Charleston in October
In October, Charleston averages 24°C (76°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (94 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
It's peak hurricane season in Charleston during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Charleston
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Charleston (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (23°C). October runs 4°C cooler than September (28°C) and cools 5°C in November (19°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Charleston
Times shown for Charleston local time (America/New_York), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Charleston — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Charleston's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Charleston in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and Charleston's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Charleston in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Charleston in October?
In October, Charleston averages a high of 24°C (76°F) and a low of 17°C (63°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in October?
October can be fairly wet in Charleston, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Charleston?
October is warm. 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 October?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Charleston for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.