Honestly, if you're looking at the weather 10 day forecast charleston sc right now, you might be a little confused. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, you're hearing whispers of "winter weather" in the South.
I’ve lived through enough Lowcountry winters to tell you that January is basically a roll of the dice. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, we’ve got rain moving through with a high of 49°F. But the real kicker? Tonight it’s dropping to 34°F and clearing out. That’s a classic Charleston cold front for you.
The Current 10-Day Outlook: What to Actually Expect
Most people think "South" and assume palm trees mean perpetual warmth. Not today. We are currently seeing a west wind at about 10 mph making that 39°F current temperature feel more like 32°F.
Here is how the next week and a half is shaping up based on the latest data.
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Monday and Tuesday (Jan 19-20): Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it’s going to be gorgeous but crisp. We’re looking at a high of 49°F and a low of 34°F. Tuesday stays in that same pocket—50°F for the high. It’s perfect walking weather for King Street, provided you have a decent coat.
Mid-Week Warm Up (Jan 21-23): This is where Charleston gets its "mild winter" reputation back. By Wednesday, we climb to 56°F, and by Friday, we’re hitting 61°F. It’ll be cloudy, sure, but that’s ten degrees warmer than the start of the week.
The Late Week Shift (Jan 24-27): Don’t get too comfortable. Next Saturday, January 24, brings light rain and a high of 53°F. Then, Sunday the 25th takes a dive. We’re looking at a high of only 39°F with a 65% chance of showers. If you’re planning a boat tour or a visit to Magnolia Plantation that day, maybe rethink it. Monday and Tuesday (Jan 26-27) see us rebounding slightly into the 40s, with overnight lows hitting the freezing mark at 32°F.
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Why the "Feels Like" Temp is the Only One That Matters
You’ll see 49°F on your phone and think, "I can do that with a light sweater."
Stop.
Charleston humidity is a different beast. Even in the winter, that moisture in the air makes the cold "seep" into your bones. When you add a 13 mph wind coming off the Cooper River or the Atlantic, a 49-degree day feels significantly colder than a dry 49-degree day in, say, Denver.
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Currently, our humidity is sitting at 75%. That's high for a "clear" night. It means the air is heavy. When you're walking the Battery, that wind is going to cut right through a fleece. You need a windbreaker or a wool blend to actually stay warm.
Survival Guide: Packing for Charleston in January
If you're visiting during this weather 10 day forecast charleston sc window, your suitcase needs to be a masterpiece of engineering.
- The Cobblestone Factor: Forget the heels. Seriously. Between the uneven slate on Chalmers Street and the wet bricks after today’s rain, you want boots with grip.
- The Scarf is Your Best Friend: It’s the easiest way to regulate your temp when you duck into a heated restaurant on East Bay Street and then head back out into a 34°F night.
- Inner vs. Outer: The local secret? Lightweight layers. A silk or synthetic base layer under your jeans makes a world of difference when the temp stays below 50°F all day.
Misconceptions About Lowcountry Snow
Is it going to snow? Probably not. The forecast for the next ten days shows a few "10% chance of snow" blips for Tuesday, but historically, Charleston treats snow like a rare lunar eclipse.
We had some "gentle snow" reported by the public up in Screven County earlier today, but it usually melts the second it hits our coastal soil. The National Weather Service in Charleston has been keeping a close eye on the cold front, but for now, it's mostly a rain and wind story.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Plan indoor activities for Sunday, Jan 25: With a high of 39°F and rain likely, this is your day for the South Carolina Aquarium or a long, boozy brunch.
- Watch the wind: If you’re heading to Patriots Point or the Ravenel Bridge, check the wind speed. Anything over 15 mph in these temperatures makes outdoor walking miserable.
- Check the tide: Large rain events like today’s can occasionally cause minor "sunny day flooding" if they line up with high tide. Keep an eye on local reports if you're parked near the Market.
The weather 10 day forecast charleston sc is telling us one thing clearly: winter has arrived, but it won't stay long. Pack the layers, grab an umbrella for the weekend, and enjoy the fact that you aren't shoveling three feet of snow like our friends up north.