Late summer · Weather & things to do
Charleston in August
The year's rain peaks now, with about 6.7 in (171 mm) falling in Charleston, alongside highs near 89°F (31°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C).
With a comfort score of 50/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 89°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 74°F (23°C)
- Rain
- 6.7 in (171 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 89°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 74°F (23°C).
With 79% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.7 in (171 mm) across the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are March & April and November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, June – August.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 in July to 50/100.
- Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics79% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Charleston in August
With 6.7 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Lewis Barbecue
Texas-style brisket, beef ribs and green chile corn pudding from pitmaster John Lewis; Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.7 in of rain.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Compact museum of Southern art from colonial portraits to contemporary work.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 6.7 in of rain.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Ferry to the island fort where the Civil War's first shots were fired.
Charleston City Market
Four-block historic market with sweetgrass basket weavers and local crafts.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in August.
Husk
Lowcountry ingredients in a Victorian house, known for skillet cornbread.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Nearby in August
- Beaufort in August~49 mi · highs 87°F, 6.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Savannah in August~83 mi · highs 89°F, 6.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amelia Island in August~171 mi · highs 84°F, 6.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Uptown Charlotte in August~177 mi · highs 90°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Charleston in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Charleston?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are March & April and November. Expect highs of 89°F (31°C) and 6.7 in (171 mm) of rain. Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Charleston in August?
Average highs are 89°F (31°C) and average lows 74°F (23°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in August?
Yes: about 6.7 in (171 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.0 in (1245 mm).
What should I pack for Charleston in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (79% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain).
Planning Charleston in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.