United States, North America

Charleston in August

Oppressive humidity and rising hurricane risk. Only the beaches really work.

Think twiceHot and humid, highs near 89F (32C), storms

A courtyard on Rainbow Row, Charleston — CharlestonPhoto: John Hoey from Framingham, MA, United States, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Charleston. Oppressive humidity and rising hurricane risk. Only the beaches really work.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 89F (32C), storms
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What August is like in Charleston

August is the month to avoid in Charleston. Highs are near 89F (32C), the humidity is oppressive and storms are frequent. Hurricane risk rises from mid August. Heavy rain and king tides can flood low-lying downtown streets for hours. Only the beaches really work, and prices ease a little.

Go only for a beach trip with flexible, refundable bookings. Families wanting to see the city and gardens should wait. October is the best fall month, and late September starts to cool off if you want lower prices. Buy travel insurance if you do book.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Charleston this month.

Weekday beach days

The beaches are still the best place to be, and weekdays are much calmer as school starts back.

Indoor history

The Old Slave Mart Museum and the South Carolina Aquarium are good plans for the hottest hours.

Lower late-summer rates

Hotel prices come down from their spring and early summer highs.

What to pack for August

Light, breathable clothes
Swimsuit and sandals
A sturdy umbrella
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Book refundable rates and watch the tropical forecast in the week before your trip.

Book Charleston for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Charleston
Opens a hotel search for Charleston in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Charleston
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Charleston
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Charleston for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Charleston

Full guide

Fort Sumter

Reach it only by the official ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Book ahead in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The historic district, Battery, and Rainbow Row

Walk early in the morning in summer. The side streets south of Broad are the quietest.

Tickets and tours →

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

One of the oldest public gardens in the US. Azaleas peak in late March and April.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Drayton Hall

A rare unrestored 18th century plantation house, with strong interpretation of the enslaved community.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Patriots Point

The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and a Fort Sumter ferry stop in Mount Pleasant. Great with kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Middleton Place

Formal terraced gardens along the Ashley River, with a working stableyard. Best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Fort Sumter on the first ferry of the day, and do the historic district walk before 10am.
Stay in North Central or on the upper peninsula instead of the South of Broad core. Rates are lower and you are a short ride away.
Book Wine + Food and Spoleto hotels months ahead; a weekday trip between the two in April offers the same blooms with lighter crowds.
Weekdays at the beaches are dramatically calmer than weekends in summer.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking from mid August into October. Named storms can close attractions and trigger evacuations.
Many plantation and garden sites have limited hours on major holidays; check before Thanksgiving and Christmas visits.
King tides and heavy rain can flood low-lying downtown streets for hours. Check local alerts during storms.
Beach lifeguard coverage and some beach-town businesses reduce hours outside the summer season.