, and the West Virginia State Museum. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol Building and learn about the history and culture of West Virginia. The Governor's Mansion, which is a magnificent piece of architecture, also takes visitors on tours of the building.

2. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences - The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is another popular tourist attraction. The facility comprises a performing arts theater, a planetarium, and an art gallery. Visitors can enjoy live performances, movies, and exhibitions that celebrate the arts and sciences.

3. Haddad Riverfront Park - Haddad Riverfront Park, situated on the Kanawha River, is a beautiful place to picnic and relax. It features an amphitheater, a playground, and walking trails. Visitors can also rent bikes and go kayaking or paddle-boating on the river.

4. Sunrise Carriage Trail - The Sunrise Carriage Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail that offers stunning views of the city. The trail takes visitors through lush vegetation, across streams, and up to a scenic overlook. The area is great for a peaceful morning walk, especially during the fall season.

5. West Virginia Botanic Garden - The West Virginia Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to explore nature, learn about plant life, and take part in educational programs. The garden features over 80 acres of nature trails and gardens, including a butterfly garden and a wildflower meadow.

6. Charleston Town Center Mall - For tourists looking to indulge in some retail therapy, the Charleston Town Center Mall is the perfect location. The mall features over 100 stores and restaurants, including popular brands like Sephora, Macy's, and American Eagle.

7. South Charleston Museum - The South Charleston Museum is a small but interesting museum that documents the history of South Charleston, the city's neighboring town. Visitors can view exhibits on the town's past, including displays on coal mining and the railroad.

In conclusion, Charleston, West Virginia, has a variety of attractions that make it an excellent destination for tourists. From natural parks and scenic overlooks to exquisite architecture and cultural landmarks, there is something for everyone in this charming city. Visit Charleston and experience the best of what West Virginia has to offer.

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.

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