Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Charleston experiences a dynamic climate characterized by a maximum temperature of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F). While the minimum dips to -13°C (9°F), it contributes to the season's crisp atmosphere. Precipitation, totaling 59 mm (2.3 in) across 7 days, adds a refreshing touch to the month, with humidity levels averaging 86%. This combination of mild temperatures, occasional rainfall, and high humidity creates a unique winter experience in this vibrant Southern city.
In January, Charleston experiences a striking temperature range that showcases the city's winter charm. With a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a maximum reaching 26°C (79°F), the average temperature hovers around a mild 11°C (52°F). This fluctuation marks the beginning of the year, where crisp, cool mornings give way to pleasantly warmer afternoons, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities. As the month progresses towards February, temperatures begin to rise slightly, indicating the gradual transition towards spring, but January remains a testament to Charleston's unique climate extremes, blending cold snaps with inviting warm spells.
In Charleston, January is typically characterized by moderate precipitation, with an average of 59 mm (2.3 in) over about 7 days. This makes it one of the drier months of the year, particularly when compared to the heavier rainfall seen later in the spring and summer months, such as June and July, which can receive upwards of 150 mm (5.9 in) and 187 mm (7.4 in) respectively. As winter transitions to spring, precipitation levels generally rise, peaking in April with 101 mm (4.0 in). This trend indicates a gradual increase in rainfall as temperatures warm, laying the groundwork for the more consistent and intense rainfalls that define the region's humid summer months. Overall, January offers a relatively tranquil start to the year, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy mild winter days before the heavy rains arrive.
In January, Charleston experiences a notable humidity level of 86%, marking it as one of the most humid months of the year. This high humidity sets the tone for the winter season, with moisture gradually tapering off slightly in the following months, as February and March both see a decrease to 81%. As spring approaches, April continues this trend with humidity dipping to 79%, offering a brief respite before humidity levels rise again in the summer. During the warmer months of June and July, humidity stabilizes at around 75-80%, creating a characteristic balmy atmosphere. Interestingly, as autumn descends, September and October see a resurgence, with humidity reaching 83% and 78%, respectively. Although the year ends on a high note with December peaking again at 87%, January stands out as the month with the highest humidity, highlighting the cyclical nature of Charleston’s climate.
In Charleston, January brings a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating that while sun exposure is manageable, precautions are still advisable, especially as the burn time is about 30 minutes. This trend of a lower UV Index continues into December, suggesting a seasonal pattern where the winter months favor less intense sunlight. However, the UV Index sharply climbs to 7 in February, leading directly into the very high levels of March and April that peak at 9 and 10 respectively. The summer months maintain an extreme UV Index of 11, emphasizing the need for diligent sun protection. As the year progresses, there's a consistent pattern of increasing UV levels from winter to summer, reflecting the shifting intensity of sunlight. For more detailed insights, visit Charleston UV Index.
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In Charleston, January brings a modest 186 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a gradual increase as winter lingers. By February, the days lengthen to 213 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. As March rolls in, sunlight surges to 275 hours, invigorating the city and its vibrant culture. The warmth continues to build, peaking in May with an impressive 336 hours of radiant sunshine. Summer months boast robust totals, especially July, which basks in 341 hours, while even September holds onto warmth with 300 hours. As the days begin to shorten in autumn, sunlight retreats to 217 hours by December, but not before Charleston enjoys a golden culmination of the year’s brilliance, showcasing an enchanting cycle of natural light that energizes both locals and visitors alike.
In January, Charleston sees a 45% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the transitional months leading into a sunnier spring. This likelihood is relatively higher than the upcoming months of February and March, which dip to 38%, suggesting that post-winter blues may linger. As the seasons shift, sunny days become more frequent, peaking in April with a 56% chance. Interestingly, while summer months like June and August drop to around 30%, the latter part of the year, particularly November, enjoys a significant uptick to 62%. Thus, while January may not boast the brightest skies, it sets the stage for a gradual increase in sunshine as the year progresses.
In Charleston, United States, January welcomes an average of 10 hours of daylight, signaling the season's colder embrace. As winter yields to spring, daylight gradually increases, reaching 11 hours in February and March. This trend continues into the vibrant days of April and May, where sunlight spans a generous 13 hours, illuminating the city's charm. The peak arrives in mid-summer, with June and July basking in 14 hours of daylight, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. However, as summer transitions to fall, daylight begins to recede, dropping to 13 hours in August and sliding down to 10 hours by December, encapsulating a cyclical dance of light that defines each season. This rhythmic shift not only highlights Charleston's climate but also sets the stage for a variety of seasonal adventures.
In January, Charleston experiences a delightful average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), setting the tone for a breezy winter month. The winds slightly dip in February to 3.8 m/s (8 mph) and then gently rise again to 4.0 m/s (9 mph) in March and May, showcasing a subtle yet consistent pattern of stability in early spring. As temperatures climb during the summer months, the wind speed dips to its lowest point in August at 2.8 m/s (6 mph), evoking a sense of calm. This trend of lower winds continues into early fall, with September catching a light breeze of 2.9 m/s (6 mph). However, as the year draws to a close, wind speeds gradually pick up once more, with December averaging 3.5 m/s (8 mph). Overall, Charleston's wind patterns dance with the seasons, reflecting the mild, coastal climate of this charming southern city.
The weather in Charleston changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January'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.
January and February display notable differences in weather patterns. January features a wider temperature range, with minimums dipping to -13°C (9°F), while February sees milder lows at -2°C (29°F). The average temperature in February rises to 14°C (57°F), compared to January’s average of 11°C (52°F). Both months share a maximum temperature of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation increases slightly in February, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, compared to January's 59 mm (2.3 in) over 7 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly lower in February at 81%, compared to January's 86%. For more details on February conditions, visit Charleston weather in February.
In comparing the weather of January and March, we see noticeable differences in temperature and conditions. January experiences a broader temperature range, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), culminating in an average of 11°C (52°F). In contrast, March offers milder temperatures, starting at a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and peaking at 28°C (82°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F).
Precipitation levels are similar, with January seeing 59 mm (2.3 in) over 7 days, and March slightly higher at 60 mm (2.4 in) over 6 days. Humidity also decreases from 86% in January to 81% in March, reflecting a transition towards drier conditions. For more specific insights into the atmospheric patterns, you can check out Charleston weather in March.
In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -13°C (9°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F). The month experiences approximately 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 86%. In contrast, April sees a significant warming, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation increases to 101 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days, while humidity decreases slightly to 79%. For a more detailed overview of what to expect, check out Charleston weather in April.
January and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -13°C (9°F) while averaging around 11°C (52°F), with occasional highs reaching 26°C (79°F). The month typically sees around 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, May experiences a milder climate with minimum temperatures of 9°C (49°F) and a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at a sizzling 37°C (98°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 87 mm (3.4 in) over 9 days, but the humidity drops to a more pleasant 75%. For more details, check out Charleston weather in May.
January and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -13°C (9°F), with an average of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month sees around 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 7 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, June brings milder low temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and averages a much warmer 26°C (79°F), peaking at 35°C (95°F). It is wetter as well, with 150 mm (5.9 in) of precipitation across about 19 days, while humidity decreases to 75%. For more details, check out Charleston weather in June.
In January, the weather presents a stark contrast to July, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -13°C (9°F) at night to a mild 26°C (79°F) during the day, resulting in an average of 11°C (52°F). This month also experiences relatively high humidity at 86% and 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over about 7 days. In comparison, July brings much warmer temperatures, with lows of 20°C (69°F) and highs reaching up to 34°C (94°F), averaging around 28°C (82°F). The summer month significantly increases precipitation, totaling 187 mm (7.4 in) over approximately 20 days, yet humidity remains a bit lower at 80%. For more detailed insights, check out Charleston weather in July.
In January, the weather is characterized by much colder temperatures, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), reaching a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, totaling 59 mm (2.3 in) over about 7 days, and high humidity at 86%. In contrast, August brings warmth and humidity, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), and an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Precipitation significantly increases to 183 mm (7.2 in), occurring over 21 days, while humidity remains high at 81%. For more details about the weather in August, you can check out Charleston weather in August.
January and September present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -13°C (9°F), but the average temperature reaches around 11°C (52°F), with a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month is relatively wet, experiencing about 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 7 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, September boasts a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures at 14°C (57°F) and averages around 26°C (78°F), peaking at 35°C (94°F). This month sees significantly more rainfall, totaling 176 mm (6.9 in) over 14 days, alongside slightly lower humidity at 83%. For more details on the weather patterns, you can refer to Charleston weather in September.
In January, temperatures can be quite chilly, with a minimum of -13°C (9°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), peaking at a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month experiences 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, October offers a much milder climate, with minimum temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), reaching a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Although October sees slightly more rainfall at 79 mm (3.1 in) over 9 days, the humidity drops to 78%, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. For more details on October’s weather, you can check Charleston weather in October.
January and November exhibit notable differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -13°C (9°F) but typically hover around an average of 11°C (52°F), with highs reaching 26°C (79°F). The month experiences approximately 59 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 7 days, while humidity remains quite high at 86%. Conversely, November features milder temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), peaking at 28°C (84°F). It also sees increased rainfall, totaling about 92 mm (3.6 in) across 8 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity level of 85%. For more detailed insights, check out Charleston weather in November.
January and December weather in Charleston exhibit some notable differences. While January experiences colder extremes with a minimum temperature of -13°C (9°F) and an average temperature of 11°C (52°F), December has milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). Precipitation is higher in December, totaling 127 mm (5.0 in) over 9 days compared to January's 59 mm (2.3 in) over 7 days. Despite the slightly lower humidity in January at 86%, both months remain quite humid, with December having a humidity level of 87%. For more detailed information, you can check Charleston weather in December.
In January, Charleston experiences a unique blend of cool temperatures and increased humidity, setting it apart from the warmer, more humid summer months. While the maximum temperature can reach a comfortable 26°C, the average falls significantly lower, creating a brisk atmosphere that feels much colder, especially with the occasional chill of frost settling in. Rainfall is relatively light, with only about 59 mm spread over a few days, yet the 86% humidity can make even the chillier days feel damp. This transitional month offers a refreshing contrast to the heat of late spring and summer, making it an interesting time to explore the city's charm. For more comprehensive insights on the weather throughout the year, visit Charleston Climate.