Charleston weather in May
May in Charleston averages 84°F by day and 63°F at night, with 3.3 inches of precipitation. It is the 5th-warmest and 9th-wettest month of the year here.
- Average high
- 84°F+7° vs April
- Average low
- 63°F0 nights below freezing
- Precipitation
- 3.3 in5 days with 0.1 in. or more
- Snow
- 0.0 in5 days at 90°F+
Is May a good time to visit Charleston?
Yes. May is one of the most comfortable months in Charleston by our rule (highs of 62 to 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and under 4.5 inches of precipitation). The most comfortable months overall are March to May and October to November.
On May 15 the sun rises at 6:20 am and sets at 8:11 pm, giving 13h 51m of daylight. Daylight all year.
What to pack for Charleston in May
- Summer clothes, with a light layer for air conditioning
Based on 30-year averages, not a forecast. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
May nearby
| City | Distance | High | Low | Precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 84°F | 63°F | 3.3 in | |
| North Charleston, SC | 4 mi | 84°F | 63°F | 3.3 in |
| Mount Pleasant, SC | 7 mi | 84°F | 63°F | 3.3 in |
| Savannah, GA | 87 mi | 85°F | 63°F | 3.6 in |
| Columbia, SC | 101 mi | 84°F | 61°F | 3.5 in |
| Augusta, GA | 131 mi | 86°F | 60°F | 3.1 in |
| Wilmington, NC | 153 mi | 81°F | 61°F | 4.5 in |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Charleston in May?
In May, Charleston averages a high of 84°F and a low of 63°F, with 3.3 inches of precipitation (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).
Is May a good time to visit Charleston?
Yes. May is one of Charleston's most comfortable months by our rule: highs between 62°F and 86°F, lows of 42°F or more and modest rain.
Does it snow in Charleston in May?
Rarely. The May snowfall normal is under half an inch.
Before and after: Charleston in April and Charleston in June. All twelve months: Charleston weather by month.
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals, station Charleston Intl. Airport, SC, 8 miles from the city center.