Charleston in May
In May, Charleston averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 20°C (67°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (84 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Charleston, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Charleston
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Charleston (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (23°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (23°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (29°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Charleston
Times shown for Charleston local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Charleston — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Charleston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Charleston in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Charleston's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Charleston
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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Charleston
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Charleston in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Charleston in May?
In May, Charleston averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 20°C (67°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in May?
May is quite rainy in Charleston, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Charleston?
May is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Charleston in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Charleston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.