Verdict: Excellent month
Charleston Weather in May
May hits the sweet spot in Charleston — highs around 26°C (79°F), ideal for a full day on foot. Expect showers on roughly 11 days of the month — rarely trip-ruining, worth planning around. Overall, May is one of the best months of the year to be in Charleston.
Average high
26°C / 79°F
Average low
19°C / 66°F
Rain days
~11
Precipitation
82 mm
What to pack for Charleston in May
- Summer clothes, plus one light layer for air-con and evenings
- A packable rain shell or compact umbrella earns its space
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in Charleston: Jul (31°C / 88°F) · Coolest: Jan (15°C / 59°F) · Wettest: Aug (~20 rain days)
15°
7°
Jan
17°
9°
Feb
20°
12°
Mar
23°
15°
Apr
26°
19°
May
29°
23°
Jun
31°
25°
Jul
30°
24°
Aug
28°
21°
Sep
24°
17°
Oct
20°
12°
Nov
16°
8°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)