Charleston Weather in May: Temperature, Precipitation, Wind
Charleston, United States in May experiences a warm and humid climate with occasional rainfall. The average temperature hovers around 16.6°C (61.8°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities in popular locations like Folly Beach and the historic Charleston City Market.
Daytime temperatures in Charleston reach a pleasant 22.7°C (72.8°F) on average, making it ideal for exploring the city’s charming streets and visiting attractions such as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Nighttime temperatures drop to a cooler 10.9°C (51.5°F), offering relief from the daytime warmth.
Humidity levels in Charleston during May are relatively high, averaging 73.4%. The combination of warmth and humidity creates a “feels like” temperature of 16.3°C (61.4°F), which closely matches the actual average temperature.
Precipitation is common in Charleston during May, with an average of 2.95 inches (74.9 mm) of rainfall. Rain occurs on approximately 15 days throughout the month, covering about 17.3% of the time. Visitors should pack umbrellas and raincoats when planning trips to outdoor attractions like the Charleston Harbor.
Wind conditions in Charleston during May are moderate, with average wind speeds of 15.8 km/h (9.8 mph) and gusts reaching up to 32.3 km/h (20.1 mph). These breezy conditions provide some relief from the humidity and are perfect for sailing excursions in Charleston Harbor.
Cloud cover is present for about 59.1% of the time in May, creating a mix of sunny and overcast days. The average visibility extends to 14.1 km (8.8 miles), allowing for clear views of Charleston’s skyline and surrounding landscapes.
UV index in Charleston during May averages 5.8, indicating moderate to high levels of solar radiation. Visitors and residents should apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors, especially at popular spots like Sullivan’s Island.
Sunrise in Charleston occurs around 6:15 AM, while sunset takes place at approximately 8:31 PM, providing ample daylight hours for exploring the city’s numerous attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
What is the temperature in Charleston in May?
Average air temperature in Charleston is 16.6°C (61.8°F) in May. The outside temperature in Charleston feels like 16.3°C (61.4°F) on a typical May day. The highest average temperature during sunny days is 22.7°C (72.8°F) and feels like 22.6°C (72.6°F). The lowest average temperature after dark is 10.9°C (51.5°F) which feels like 10.5°C (50.9°F).
How hot is Charleston in May?
The hot temperature in May in Charleston rises to 27.8°C (82°F) on sunny days with low cloud coverage and 73.4% humidity. During hottest days of May it feels like 27.5 °C (81.5°F). The average maximum temp in Charleston is 22.7°C (81.5°F) during day time in May.
How cold is Charleston in May?
The coldest temp in Charleston in May drops to 2.9°C (37.2°F) during the cold nights. With 15.8km/h (9.8mph) winds and 73.4% humidity it feels like 1.5°C (34.7°F) on the coldest nights. The average minimum temperature is 10.9°C (51.5°F) during night time in May.
Does it rain in Charleston in May?
Yes, it rains for 15 days in Charleston, United States in May averaging 2.95 mm of precipitation. Charleston has a 48.4% chance for rain throughout the entire month of May.
How much does it rain in Charleston throughout May?
Charleston has 2.95 mm (0.12 inch) of rain per day on average in May. It rains for an average of 15 days out of the entire month.
Is Charleston windy in May?
The average speed of wind in Charleston, United States during May is 15.8km/h (9.8mph) and average windgust is 32.3km/h (20.1mph). On some days in May wind can reach up to 35.2km/h (21.9mph).
What is the direction of the wind in Charleston in May?
Most days of May the wind is blowing from South direction in Charleston.
What are the humidity levels in Charleston in May?
The average humidity levels in Charleston in May are 73.4%. Daily humidity levels in Charleston range from 53.1% to 95.6% during May.
How many hours of daylight are in Charleston in May?
Charleston has 14 hours 15 minutes of daylight in May on average. Sunset and sunrise times gradually change throughout the month. Sunrise in Charleston in May is at 6:15:45 and the sunset is at 20:31:25.
What is the cloud coverage in Charleston in May?
Clouds cover 59.1% of the sky on average throughout May in Charleston. The cloud coverage ranges from 9% to 99.5% depending on the day of the month.
What is the UV level in May in Charleston?
The average UV index in Charleston is 5.8 in May. UV levels change throughout the month and range from 1 to 8.
What is the solar radiation in Charleston in May?
The average solar radiation is 125.5 W/m2 (Watts per square meter) in Charleston during May. However solar radiation levels change throughout the month and range from 33.7 W/m2 to 201.6 W/m2.
What is the solar energy during May in Charleston?
The average solar energy during May in Charleston is 10.8 MJ/m2 (megajoules per square metre). Solar energy ranges from 2.8 MJ/m2, to 17.4 MJ/m2 during May.
Are there severe weather risks in Charleston in May?
Yes, there is a 11.9% risk for severe weather in Charleston, United States in May.
What is the air pressure in Charleston in May?
On average the air pressure in Charleston in May is 1016.6 mb (millibars). Throughout the month the sea level pressure ranges from 998.6 mb to 1022.7 mb.
What is the visibility in Charleston in May?
The average daylight visibility in Charleston in May is 14.1 km (8.8 miles). Depending on the precipitation the visibility ranges from 10 km (6.2 miles) to 16 km (9.9 miles) throughout May.
What is the dew point in Charleston in May?
The average dew point in Charleston during May is 10.8°C (51.5°F).
Where is the data for Charleston climate in May coming from?
The climate data for Charleston, South Carolina, United States in May is collected from the following weather stations.
- BECKLEY RALEIGH CO AIRPORT, WV US
- CHARLESTON YEAGER AIRPORT, WV US
- HUNTINGTON TRI STATE AIRPORT, WV US
- BEE MOUNTAIN WV US
- FW6696 Charleston WV US
- FW7027 Charleston WV US
- FW7791 South Charleston WV US
- KBKW
- KCRW
- KHTS