Charleston in August

In August, Charleston averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (76°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (170 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

It's peak hurricane season in Charleston during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

30°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
26
Rain days
170 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Charleston

2nd
warmest month of the 12
1st
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 22 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in Charleston (2nd of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C above the annual average (23°C). August runs 1°C cooler than July (31°C) and cools 2°C in September (28°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Charleston

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:43 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:05 PM
Day length
13 h 22 min

Times shown for Charleston local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Charleston — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Charleston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:43 AM – 6:23 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:23 AM – 7:23 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:25 PM – 8:25 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:25 PM – 9:05 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Charleston.

📅 When to book — Charleston in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Shoulder) and Charleston's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — August in Charleston

Shoulder

Charleston is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Charleston

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Charleston in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 14°C / 58°F 6°C / 44°F 78 mm 12
February 17°C / 62°F 9°C / 48°F 77 mm 13
March 19°C / 67°F 11°C / 53°F 78 mm 14
April 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 116 mm 13
May 27°C / 80°F 20°C / 67°F 84 mm 16
June 29°C / 85°F 23°C / 74°F 129 mm 22
July 31°C / 88°F 25°C / 77°F 118 mm 25
August 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 76°F 170 mm 26
September 28°C / 82°F 22°C / 72°F 157 mm 21
October 24°C / 76°F 17°C / 63°F 94 mm 13
November 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 85 mm 12
December 17°C / 62°F 9°C / 49°F 122 mm 12

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Charleston in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Charleston in August?

In August, Charleston averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 25°C (76°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Charleston in August?

August is quite rainy in Charleston, with about 26 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Charleston?

August is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Charleston in August?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full August packing list for Charleston for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Charleston on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.