Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Charleston in October
Charleston cools off: highs slip to 77°F (25°C), from 84°F in September, with lows of 59°F (15°C) and about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain.
It scores 80/100 for comfort, 5th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 77°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 59°F (15°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (105 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 10 min
- Comfort score
- 80/100 · Great
What October feels like
Highs settle around 77°F (25°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 59°F (15°C).
With 78% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Some rain is likely, about 4.1 in (105 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around October
October is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March & April and November).
- Last warm month for a while: November highs fall to 67°F.
- Comfort improves from 66/100 in September to 80/100.
- Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so October falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for October
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 77°F
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Charleston in October
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Lewis Barbecue
Texas-style brisket, beef ribs and green chile corn pudding from pitmaster John Lewis; Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The Rooftop at The Vendue
Rooftop bar over the waterfront with views of the harbor and steeples.
Why now October scores 80/100 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 77°F and 4.1 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.
Gibbes Museum of Art
Compact museum of Southern art from colonial portraits to contemporary work.
Nearby in October
- Beaufort in October~49 mi · highs 77°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Savannah in October~83 mi · highs 78°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Amelia Island in October~171 mi · highs 78°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Uptown Charlotte in October~177 mi · highs 73°F, 3.1 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Charleston?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 80/100 against a best of 88 in March & April and November. Expect highs of 77°F (25°C) and 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain. Our Charleston & Savannah route recommends Mar – May, so October is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Charleston in October?
Average highs are 77°F (25°C) and average lows 59°F (15°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Charleston in October?
Some: about 4.1 in (105 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 49.0 in (1245 mm).
What should I pack for Charleston in October?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 77°F), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Charleston in October?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.