Look, if you’ve lived in the Midlands for any length of time, you know the drill. You wake up in Orangeburg and it’s a crisp 30 degrees, but by the time you’re grabbing lunch at a spot on John C. Calhoun Drive, you’re regretting that heavy coat. The orangeburg sc weather forecast is notoriously fickle, especially in January. It's that weird transition time where the Garden City can't decide if it wants to be a winter wonderland or a preview of spring.
Right now, we are smack in the middle of a cold snap. As of January 13, 2026, the local thermometers at the Orangeburg Municipal Airport (KOGB) are showing a frigid start. We’re talking 28°F with nearly 96% humidity. That’s that "wet cold" that sinks right into your bones. It isn’t just about the temperature; it’s about how that South Carolina moisture makes a freezing morning feel ten degrees colder than it actually is.
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What to Expect This Week
If you're checking the orangeburg sc weather forecast for the next few days, keep your umbrella close but your sunglasses closer. We are moving out of this "very cold" phase into something a bit more manageable. The long-range outlook from the Farmers’ Almanac and local NWS stations suggests a shift.
Between now and the 22nd, things are looking milder. We’re talking sunny days with highs creeping back into the 50s and maybe even the low 60s. But don’t get too comfortable. The tail end of January usually brings a "very cold" punch. Historically, January 17th is the coldest day of the year here. Statistically, you’re looking at a high of 57°F and a low of 37°F, but we've seen it dip way lower when those Canadian highs push south.
The Humidity Factor
People from up north laugh when we talk about a "South Carolina winter." They don't get it. They don't understand that 40 degrees in Orangeburg feels like 20 degrees in Minneapolis because of the dampness. In January, our relative humidity averages around 82%.
That’s basically like walking through a cold, wet sponge. It’s why your car windows are perpetually fogged up in the morning and why the wind at 12 mph feels like a literal ice pick.
Winter Rainfall vs. Snow
Let’s be real about snow. We all want it, but we rarely get it. Orangeburg typically sees about 0.1 inches of snow in January. Basically, it’s enough to make the kids excited for five minutes before it turns into slush.
Most of our "winter weather" is actually just rain. We get about 3.5 to 3.9 inches of rain this month spread across 10 or so days. The forecast for the next week shows some showers rolling in after the 14th as the air temp rises. It's that classic "milder but messier" pattern we see every year.
Navigating the Orangeburg SC Weather Forecast Like a Local
Understanding the orangeburg sc weather forecast requires looking past the "big number" on your phone's app. You have to look at the dew point. If the dew point is hovering near the actual temperature, expect fog. Heavy fog.
The Edisto River valley tends to trap that moisture. If you’re commuting toward Columbia or Charleston early in the morning, those low-lying areas near the river are going to be a soup of gray. It's dangerous, honestly. Visibility can drop to less than a quarter-mile in a heartbeat.
Why the Forecast Changes So Fast
Orangeburg is in a bit of a geographical "no man's land." We aren't quite the Lowcountry, and we aren't quite the Upstate. We’re the transition zone.
When a front comes off the Atlantic, it hits the warmer coastal air and can stall right over us. Conversely, when a cold front moves down the Appalachian trail, it gains speed as it hits the flatlands of the Midlands. This is why a "sunny" forecast can turn into "heavy rain" in about three hours.
Dressing for the Garden City
The secret to surviving January in Orangeburg is the three-layer system.
- A base layer that wicks moisture (because you will sweat when the sun comes out).
- An insulating layer like a light fleece.
- A wind-resistant shell.
You'll likely shed that shell by 2:00 PM. But you'll want it back by 5:30 PM when the sun drops.
Practical Steps for the Next 7 Days
Based on the current data and historical trends for mid-January 2026, here is how you should prep:
- Drip those faucets: We have a few nights coming up where the lows will hit the mid-to-high 20s. Don't risk a burst pipe in the crawlspace.
- Check your tires: Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. If your "low pressure" light came on this morning, it's not a ghost; it's just the January chill.
- Plan for sun: Even though it’s cold, we’re getting about 6 hours of bright sunshine daily. It’s actually a great time to hit the Edisto Memorial Gardens for a walk, provided you’ve got a good scarf.
- Watch the late-month dip: The period between January 25th and 29th is projected to be "very cold." If you have sensitive plants or outdoor pets, that’s the window where you need to be extra vigilant.
The orangeburg sc weather forecast might be a roller coaster, but at least it isn't boring. We’re trading the "oppressive" humidity of July for the "moderately chilly" breezes of January. It’s a fair trade, honestly. Just keep an eye on those overnight lows and remember that in South Carolina, "winter" is usually just a suggestion that lasts a few weeks.