South Carolina Climate: Hot Summers, Mild Winters, Extremes to 111°F / -19°F

South Carolina's humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) delivers steamy summers, short mild winters, and year-round precipitation.

Seasonal Normals

Annual mean: ~64°F (18°C)

Extremes (Official Records)

• Highest: 111°F (44°C) — Columbia, Sept 4, 2020
• Lowest: -19°F (-28°C) — Caesars Head (Blue Ridge Mtns), Feb 6, 1981

Regional Variation

• Lowcountry/Coast (Charleston, Hilton Head): Milder winters, sea breezes, higher humidity.
• Midlands (Columbia): Hottest summers (urban heat island), cold snaps reach teens.
• Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg): Cooler, more snow/ice events, lower humidity.

Precipitation & Hazards

• Annual rain: 45–55" (coast) to 50–60" (mountains)
• Hurricanes: June–Nov (peak Sept); Hugo (1989), Matthew (2016), Ian (2022) notable.
• Tornadoes: Spring/fall; Dixie Alley fringe.
• Ice storms: Rare but crippling (Midlands/Upstate).

Best visit windows: April–May, October–November (warm, dry, comfortable).