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Thursday, July 29, 2021

Summer Heat Wave – How Hot Does it Get in South Carolina?

Photos of a woman with a fan, beach chairs on a beach, and a sign outside a restaurant

Summer Heat Wave – How hot does it get in South Carolina?

So you’re planning to move to South Carolina but are concerned about the climate? Well, if your concern is the summer heat, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we discuss all the details you need to know about South Carolina’s climate, along with the details for specific major cities. 

Read on below to find out the answer to the question of “how hot does it get in South Carolina?” 

South Carolina Climate

For most people, South Carolina’s humid, subtropical climate is a welcome breath of fresh air, and as such, many people have made their way to the South to bask in its glorious weather. 

However, there is one exception that occurs in the Blue Ridge Mountains, since it carries pockets of Oceanic climate. While mild winters dominate in the southern and western parts of the state, cool and sometimes cold winters are quite normal in the state’s northwestern area. 

This is especially true in areas more than 600 feet in elevation. Furthermore, there is an average of 40 to 80 inches of rain annually, which can potentially reach 100 inches or more in the Appalachian temperate rainforest located in the upper regions of South Carolina. There are, however, few things to look out for including: 

  • Hurricanes
  • Thunderstorms
  • Heavy rainfall (occasionally)
  • Flooding as a result of storms
  • Tornadoes during spring and summer months

Temperatures in South Carolina

Because of its subtropical climate, South Carolina often experiences hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout most of the state, and night time temperatures averaging around 70 degrees. 

However, winter temperatures aren’t as predictable, since the coastal areas of South Carolina provide highs of around 60 degrees to lows of around 38 degrees. Venturing further inland will provide you with average temperatures of 50 degrees in the day and 32 degrees at night.

Upstate: Greenville and Spartanburg 

In both Greenville and Spartanburg, the summers can be muggy and hot, but their winters vary slightly. 

Greenville 

As mentioned, summers in Greenville are both humid and sticky. As a result, you’ll find plenty of days to spend by the water, whether it’s at a pool or lakes around the city, you will want to be in the water somewhere during some of the hot days throughout the summer. The winters are colder here, so you can expect it to be wet and partly cloudy. You’ll find that the temperature in Greenville will usually vary from 34 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, but will rarely fall below 22 or above 96 degrees. 

According to its tourism score, the best time to visit the city for summer activities is from early May to early June and then again from late August to mid-October. Summer lasts for an average of 3.7 months, starting from May 25 to September 14, with the hottest day of the year being July 20. Winter starts from November 27 to February 27, lasting for about 3 months, with the coldest day being January 18. 

Spartanburg 

Spartanburg also has hot and heavy summers, so you can be sure that you’ll need an AC unit. The winters are also chilly here, so you can expect to enjoy cuddle weather throughout the cold season. Throughout the year, you can expect temperatures to be between 34 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 21 or above 97 degrees. The best times to visit Spartanburg in summer are from early May to early June and during late August to mid-October. 

The temperatures in Spartanburg allow residents to spend their summers by the crystal clear beaches that can be found close by. Its hot season lasts for 3.6 months, beginning from May 25 to September 14, where you’ll see high temperatures above 83 degrees daily — July 19 is the hottest day. On the other hand, winter starts from November 27 to February 27, lasting a total of 3 months with average temperatures around 60 degrees and below. Moreover, the city’s coldest day is January 18, with an average low of 34 degrees. 

Midlands: Columbia, and Aiken 

There isn’t much difference in weather between upstate and midlands, but there are a few key distinctions. 

Columbia

Columbia offers a climate that’s sure to make for a great day out with friends and family, and since there are plenty of things to do here, be sure to take full advantage of it. There are many hot days throughout the summer months in Columbia, luckily residents can enjoy a fun day on the water with several lakes in the Columbia area. 

Summers are hot here, while winters can drive residents back inside their homes for a warm cup of Joe. You can expect temperatures between 36 and 92 degrees in Columbia. However, it has also recorded temperatures as low as 23 degrees or above 98 degrees on occasion. The city’s tourism scores reflect that from late April to early June and from early September to late October are the best times to visit the great city of Columbia. 

Summers here last for 3.7 months, from May 24 to September 15, with a daily high average temperature of more than 85 degrees. With an average high of 92 degrees, the hottest day is on July 20. During the cooler seasons, the average daily high temperatures are below 63 degrees and last from November 28 to February 26 for a total of 3 months. Winters in Columbia have an average low of 36 degrees and a high of 56 degrees, where the coldest day is January 17. 

Aiken 

Much like Columbia, Aiken has hot and humid summers, enough to make residents rush to the nearest pool or boat launch. Luckily, Aiken is close enough to some of the best lakes in South Carolina, so you should have no problem quenching your thirst for water-based activities. Winters are quite cold but are also short, so it’s the ideal place for those who hate the cold. All in all, temperatures here vary between 35 to 91 degrees throughout the year, sometimes reaching below 22 degrees or above 97 degrees. 

Judging by the city’s tourism score, the best time to be in Aiken for summer is between late April to early June and late August to late October. Aiken has one of the longer summers, which lasts for 3.8 months from May 22 to September 17, where temperatures average above 83 degrees, with the hottest day being July 20. At the same time, winters are fairly short here, lasting just 2.9 months, from November 29 to February 25. The coldest day is January 17, where the average low is 35 degrees. 

Coastal: Hilton Head, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach

The coastal regions by far have the most varied temperatures compared to the first two regions. However, you will still find similarities, with the hot weather being the norm. 

Charleston 

Summers aren’t just hot in Charleston — they’re oppressive, so if you’re looking for a more tropical climate, then this is the city for you. However, the winters here are cold and can be windy, with average temperatures from 43 to 89 degrees, with occasional instances of 30 degree weather or temperatures above 94 degrees. According to its tourism scores, visitors should head over to Charleston during the best time of summer, which is between mid-April to late May and late September to late October.

Summer lasts for about 3.7 months and occurs from May 27 to September 17, presenting average temperatures around 83 degrees. However, the hottest average temperature here is 89 degrees, and the hottest day of the year is July 23. The cool season starts around December 2 and lasts until around March 2, with an average high of 65 degrees. But on January 17, the coldest day of the year, you can expect to see temperatures around 43 degrees for a cozy day under the blankets. 

Myrtle Beach

Known as the ultimate beach getaway city in South Carolina, you can expect Myrtle Beach to deliver hot and sticky summers, with average annual temperatures ranging from 39 to 88 degrees. Winters here are cold but short, making this the perfect destination for beach lovers. Based on its tourism scores, Myrtle Beach offers perfect summer weather from mid-April to early June and from late September to late October — perfect for all your adventures to the beaches in Myrtle Beach

The hot season is from May 30 to September 21 and lasts for a total of 3.7 months, with a daily high of 81 degrees. However, temperatures can go up to 88 degrees on July 21, the hottest day of the year. If you’re more interested in the colder months, winter lasts from December 5 to March 4 and has average high temperatures of below 62 degrees. On the coldest day of the year, on January 29, the average low recorded is 39°F. 

Hilton Head Island

Much like its two neighbors, Hilton Head Island has extremely hot weather, combined with cold and windy winters. Throughout the year, you’ll experience temperatures between 42 and 89 degrees, with extremes reaching below 30 degrees or above 95 degrees on rare occasions. If you plan to visit this city, it’s best to do so from April to late May and from late September to late October for a great summertime adventure with friends and family. 

You’ll experience a total of 3.8 summer months starting May 25 to September 20, where the average high is around 83 degrees. But Hilton Head Island can turn on the heat even further on its hottest day which is July 23, reaching an average high of 89 degrees. Meanwhile, the cool season will last from December 2 to March 2 and have average temperatures below 65 degrees. On January 17, the coldest day of the year, you can expect an average of 42 to 59 degrees.

Now that you have the inside scoop on South Carolina temperatures, you can happily pick out your new dream city. Whether you prefer warmer climates or cooler temperatures, there’s a region and city that caters to your needs. 

So what are you waiting for? Visit your favorite South Carolina city and experience all it has to offer. 

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Preston Guyton

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