Early winter · Weather & things to do
Charleston in December
Charleston cools off: highs slip to 61°F (16°C), from 67°F in November, with lows of 44°F (7°C) and about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain.
It scores 76/100 for comfort, 7th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 44°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 3.6 in (91 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 61°F (16°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 44°F (7°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.6 in (91 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March & April and November).
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 51 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 88/100 in November to 76/100.
- Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 44°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Charleston in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
White Point Garden
Oak-shaded park at the Battery with harbor views and antebellum mansions behind.
Why now December scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Rainbow Row
Thirteen pastel Georgian houses on East Bay Street, the city's classic photo.
Why now Highs near 61°F and 3.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Lewis Barbecue
Texas-style brisket, beef ribs and green chile corn pudding from pitmaster John Lewis; Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Ferry to the island fort where the Civil War's first shots were fired.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Sprawling romantic-style gardens on the Ashley River, with history tours.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- Beaufort in December~49 mi · highs 61°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Savannah in December~83 mi · highs 62°F, 3.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amelia Island in December~171 mi · highs 65°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Uptown Charlotte in December~177 mi · highs 53°F, 4.2 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Charleston?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 76/100 against a best of 88 in March & April and November. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain. Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Charleston in December?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 44°F (7°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in December?
Some: about 3.6 in (91 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.0 in (1245 mm).
What should I pack for Charleston in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 44°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Charleston in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.