Weather and climate in South Carolina: Humid subtropical climate. Hot, humid summers. Mild winters. Frequent thunderstorms. Risk of hurricanes. Coastal flood potential. Variable mountain weather. Late summer tropical storms. Spring tornado activity. Moderate annual precipitation.
Humid subtropical climate.
South Carolina's climate is humid and subtropical, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. This climate is influenced by the state's low latitude, low elevation, and the moderating effects of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian Mountains. For a deeper understanding of this climate, you can visit the official Hilton Head Island website for detailed information.
Hot, humid summers.
South Carolina experiences hot and humid summers, with June marking the beginning of this season, characterized by high temperatures ranging from 76°F to 92°F, and nights that are comfortable in the 56°F to 70°F range. July is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures between 79°F and 95°F, and high humidity leading to heat index values that can exceed 105°F. For more detailed insights, visit the South Carolina Weather Year-Round guide to understand how the climate impacts daily life across the state.
Mild winters.
South Carolina's winters are generally mild, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the state, with temperatures averaging around 60°F (16°C) during the day and 38°F (3°C) at night. However, the northwestern areas, particularly those at or above 600 feet in elevation, experience cooler to occasionally cold winters. For more detailed information about the state's climate, you can visit the South Carolina Climate website.
Frequent thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are common in South Carolina, particularly during the summer months, with the most violent storms often accompanying squall lines and active cold fronts. These storms can bring high winds, hail, considerable lightning, and occasionally spawn tornadoes, with peak activity in the spring (March through May) and a secondary peak in late summer and early fall due to tropical cyclone activity. For more detailed information and insights, visit the South Carolina State Climatology Office.
Risk of hurricanes.
South Carolina is highly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly in its coastal counties, due to its extensive coastline and low-lying terrain, with the greatest threats including storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and inland flooding. For comprehensive information on how to prepare for such events, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. The state's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity in August and September.
Coastal flood potential.
South Carolina is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding due to rising sea levels, with projections indicating a 50% chance of floods exceeding 9 feet by the end of the century, threatening significant areas of land, property, and infrastructure, particularly in regions like Charleston, Beaufort, and Hilton Head.
Variable mountain weather.
In South Carolina's mountains, the weather is variable, with cooler to occasionally cold winters and milder summers compared to the rest of the state. This region can experience 2 to 5 inches of annual snowfall, with occasional totals reaching 8 or more inches, and snow events are more common here than in the lower-lying areas. For more detailed information, you can visit the Climate of South Carolina page on Wikipedia.
Late summer tropical storms.
In South Carolina, late summer is the peak period for tropical storms and hurricanes, with August and September being the most likely months for a hurricane to make landfall due to the warm ocean temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. For more detailed information on this topic, visit the Policygenius website, which provides insights and guidance on how to prepare for and understand the impact of hurricane season in this region.
Spring tornado activity.
In South Carolina, spring is a peak season for tornado activity, primarily due to active cold fronts and supercell thunderstorms, with most tornadoes occurring between March and May. The state experiences a significant increase in tornado frequency during this period, with many tornadoes being relatively weak and short-lived, although more destructive events can also occur. For more detailed statistics and information, you can visit the South Carolina State Climatology Office.
Moderate annual precipitation.
South Carolina experiences moderate to high annual precipitation, ranging from 40 to 80 inches (1,000-2,000 mm) across the state, with the highest amounts in the Appalachian Mountains and the lowest in the central midlands. This precipitation is distributed throughout the year, influenced by tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, and extratropical cyclones. For more detailed information on the regional climatic patterns, you can explore the Climate of South Carolina page.