Charleston Weather in January
January in Charleston brings moderate temperatures, with daytime highs of 15°C (59°F) and nights around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is at its lowest this month, making it one of the more reliable months to be outdoors.
Rainfall in Charleston in January
The risk of rain is at its lowest this month, making it a reliable choice for outdoor plans, even if temperatures are on the cooler side. You can expect rain on roughly 10 days based on historical data, averaging 70 mm (2.8 in) for the month. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.
Temperature in Charleston in January
Charleston in January gets highs of 15°C (59°F) during the day and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night. The month of January belongs to the winter season. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. With lows around 5°C (41°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep. Experience the year's most moderate temperatures in January.
Sunshine in Charleston in January
You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 181 hours. This means a pleasant mix of sun and overcast.For Charleston itself, April and May generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Charleston's climate page.
Charleston Temperature in January
Min Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Max Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
33%
Precipitation
70 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
69%
Sunshine
181 hours
Percentage Sunshine
56%
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Charleston typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 15°C (59°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 7°C (45°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Charleston in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Charleston spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Charleston historical weather extremes in January
Based on 49 years of weather observations in Charleston between 1976 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On January 8, 2005, temperatures climbed to 27°C (81°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in January
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Charleston in January
The weather can be unpredictable in January, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Charleston in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Charleston's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Charleston climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
