What is the weather like in Charleston in May?

Expect temperatures between 19°C and 26°C with 21% average rain probability and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

What is the weather like in Charleston in May?

Charleston in May scores 66/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Solid choice for most travelers.

Who should visit Charleston in May?

May in Charleston is ideal for: Beach lovers, Families with children, Outdoor enthusiasts, Cultural tourists, Honeymoon couples.

Charleston Weather in May | 30-Year Forecast

Avg High

26°C

Hottest around day 31

Avg Low

19°C

Coolest around day 1

Rainy Days

6days

21% avg rain chance

Sunshine

8hrs/day

Spring season

Sea Temperature in May

Coastal Waters(Ocean)

24.4°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel

☀️Warm

Perfect for swimming and water sports

Swim Rating

✅Excellent for swimming

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water

Coastal Waters

Ocean

Charleston coastline

Essential Travel Info for Charleston

🗓️ Best Time to Visit 📖 Travel Guide 🍴 Food Guide

Currency

USD

$ United States dollar

Language

English

Driving

Right side

Safety

Moderate Safety

GPI: 2.44

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Charleston

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

unlock smart flight estimates

Add your home location in settings to see airport details.

Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Moderate

44/ 100

Traffic Index

Balanced traffic

Peak Daily Arrivals

slots per day

Peak

Aug

Low

Jan

Monthly Traffic Distribution

Jan

Feb

107

Mar

104

Apr

121

May

128

Jun

118

Jul

137

Aug

121

Sep

123

Oct

111

Nov

128

Dec

Traffic Level

Low Season

Key Connections

Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson (ATL)

Charlotte Douglas (CLT)

Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA)

New York John F Kennedy (JFK)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

No Requirements

No Special Vaccinations Required

Standard travel precautions apply

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is May a Good Time to Visit Charleston?

👍Solid choice for most travelers(66/100)

Short Answer

Beach lovers rejoice: Charleston's May features 24.4°C sea temperatures alongside 26°C air temps. Just 21% rain risk makes this prime swimming season.

Decision Factors

Peak tourist season

88% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Pleasant swimming conditions

24.4°C sea temperature

Plenty of sunshine

11.3h of sunshine daily

Exceptional dining scene

15 Michelin-listed restaurants

Good For

🏖️
Beach lovers
24.4°C warm seas and 21% rain probability
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 26.4°C temperatures and low 21% rain risk
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 26.4°C, 21% rain chance
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score 96/100 with romantic weather conditions

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,Charleston in May averages 26°C with 21% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: Charleston in May

What are the temperatures in Charleston in May?

Daytime highs average 26°C, nights drop to 19°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in Charleston in May?

Expect around 6 days with measurable rainfall. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans.

What to wear in Charleston in May?

Comfortable casual wear with a light jacket for evenings.

Is May peak season in Charleston?

This is typically peak season with higher prices. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Charleston Weather in May