You’ve probably heard that Charleston is a "year-round destination," but honestly, if you're looking at the charleston weather forecast 15 days out, you might be wondering if you should have packed a parka instead of a polo.
January in the Lowcountry is... weird. It's the coldest month on paper, but that doesn't mean it’s consistently freezing. One day you're sipping a latte in the sun on King Street in a light sweater, and the next, a northwest wind is whipping off the harbor making it feel like 34°F.
What’s actually happening with the Charleston weather forecast 15 days ahead?
Right now, we're seeing a classic South Carolina winter tug-of-war. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, started out pretty soggy with a 100% chance of rain and a high of only 49°F. But if you're planning for the week ahead, don't let that dampen your mood.
The immediate outlook is actually clearing up.
Monday and Tuesday are looking crisp and sunny. We're talking highs around 52°F and 50°F, with overnight lows dipping right down to the freezing mark at 32°F. It’s that dry, bright kind of cold that actually feels great for walking the Battery, provided you have a decent scarf.
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The mid-week warmup (and the twist)
By Thursday, January 22, the temperature is expected to climb to 63°F. That is prime sightseeing weather. But here’s the thing about Charleston: the moisture is never far away. By next weekend, specifically Sunday, January 25, the forecast is calling for a heavy snow storm with a 75% chance of precipitation.
Yes, snow in Charleston.
It's rare, but when it happens, the city basically turns into a beautiful, slushy ghost town. Historical data from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources shows that while major snow is an outlier, late January is exactly when those "Arctic Express" systems tend to graze the coast.
Beyond the numbers: What it feels like
Forget the thermometer for a second. Charleston humidity means the cold "seeps" into your bones more than it does in a dry place like Denver.
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- The Harbor Breeze: If the wind is coming from the North or Northeast (which it will be for much of the next 10 days at around 11–17 mph), Waterfront Park will feel 10 degrees colder than the sheltered streets of the French Quarter.
- UV Index: Even when it’s 45°F, the sun is surprisingly strong. We’re seeing UV indices of 2 or 3 this week. It sounds low, but if you’re out on a boat tour, you’ll still want sunglasses.
- Night vs. Day: The swing is massive. You might see a 20-degree difference between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Real talk on the 15-day outlook
As we move into the final days of January and the start of February, things stay volatile. According to long-range data from the Farmer’s Almanac and local climatology, we’re looking at a "below average" temperature trend for the end of the month.
While the average high for Charleston in January is usually around 59°F, the next two weeks are trending closer to the high 40s and low 50s. If you are visiting for Restaurant Week (which usually hits mid-month), you're going to be spending a lot of time in cozy indoor booths rather than on rooftop bars.
Pack like a local (The Layering Rule)
Honestly, don't bring a heavy North Face puffer unless you're a "snow refugee" who really hates the cold.
Basically, you want a "shell" strategy. A mid-weight wool coat or a stylish trench with a removable liner is the way to go. You need something that blocks the wind but won't make you sweat when you step into a heated restaurant.
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Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable right now. The cobblestones are slippery when damp, and the dampness is everywhere.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re watching the charleston weather forecast 15 days out, here is how to pivot your plans:
- Book Indoor Backups: If your heart was set on a carriage tour for Sunday the 25th, maybe swap that for a tour of the Aiken-Rhett House or the Gibbes Museum of Art. The snow/rain mix predicted for that day will make outdoor tours miserable.
- Watch the Wind Direction: On days like Saturday the 24th where the wind is hitting 17 mph from the Northeast, avoid the harbor. Stick to the shops on King Street where the buildings block the gusts.
- Dining Strategy: Seek out places with "winterized" outdoor spaces. Places like Leon’s Oyster Shop or Blind Tiger have great outdoor heaters, but in 45°F weather, you’ll still want to sit near the fire.
- Early Starts: With sunset hitting around 5:40 PM, your "warm" window is short. Aim to do your walking between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM when the sun is at its peak.
The Holy City is stunning in the winter light—just make sure you're ready for the chill.