So, you're looking at the charleston 30 day weather and wondering if you should pack a parka or a swimsuit. Honestly, Charleston in mid-January is a bit of a mood. One day you're strolling down King Street in a light sweater, feeling like a million bucks, and the next, a damp wind off the Cooper River makes you question every life choice that led you away from a fireplace.
Right now, we're looking at a pretty classic Lowcountry winter stretch.
As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the current temperature is sitting at 53°F. It’s gray. There’s a 42% chance of light rain coming from the west at about 8 mph. If you’re here today, it's basically the definition of "soupy" weather—not quite a storm, but definitely enough to ruin a good hair day.
The Reality of the Charleston 30 Day Weather
Most people think "South" and assume "Tropical." Big mistake. Charleston is subtropical, which basically means we get all the humidity of the tropics but with a weird, biting chill when the sun goes down in January.
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For the rest of today, expect a high of 55°F and a low of 45°F. The rain chance peaks at 48% during the day before dropping to 20% tonight. It’s a transition day.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 15, everything changes. The clouds clear out, the sun comes out, and the temperature... craters. We’re talking a high of only 45°F and a bone-chilling low of 30°F. With Northwest winds hitting 16 mph, that 45 is going to feel a lot more like 35.
What the Next Week Looks Like
If you’re planning your life around the charleston 30 day weather, you’ve gotta embrace the "yo-yo" effect.
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- Friday, Jan 16: Sunny but cold. High of 48°F, low of 30°F.
- Saturday, Jan 17: A massive jump. We hit 61°F. This is the Charleston we love.
- Sunday, Jan 18: Back down to reality. 46°F with a 70% chance of rain.
- The Late January Creep: By the time we hit January 24, we’re seeing highs of 67°F.
That’s a 22-degree swing in about a week. You can't make this up.
Surviving the Lowcountry "Winter"
If you're visiting or just trying to survive the commute, layers aren't just a suggestion; they're a survival strategy. The humidity here—currently at 52% but often climbing to 79% in the mornings—makes the cold feel "wet." It gets into your bones.
When it's 30°F at night (like it will be tomorrow and Friday), that dampness makes it feel significantly colder than a dry 30 in, say, Denver or Chicago.
Why the Forecast Fails You
Standard apps often miss the "Bridge Effect." If you're crossing the Ravenel Bridge or heading out to Sullivan’s Island, the wind speed is usually 5-10 mph higher than the official airport reading. Right now, the wind is a gentle 8 mph, but by tomorrow, those Northwest gusts at 16 mph will make the Battery feel like a wind tunnel.
Packing and Planning Insights
Forget the heavy wool coats unless you're purely here for the aesthetic. You want a high-quality windbreaker or a light down "puffer" vest.
- Footwear: Leave the suede at home. With the rain chances hovering between 42% and 70% over the next few days, the cobblestones in the French Quarter become slick, and the puddles are deeper than they look.
- The "Sun" Trap: Don't let the "Sunny" forecast for Friday fool you. A low of 30°F means you’ll need gloves if you're out early for coffee.
- Indoor Backups: When the rain hits on Sunday (70% chance), skip the carriage tours. Hit the South Carolina Aquarium or the International African American Museum instead.
Basically, the charleston 30 day weather for the rest of January is a mix of bright, crisp "Chamber of Commerce" days and gray, drizzly "Stay in Bed" days.
Keep a close eye on the temperature drop scheduled for tomorrow night. Dropping to 30°F is a big deal here—it means we might see some frost on the palmettos. If you have sensitive plants or pipes in an old downtown rental, tonight is the night to prep.
Actionable Next Step: Pack a versatile, waterproof outer shell and at least one pair of warm socks for the 30°F lows coming on January 15 and 16. If you're planning outdoor photography, Saturday the 17th is your "Goldilocks" day with a high of 61°F and manageable winds.