Charleston in September

In September, Charleston averages 28°C (82°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (157 mm total).

Off-peak

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

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

28°C
Avg high
22°C
Avg low
21
Rain days
157 mm
Rainfall

How September compares to the rest of the year in Charleston

4th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in September
12 h 23 min
daylight on the 15th

September is in the middle of the year for warmth in Charleston (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (23°C). September runs 2°C cooler than August (30°C) and cools 4°C in October (24°C).

September sunrise & sunset in Charleston

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:03 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:26 PM
Day length
12 h 23 min

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

Photography light in Charleston — September

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:03 AM – 6:43 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:43 AM – 7:43 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:46 PM – 7:46 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:46 PM – 8:26 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 September

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 September's tier (Off-peak) and Charleston's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — September in Charleston

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Charleston — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — September in Charleston

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
10.7
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 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 September weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Charleston in September?

In September, Charleston averages a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 22°C (72°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Charleston in September?

September is quite rainy in Charleston, with about 21 rainy days on average.

Is September a good time to visit Charleston?

September 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 September?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full September 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.