Charleston, South Carolina temperature in February averages a high of 63.8°F and a low of 41.6°F. Days are mild enough for walking and evenings are chilly. February is generally quieter than Charleston's spring and fall peak periods, and it suits walking, food and winter gardens.
What Is the Average Temperature in Charleston, South Carolina in February?
NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Charleston International Airport show an average February high of 63.8°F and an average low of 41.6°F. The February mean temperature is 52.7°F, with about 3.05 inches of precipitation and an average of 4.4 nights at or below 32°F.
February in Charleston by the numbers
| Measure | February normal |
|---|---|
| Average February high | 63.8°F |
| Average February low | 41.6°F |
| Average mean temperature | 52.7°F |
| Average precipitation | 3.05 inches |
| Days with measurable precipitation, at least 0.01 inch | 8.5 |
| Days with at least 0.10 inch | 5.1 |
| Days with at least 0.50 inch | 2.1 |
| Nights with a minimum at or below 32°F | 4.4 |
| Average snowfall | 0.10 inches |
| Days with measurable snow | 0.1 |
All weather figures on this page come from NOAA's 1991 to 2020 US Climate Normals for Charleston International Airport, station USW00013880. Downtown Charleston reports slightly differently, so treat these as typical for the area rather than exact for a given block.
What does Charleston feel like in February?
Mild during the day and noticeably colder after dark. The gap between a February afternoon and a February evening here is bigger than most visitors expect.
Charleston SC weather in February is generally mild during the day and chilly at night. On a mild February day, Charleston can be excellent for walking: comfortable temperatures, quieter sidewalks, and you can cross the peninsula without stopping.
Then the sun goes down and it drops. Evenings can be chilly enough that outdoor dining is much more comfortable with heaters or a sheltered patio.
If you have only experienced Charleston in summer, February can feel dramatically more comfortable. Same streets, completely different month.
For guests staying downtown, February changes how the city works. It is a particularly easy month for walking between breakfast, a museum, some shops and dinner without touching the car.
Is February a good time to visit Charleston?
Yes, if your trip is about walking, architecture, food and winter gardens. Less so if you came to swim or spend evenings outside. February is generally quieter than Charleston's spring and fall peak periods, although major event weekends can be busier. Winter may offer better value at some properties, but rates vary by property, weekend and event.
What February is good for
- Walking the historic streets with generally fewer visitors than the spring and fall peaks
- More flexibility for dining than during major festival and peak-season weekends
- Winter can offer better value than the spring and fall peaks, though rates still vary by property, weekend and event
- Camellias and winter garden color
- Photography, especially if you prefer quieter streets and winter light
- Anyone who found Charleston too hot in summer
What February is not for
- Swimming and traditional beach days. The ocean is cold, though the beaches can be excellent for walking and photography.
- Long evenings outside, unless there are heaters or a sheltered patio
- Peak spring garden season. Azaleas and the big spring displays are still ahead.
- Boat tours on a fixed assumption. Some harbor and boat tours run seasonal schedules in February, so check the operator's current calendar before booking.
What should you pack for Charleston in February?
Layers, a warm jacket for the evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. For most visitors, layers and a warm jacket are more useful than heavy winter gear, but cold snaps do happen.
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| A warm jacket | Evenings drop sharply, and about 4.4 February nights average at or below freezing |
| Layers | Afternoons can be mild enough to carry the jacket rather than wear it |
| Comfortable walking shoes | This is a walking month, and the streets are cobblestone in places |
| Water-resistant footwear | February averages 3.05 inches of precipitation across about 8.5 days, and wet cobblestones are unpleasant |
| A compact umbrella or light rain layer | Enough for most February rain here |
What you can leave at home: heavy snow gear, and swimwear unless your accommodation has a heated pool.
What events are in Charleston in February 2027?
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, SEWE, is one of Charleston's major February events and runs February 12–14, 2027. Valentine's Day falls on the same weekend, which makes that a date to plan around.
February is generally quiet, but event weekends are the exception, and SEWE is one of the major February events to watch. SEWE weekend can create higher demand than a typical February weekend, so check availability before booking.
| Event | When | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) | Currently scheduled 12 to 14 February 2027 | One of Charleston's major February events. Book well ahead. |
| Valentine's Day | 14 February 2027 | Overlaps SEWE weekend in 2027. Make restaurant reservations well in advance. |
| 2nd Sunday on King Street | 14 February 2027 | King Street closes to through traffic, noon to 5pm |
| Camellia walks and winter garden programming | Throughout February | Middleton Place and Magnolia both list February garden blooms |
| Black History Month programming | Throughout February | 2027 programs are announced on individual venue and event calendars |
For dinner that weekend, we keep a list of romantic restaurants in Charleston.
Are Charleston gardens worth visiting in February?
Yes, if you want camellias and winter color. No, if your priority is the famous spring azalea display, which comes later.
This is the part most February guides get wrong. Charleston does have winter blooms.
Middleton Place lists February blooms including Camellia japonica, daphne, several daffodils, spring snowflake, star magnolia and saucer magnolia. Magnolia also lists camellias and other winter blooms in its February garden guide, with additional programming varying by year.
So February is winter garden season rather than spring garden season. If camellias are what you want, this is a good month for it. If your priority is Charleston's major spring azalea displays, late March and April are generally better choices.
Can you go to the beach in Charleston in February?
You can go, but not to swim. The ocean is cold in February, so most visitors will not find it comfortable for swimming.
The beaches themselves can be excellent in February. Quiet, good for walking and photography, and a very different experience from Charleston's summer beach season. Some locals prefer them in winter for exactly that reason.
If swimming matters, the realistic option in February is accommodation with a heated pool.
How does February compare with other months in Charleston?
February is one of the colder months and one of the better-value ones. March is warmer but busier. For an all-around trip, we usually recommend October, with April close behind.
| Month | Weather | Crowds and value | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Coldest winter month | Very quiet | A quiet winter trip |
| February | Mild days, chilly nights | Generally quiet, good value | Walking, food, winter gardens |
| March | Warmer, spring arriving | Crowds and prices begin rising | Gardens and festivals |
| April | Warm, spring peak | Popular spring period | First-time visitors |
| October | Warm, relatively dry | Popular fall period | Best overall weather |
That October recommendation is ours rather than an objective climate ranking. Our guide on the best time to visit Charleston goes through all twelve months.
Do you need a car in Charleston in February?
Not if you stay downtown. February's cooler temperatures make walking the peninsula particularly comfortable on mild days, and the historic downtown peninsula is highly walkable.
If you stay downtown, you can usually do most of your sightseeing on foot and leave the car parked between outings. Our guide on do you need a car in Charleston covers when a car earns its keep, and the downtown Charleston parking guide covers what parking costs if you drive.
Where should you stay in Charleston in February?
For a trip centered on restaurants, historic streets and attractions, the downtown peninsula is a particularly convenient base. February suits that kind of trip well.
Winter generally gives visitors more flexibility than Charleston's spring and fall peaks, although major weekends and events can still sell out. SEWE weekend can create higher demand than a typical February weekend.
A kitchen matters more in February than people expect. With shorter winter evenings, being able to make coffee in the morning and eat breakfast without going out can change the shape of the day.
See our downtown Charleston vacation rentals, or browse by size: one-bedroom Charleston rentals for two, Charleston rentals with 3+ bedrooms, or Charleston monthly rentals for a longer winter stay.
Not sure what fits your dates? Contact CHC Vacation Rentals.
Frequently asked questions
NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for Charleston International Airport show an average February high of 63.8°F and an average low of 41.6°F, with a mean of 52.7°F. Days are mild for walking and evenings are cold enough for a jacket.
At Charleston International Airport, NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals show an average low of 41.6°F and an average of 4.4 February nights with minimum temperatures at or below 32°F.
Snow is very uncommon. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals for Charleston International Airport average just 0.10 inches of snow in February, with about 0.1 February days recording measurable snowfall.
February averages 3.05 inches of precipitation, spread across about 8.5 days with at least 0.01 inch. About 2.1 days average at least half an inch.
Yes, if your trip is about walking, architecture, food and winter gardens. It is one of Charleston's quieter winter months. It is not a typical swimming month, and evenings can be chilly for extended outdoor dining without heaters.
Layers, a warm jacket for the evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. Heavy winter gear is usually unnecessary, but cold snaps do happen and about 4.4 nights average at or below freezing.
Yes, and February is camellia season. Middleton Place lists February blooms including camellias, daphne, daffodils and magnolias. The famous spring azalea display comes later, usually late March into April.
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is one of the major ones, currently scheduled for 12 to 14 February 2027. Valentine's Day falls the same weekend that year. Garden programming and Black History Month events also run through February, with 2027 programs announced on individual venue calendars.
The ocean is cold in February, so most visitors will not find it comfortable for swimming. The beaches are still good for walking and photography.