You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: "If you don't like the weather in South Carolina, just wait five minutes." Honestly, it’s a cliche for a reason. But when you’re looking at the 10 day forecast for north charleston sc right now, specifically in the heart of January 2026, it isn't just about waiting five minutes—it's about preparing for a literal thermal rollercoaster that can drop 30 degrees overnight.
North Charleston weather is tricky. Most people assume "South" means "warm," and while that's often true, January is the month that humbled many a tourist who forgot to pack a real coat.
The Immediate Outlook: Sun, Snow, and Swings
Right now, as of Friday, January 16, 2026, we are sitting in a crisp reality. Today is sunny with a high of 48°F. That sounds manageable, right? But the low is hitting a biting 25°F. That's a massive gap. If you’re heading out to Riverfront Park for a morning walk, you’re essentially dealing with two different seasons in a 12-hour window.
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Tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, things get even weirder. We jump way up to a high of 64°F. It'll be cloudy, but relatively balmy compared to the previous night’s freeze.
Then comes Sunday. Sunday, January 18, is the day everyone is going to be talking about. We are looking at a 75% chance of snow and rain during the day. Yes, snow in North Charleston. It’s rare, it usually doesn’t stick for long, and it often turns into a slushy mess, but the forecast is calling for it with a high of only 46°F and a low of 29°F.
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Breaking Down the 10 Day Forecast for North Charleston SC
If you're planning your week, here is the basic vibe of what's coming:
- Monday (Jan 19): Pure sun. It stays chilly with a high of 53°F and a low of 30°F.
- Tuesday (Jan 20): Mostly sunny but even colder. High of 47°F.
- Wednesday (Jan 21): We start to see a slight recovery. High 56°F, mostly cloudy.
- Late Week (Jan 22-23): Temperatures climb back into the 60s. Friday is looking like a pleasant 58°F high.
- The Next Weekend (Jan 24-25): We hit 62°F on Saturday before more rain moves in on Sunday, dropping us back to 55°F.
Basically, it's a constant zigzag. You'll need a heavy jacket on Sunday morning and probably just a light sweater by the following Thursday.
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Why the "Charleston Chill" is Different
Humidity is the silent killer here. Even in winter, North Charleston’s humidity levels stay around 40% to 55%. That might not sound like much compared to a July swamp-fest, but it makes the cold "heavier." A 30-degree morning in the Lowcountry feels significantly more piercing than 30 degrees in a dry climate like Denver.
Historically, January is the coldest month for the area. The "normal" high is usually around 59°F, but as we see from this year's data, "normal" is just a suggestion. We are currently trending several degrees below that average for much of the next week.
Practical Steps for the Next 10 Days
Don't let the sunny icons on your phone app fool you. If you’re living in or visiting North Charleston this week:
- Drip those faucets Sunday night. With lows hitting 29°F after a day of rain and snow, the threat to pipes is real.
- Layers are non-negotiable. The swing from a 25°F morning to a 48°F afternoon is too much for a single outfit to handle.
- Watch the bridges. If that Sunday snow/rain mix happens, the flyovers on I-26 and I-526 will ice over instantly. Lowcountry drivers are famously inexperienced with ice; if it looks white or "extra shiny," stay home.
- Check your plants. If you have palm lilies or potted citrus outside, move them in before the Friday and Sunday night freezes.
The 10 day forecast for north charleston sc shows a classic, volatile Coastal Carolina winter. It’s a week of extremes—sunny skies one day, potential snowflakes the next, and enough temperature swings to keep everyone guessing. Keep the heavy coat near the front door; you're going to need it at least four times this week.