If you’re planning to visit the Palmetto State this spring, you’ve probably seen the glossy brochures of azaleas and sun-drenched porches. But honestly, the weather South Carolina in April is a bit of a trickster. One day you’re sipping sweet tea in a sundress, and the next you’re digging a denim jacket out of your trunk because a cold front rolled off the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s spring. It’s glorious. It’s also kinda unpredictable.
The Reality of April Temperatures
Most folks look at the averages and think they’ve got it figured out. In Columbia, the high usually hits around 75°F, while Charleston stays a bit cooler at 71°F to 77°F thanks to that Atlantic breeze. But here’s the thing: those are just numbers.
The humidity starts to creep in during April. It’s not the "thick soup" humidity of August, but it’s enough that a 75-degree day feels like 80 if you’re walking the Battery.
Upstate is a different story.
In Greenville or Spartanburg, you might still see mornings in the 40s. If you’re hiking Caesars Head, keep in mind that elevation drops the temp significantly. I've seen people show up in shorts only to realize the mountain air hasn't quite gotten the memo that it's spring yet.
💡 You might also like: Why Molly Butler Lodge & Restaurant is Still the Heart of Greer After a Century
Can You Actually Swim?
I get asked this constantly.
Short answer: only if you're brave or from Canada.
The Atlantic Ocean in April is hovering around 62°F to 64°F. That is "breathtaking" in a way that isn't poetic—it’s cold. Most locals won't touch the water until Memorial Day. However, the sand is perfect. The sun is strong enough to give you a tan (or a burn, so wear the SPF 30), and the "low-70s" air temperature makes for the best beach walking weather of the entire year.
The Yellow Dust Storm
We have to talk about the pollen. It isn't just a "high count"; it's a lifestyle change.
In April, South Carolina gets blanketed in a fine, neon-yellow powder from the pine trees. It coats your car, your porch furniture, and your lungs. If you have allergies, April is your boss fight. You’ll see the "Pollen Vortex" peaking right around the middle of the month.
📖 Related: 3000 Yen to USD: What Your Money Actually Buys in Japan Today
- Pine pollen: The heavy yellow stuff. It's actually the oak and hickory pollen (which you can't see) that usually causes the sneezing.
- Pro tip: Check the local pollen forecast on sites like Charleston Allergy before you commit to an all-day outdoor festival.
- Wash your car: If you don't, that yellow dust can actually get "baked" onto your clear coat if it gets hot enough.
Severe Weather and the "Tornado Alley" Myth
While South Carolina isn't in the Midwest, April is technically part of our secondary severe weather season. Historically, some of the state's most notable storms happened this month. The 1924 Horrell Hill tornado is still talked about in climate circles as one of the deadliest F4s to ever hit the state.
Basically, keep an eye on the sky.
Cold fronts hitting that warm, moist air from the Gulf can spark nasty afternoon thunderstorms. They usually pass in an hour, but they pack a punch with heavy rain and occasional hail. If you’re golfing at Myrtle Beach and hear a siren, take it seriously.
What to Actually Pack
Packing for weather South Carolina in April requires layers. You've heard it before, but in the South, it’s a law.
Mornings are crisp. You’ll want a light sweater or a linen blazer for breakfast. By 2:00 PM, you’ll be stripping down to a t-shirt. By 8:00 PM, the coastal wind or the mountain air will have you reaching for that layer again.
👉 See also: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
The Indoor Freeze
Here is a secret: Southerners love air conditioning. Even if it’s only 72 degrees outside, restaurants and shops will have the AC cranked to 68. You will freeze indoors if you only pack summer clothes. A "gauze" shirt or a light pashmina is basically a survival tool for dining out in Charleston or Greenville.
Actionable Steps for Your April Trip
If you're heading our way, don't just wing it.
- Download a Radar App: Don't rely on the "daily forecast." Use something like Wunderground or FLARE to see exactly when those afternoon cells are moving through.
- Start the Claritin Early: If you're prone to hay fever, start your meds a week before you arrive. Once the yellow dust hits your system, it’s hard to play catch-up.
- Book "Shoulder" Tee Times: If you're golfing, aim for mid-morning. It's warm enough to lose the jacket but early enough to beat the 4:00 PM "pop-up" thunderstorms.
- Footwear Matters: April is rainy but not "monsoon" rainy. A pair of stylish, water-resistant sneakers will serve you better than flip-flops if you're doing a lot of walking on uneven cobblestones or mountain trails.
April is arguably the most beautiful month in the state, provided you respect the pollen and the "layering" rule. You get the blooms without the 100-degree heat index, and that's a trade-off most of us will take any day of the week.