Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Charleston, United States, offers a unique climate experience, where temperatures typically range from a cozy 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), but can dip to a brisk minimum of -3°C (28°F). This month sees a fair share of moisture, with an average precipitation of 127 mm (5.0 in) spread across 9 rainy days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. As the year draws to a close, Charleston's weather encapsulates a blend of mildness and occasional chill, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city's winter charm.
In December, Charleston experiences a noticeable shift in temperatures as winter approaches. The minimum temperature hovers around -3°C (28°F), while the average settles at a crisp 12°C (54°F), providing a refreshing chill to the Southern charm of the city. Daytime warmth can still be found, with maximums reaching up to 25°C (77°F), allowing for pleasant afternoons. This month showcases a trend of cooler temperatures compared to the preceding months, yet remains relatively mild compared to harsher winter climates. As the year draws to a close, Charleston’s December temperatures offer a perfect blend for holiday outings, keeping the spirit lively amidst the cooling air.
In December, Charleston experiences a notable dip in precipitation, receiving an average of 127 mm (5.0 inches) over 9 days of rainfall. This marks a shift from the more intense summer months, where rains often exceed 150 mm, particularly in July and June. As the year winds down, December's precipitation is a welcome contrast after the heavy deluges of summer, yet still substantial compared to the drier months like January and October. The overall trend reveals that while December may not reach the peak levels seen earlier in the year, it does maintain a consistent moisture average that supports the lush landscape of the region throughout the winter months.
In December, Charleston experiences a notable increase in humidity, reaching a peak of 87%. This month marks a continuation of the trend observed in the preceding months, where humidity levels have generally remained high, particularly during the winter. Following November's 85%, December’s rise signifies the transition into a wetter season, reflecting the pattern of increasing humidity from late fall to winter. Despite a slight dip in the earlier months of the year, with levels dropping to around 75% in May and June, the overall trend indicates that Charleston endures high humidity throughout the year, creating a unique, moist climate that is characteristic of this vibrant coastal city.
In December, Charleston experiences a noticeable dip in UV Index, settling at 4, which falls into the moderate exposure category, meaning individuals can typically stay outdoors for about 30 minutes before risking sunburn. This marks a return to safer levels after the intense, extreme UV conditions seen in the summer months, where indexes soared to 11. As fall transitions to winter, UV exposure decreases, providing a welcome reprieve for residents and visitors alike. Maintaining awareness of UV levels is important year-round, even in the cooler months, so for more details, check out Charleston UV Index.
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In December, Charleston continues to bask in a gentle glow of sunlight, tallying 217 hours for the month. While this marks a dip from the vibrant summer months, which peak in July with an impressive 341 hours, it's still a favorable amount compared to the chilly depths of winter in many other regions. As the year winds down, sunlight hours steadily decrease from the 336 hours of May, reflecting the natural transition from the warmth of spring and summer to the cooler winter days. December's average, while lower than the earlier months, still offers a pleasant respite for residents and visitors alike, who can enjoy the city's scenic beauty under the softer winter sun.
In Charleston, the likelihood of sunny weather in December hovers around 45%, which is consistent with the trend of lower sunshine chances seen during the cooler months of the year. As temperatures dip from the warmth of early fall, the preceding month of November boasts a higher sun probability at 62%, indicating a shift as the seasons transition. This pattern resembles the months leading up to December, where sunshine likelihood fluctuates widely; for instance, April and September offer brighter prospects at 56% and 51% respectively. However, as winter progresses, residents can expect a solid balance of gray skies and sunny intervals—a reminder that, while December may not be the sunniest month, it's certainly not devoid of light.
In Charleston, United States, the cycle of daylight duration reveals a rhythmic dance through the seasons. Starting with 10 hours in January and November, daylight gradually climbs to its peak of 14 hours during the summer months of June and July. As autumn arrives, the sun begins to wane, resulting in 12 hours in September and tapering back to 11 hours in October. By December, daylight returns to 10 hours, marking a full circle of light across the year. This trend showcases a vibrant seasonal shift, where each month offers its own unique interplay of daylight, enriching the coastal city's charm.
As December rolls into Charleston, the average wind speed gently settles at 3.5 m/s (8 mph), maintaining the mild breezes that signify the transition to winter. This slight dip from November's 3.6 m/s (8 mph) reflects a broader trend observed throughout the year, where wind speeds peak in spring and early summer, averaging around 4.0 m/s (9 mph). Notably, the persistent decline in wind speed during the hotter months—July and August—highlights the sultry calm that envelops the region. The steady breezes of December, though comparatively less brisk than earlier months, continue to offer a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the preceding season, making it a pleasant time to enjoy Charleston’s scenic waterfront.
The weather in Charleston changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Charleston and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in the region range from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with a relatively warm average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, January brings colder temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), although the average temperature is slightly lower at 11°C (52°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 59 mm (2.3 in) over just 7 days, with humidity remaining similar at 86%. For more details on January weather, you can check Charleston weather in January.
In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (28°F) to a pleasant max of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation, with 127 mm (5.0 in) over 9 days and humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, February sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Precipitation decreases to 78 mm (3.1 in), still spread over 9 days, and humidity drops to 81%. For a more detailed look at February weather, check out Charleston weather in February.
December and March present quite distinct weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a low of -3°C (28°F) to a comfortable high of 25°C (77°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). This month experiences higher precipitation, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over about 9 days, and maintains a humidity level of 87%. In contrast, March offers a milder climate with minimum temperatures of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), yielding an average of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 60 mm (2.4 in) over 6 days, accompanied by slightly lower humidity at 81%. For more details on March weather specifically, you can check Charleston weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather experiences. In December, temperatures can dip as low as -3°C (28°F), with an average high of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum reaching 25°C (77°F). This month sees significant rainfall, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation occurring over 9 days, and humidity levels are notably high at 87%. In contrast, April offers a warmer climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to an average of 19°C (66°F), and a maximum reaching 31°C (89°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 101 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days, and humidity is lower at 79%. For more details, check out Charleston weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather profiles. In December, temperatures can dip to a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and typically reach an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at a maximum of 25°C (77°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, with 127 mm (5.0 in) falling over nine days and high humidity at 87%. In contrast, May enjoys a milder climate, with a minimum temperature of 9°C (49°F), an average of 23°C (74°F), and a maximum soaring to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation drops to 87 mm (3.4 in), also over nine days, but humidity is noticeably lower at 75%. For a detailed look at weather trends, check out Charleston weather in May.
December and June present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -3°C (28°F) to a comfortable maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). Precipitation is frequent, occurring on about 9 days, with a total of 127 mm (5.0 in) and high humidity at 87%. In comparison, June offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and peaking at a hot 35°C (95°F), averaging around 26°C (79°F). Although June has slightly higher precipitation at 150 mm (5.9 in) and occurs on 19 days, the humidity is lower at 75%. For more detailed information, check Charleston weather in June.
December and July showcase a stark contrast in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -3°C (28°F) at night to a mild average of 12°C (54°F) during the day, peaking at 25°C (77°F). The month sees about 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, July features much warmer conditions, with nighttime lows of 20°C (69°F) and average daytime temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F), hitting a maximum of 34°C (94°F). The summer month experiences higher rainfall, totaling 187 mm (7.4 in) over 20 days, but with slightly lower humidity at 80%. For those looking to explore the heat of summer, check out Charleston weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, it's clear that the two months offer vastly different climates. December experiences cooler temperatures, with lows dropping to around -3°C (28°F) and averaging 12°C (54°F), while August boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and averages of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation is more frequent in August, occurring on about 21 days and totaling 183 mm (7.2 in), compared to December's 9 days of precipitation and 127 mm (5.0 in). Additionally, December's humidity is slightly higher at 87%, compared to August's more comfortable 81%. For a closer look at August weather specifics, you can check Charleston weather in August.
In December, temperatures in Charleston are notably cooler, with a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while September boasts milder conditions, ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a warm average of 26°C (78°F). September also experiences a higher maximum temperature of 35°C (94°F) compared to a max of 25°C (77°F) in December. Additionally, December sees more prolonged periods of precipitation over 9 days with 127 mm (5.0 in), whereas September has 14 days of rainfall, totaling 176 mm (6.9 in). The humidity levels are relatively similar, with December at 87% and September slightly lower at 83%. For a more in-depth look at September’s weather, you can visit Charleston weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, we see notable differences in both temperature and precipitation. December experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while October is warmer, boasting a low of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). The maximum temperatures in December reach 25°C (77°F), significantly lower than October's highs of 31°C (89°F). Additionally, December sees a higher level of precipitation at 127 mm (5.0 in) over 9 days, compared to October's 79 mm (3.1 in) over the same number of days. Humidity levels also vary, being more pronounced in December at 87%, compared to October's 78%. For a detailed look at October's climate, you can visit Charleston weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, we see a slight drop in average temperatures, with December experiencing a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), compared to November's minimum of -1°C (31°F) and average of 15°C (59°F). December also tends to be wetter, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 9 days, exceeding November's 92 mm (3.6 in) over 8 days. The humidity levels remain relatively similar, with December at 87% and November at 85%. For more detailed insights into this transition in weather, check out Charleston weather in November.
December in Charleston brings a notable shift in weather compared to other months, as the crisp air heralds the onset of winter. While temperatures can still reach a pleasant 25°C (77°F), they dip significantly at night, sometimes falling to as low as -3°C (28°F). This fluctuation creates a unique experience, where daytime warmth contrasts sharply with chilly evenings. Humidity remains high at 87%, contributing to a damp, cool ambiance. Additionally, with 127 mm (5.0 in) of rain over approximately 9 days, December feels wetter than the drier summer months. As the year winds down, visitors and residents alike enjoy a different rhythm, making it a captivating time to explore the charm of Charleston. For a deeper understanding of what to expect year-round, visit Charleston Climate.