Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Charleston in January
This is the coldest month in Charleston: highs average 57°F (14°C) and lows 40°F (4°C), with about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 73/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 57°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (61 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 68%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What January feels like
Highs near 57°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 40°F (4°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.4 in (61 mm).
Plan around January
January sits mid-table; the best months are March & April and November.
- Comfort slips from 76/100 in December to 73/100.
- Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 40°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Charleston in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
The Rooftop at The Vendue
Rooftop bar over the waterfront with views of the harbor and steeples.
Why now January scores 73/100 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 57°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
White Point Garden
Oak-shaded park at the Battery with harbor views and antebellum mansions behind.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Lewis Barbecue
Texas-style brisket, beef ribs and green chile corn pudding from pitmaster John Lewis; Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Compact museum of Southern art from colonial portraits to contemporary work.
Nearby in January
- Beaufort in January~49 mi · highs 57°F, 2.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Savannah in January~83 mi · highs 59°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Amelia Island in January~171 mi · highs 62°F, 2.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Uptown Charlotte in January~177 mi · highs 49°F, 3.1 in rain · 4°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Charleston?
It's middling, scoring 73/100. The best months are March & April and November, at up to 88. Expect highs of 57°F (14°C) and 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain. Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Charleston in January?
Average highs are 57°F (14°C) and average lows 40°F (4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in January?
Some: about 2.4 in (61 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.0 in (1245 mm).
What should I pack for Charleston in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 40°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Charleston in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.