St. Patrick’s Day in South Carolina usually brings mild temperatures and a touch of spring in the air. You’ll typically see average highs in the mid-60s to low 70s across much of the state, though mornings often start off in the 40s or 50s.
People often find the weather comfortable enough for outdoor parades, festivals, and gatherings, but conditions can shift depending on where you are.
If you’re spending the holiday along the coast, you might notice slightly warmer afternoons than in the inland cities. In the Upstate, mornings usually feel cooler, and sometimes there’s still a lingering chill.
Rain can pop up, but March showers in South Carolina tend to be light and scattered, not all-day washouts.
Knowing what to expect comes in handy, whether you’re layering up for a morning parade in Greenville or heading out for an afternoon celebration in Charleston.
With spring just starting to show up, you get this mix of mild warmth and the occasional rain shower, which really sets the scene for St. Patrick’s Day traditions across the state.
Typical Weather Conditions on St. Patrick’s Day
In South Carolina, mid-March weather usually feels like early spring.
You’ll get mild afternoons, cool mornings, and the chance for light rain. Conditions change by region, but most years bring temps that make outdoor events doable.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Daytime highs on St. Patrick’s Day in South Carolina usually climb to the upper 60s or low 70s °F.
Coastal spots like Charleston and Hilton Head often run a bit cooler thanks to the ocean, while inland cities such as Columbia or Greenville may warm up a few degrees more.
Morning lows tend to fall in the low to mid-40s °F. Some years, it dips into the upper 30s, especially in the Upstate.
Warmer years can even bring morning lows in the low 50s.
The difference between morning and afternoon temps can be pretty big. If you dress in layers, you’ll stay comfortable as things change throughout the day.
Typical Temperature Ranges:
- Highs: 68–72 °F
- Lows: 42–46 °F
- Record extremes: Mid-20s °F on the cold end, mid-80s °F on the warm end
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Rain might show up, but it’s usually light. On average, South Carolina gets about 0.10–0.20 inches of rain on March 17.
That’s not enough to ruin your plans, but showers can interrupt outdoor events.
Coastal cities often deal with higher humidity and a slightly better chance of drizzle or light rain. Inland areas tend to stay dry more often, but when fronts roll through, you can get brief showers.
Thunderstorms don’t happen often in mid-March, but they’re not impossible. If a cold front moves in, you could see heavier bursts of rain in the afternoon or evening.
Precipitation Snapshot:
- Average rainfall: ~0.15 inches
- Common form: Light showers, drizzle
- Less common: Thunderstorms, heavy downpours
Day-to-Day Weather Variability
Weather around March 17 can swing a lot from year to year.
Some years, you wake up to cool mornings in the 30s and chilly afternoons. Other years, it’s all about highs in the upper 70s or even low 80s.
One year might be dry, the next could bring steady rain. This back-and-forth happens because South Carolina sits between lingering winter air up north and warming spring air from the south.
It’s always smart to check the forecast close to the date, since things can change fast. A light jacket, umbrella, or sunscreen might all come in handy depending on the year.
Examples of past variability:
- Coolest years: Morning lows in the 20s °F
- Warmest years: Afternoon highs in the 80s °F
- Wettest years: Over half an inch of rain in a single day
Temperature Trends and Extremes
In mid-March, South Carolina usually gets mild spring weather, but temps can be all over the place.
You could see comfortable afternoons in the upper 60s or get surprised by chilly mornings or sudden warmth.
Historical Highs and Lows
On average, daytime highs around March 17 reach the mid to upper 60s °F. Lows usually drop into the low to mid-40s °F.
These numbers come from long-term climate data in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.
Mornings sometimes still feel like winter. Back in 1955, the Eastern Carolinas recorded a morning low of 25°F, which is way below normal for the date.
Afternoon warmth is more common. The Augusta region, near western South Carolina, averages almost 70°F for the holiday, showing how quickly spring warmth builds across the Southeast.
Notable Temperature Records
South Carolina has seen some wild extremes on St. Patrick’s Day.
In 2015, parts of the state hit a record 85°F, which shows how early-season heat can show up out of nowhere.
Cold snaps have made their mark too. That 1955 low of 25°F is still one of the most memorable chilly mornings for the date, especially in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas.
Rainfall sometimes adds to the drama. In 1983, Marion got 5.5 inches of rain, while Florence nearby measured nearly 3.8 inches. Snow has never been recorded in the region on March 17.
Recent Year Comparisons
In the last couple decades, temperatures have leaned warmer than the old averages.
For instance, Augusta’s last five St. Patrick’s Days all hit the 70s, compared to a historical mean of about 69°F.
That lines up with broader climate data showing a slight warming trend across the Southeast. In real life, you’re now more likely to get a mild or warm afternoon than a cold one.
Still, things can swing. Some years bring crisp mornings in the low 40s, while others see highs climbing into the 80s.
Rainfall and Precipitation Insights
March weather in South Carolina often brings steady rainfall, but some years are much wetter than others.
You might even see rare snow or weird weather shifts, though rain is far more likely.
Probability of Rain
Rain is pretty common in South Carolina during mid-March.
On average, you’ll get 8 to 10 days of measurable precipitation across the state during the month. That’s about a one-in-three shot of running into rain on or near St. Patrick’s Day.
Usually, it’s just light to moderate showers, not those long, soaking storms. Coastal places like Charleston might see quick heavy downpours thanks to Atlantic moisture.
Inland towns such as Columbia or Patrick usually get shorter, less intense rainfall.
Humidity stays moderate, so even when it rains, it doesn’t feel as muggy as summer. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, having a light rain jacket or umbrella just makes sense.
Wettest and Driest Years
Rainfall in March can swing a lot from year to year.
Some seasons, totals may reach 5 to 6 inches in parts of the state, especially in the Sandhills and Piedmont. Other years, you get less than 2 inches, which makes the month unusually dry.
Patrick, SC, averages close to 3.5 inches of rain in March, but that number jumps around depending on bigger weather patterns. El Niño years usually bring wetter weather, while La Niña years can turn things drier.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Condition | Typical March Rainfall | Days with Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Year | 5–6 inches | 10–12 days |
| Dry Year | 1.5–2 inches | 5–6 days |
Checking the forecast is always a good idea if you’re planning something around mid-March.
Snow and Unusual Weather Events
Snow around St. Patrick’s Day is rare in South Carolina, but it’s not impossible.
Light flurries or a dusting might show up in the Upstate or northern counties every decade or so. Accumulations usually stay under an inch and melt quickly.
Cold snaps are more common, bringing frosty mornings even after a few mild days.
Sometimes, strong winds follow a passing cold front, making it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Thunderstorms can happen, though severe storms aren’t typical in March. When they do roll in, you might get brief heavy rain, gusty winds, or even some hail.
These storms don’t last long but can mess with travel or outdoor plans.
Regional Weather Differences Across South Carolina
South Carolina’s geography creates some real differences in temperature, rainfall, and humidity during mid-March.
Elevation, distance from the coast, and local terrain all shape the weather you can expect.
Upstate Weather Patterns
In the Upstate, including cities like Greenville and Spartanburg, you’ll notice cooler conditions than the rest of the state.
Average highs in mid-March often hit the upper 50s to low 60s °F, while lows can drop into the upper 30s. Frost can still show up, especially in higher elevations near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Rain falls pretty frequently in March, making it one of the wetter months. Expect around 4–5 inches of precipitation spread over several days.
Clouds and damp weather are common, but long cold snaps become less likely as spring moves in.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, but mountain valleys can funnel breezes that make mornings feel colder. If you’re heading outside, bring a light jacket and be ready for sudden showers.
Midlands Climate Overview
The Midlands, home to Columbia and nearby areas, usually gets milder and more stable weather.
Daytime highs in mid-March average in the mid-60s to near 70 °F, with nighttime lows around the mid-40s. Frost is less of a concern here than in the Upstate, though it can still happen early in the month.
Rainfall averages between 3.5–4 inches for March, and showers tend to be spread out. Humidity starts to rise but stays comfortable compared to summer.
You’ll see more sunshine, which means more warm afternoons for outdoor plans.
Since this region sits away from the coast and mountains, temperature swings can be bigger. One day might be in the 70s, the next in the 50s.
Packing layers just makes sense.
Lowcountry and Coastal Conditions
Along the coast, including Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, you’ll find the mildest March weather.
Average highs reach the upper 60s to low 70s °F, while lows usually stay in the upper 40s to low 50s. By mid-March, frost is almost unheard of here.
Rainfall matches the rest of the state, around 3–4 inches for the month. Showers often come and go quickly, not sticking around all day.
The Atlantic Ocean helps keep temperatures steady, so mornings and evenings feel less chilly than inland.
Humidity is higher, and breezes off the ocean can make the air feel cooler near the water.
Beaches might still be too chilly for swimming, but walking along the shore is really pleasant. You’ll probably get more consistent sunshine here than upstate.
Impact of Weather on St. Patrick’s Day Events
Weather in South Carolina during mid-March often shifts between mild spring warmth and lingering cool air.
These changes shape how celebrations happen, from parade comfort to what you should pack for a day outside.
Outdoor Activities and Parades
Most St. Patrick’s Day parades in South Carolina happen outdoors, and honestly, the weather can really make or break your day. Daytime highs usually climb into the upper 60s or low 70s °F, but mornings? They often start off chilly, down in the 40s.
Rain might show up, but heavy downpours don’t happen all that often. Sometimes, though, a storm rolls in and dumps a few inches—it’s rare, but it can cancel or delay things. Usually, a light jacket or an umbrella handles most passing showers.
People show up early, so you’ll probably stand outside for a while. Wearing layers makes a difference. A short-sleeve shirt with a light jacket usually works.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes. Streets might be damp if it rained earlier.
If the sun comes out and the day heats up, you’ll spend a lot of time standing in it. Sunscreen helps, and honestly, staying hydrated matters just as much as keeping dry.
Travel and Packing Tips
Heading to parades or festivals? You’ll want to plan for temperature swings and maybe a little rain. Mornings in the 40s can feel pretty cold if you’re out early, but afternoons usually warm up fast.
I’d recommend bringing a small backpack with:
- A light rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Comfortable shoes
If you’re driving, check the forecast for rain. Wet roads slow down traffic. Parking fills up fast near big events, so leave yourself extra time.
Packing layers lets you adjust as the day changes. Start with a jacket in the morning, then peel it off by midday when it’s in the 60s or 70s. That way, you stay comfortable without lugging around too much stuff.
Long-Term Climate Patterns in March
South Carolina’s March weather brings a mix of mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and moderate rain. It really depends on where you are—coastal spots usually feel warmer and sunnier than places inland.
March Weather Averages
March usually brings daytime highs from the upper 50s °F (about 15°C) up in the mountains, to the upper 60s and low 70s °F (20–22°C) along the coast. Nights drop into the 40s °F (5–9°C), so it’s a good idea to pack something warm for evenings.
Rain falls pretty often, but it’s not over the top. Cities like Charleston and Hilton Head get around 75–90 mm of rain, while places inland like Seneca might see closer to 110 mm. Most of it comes from cold fronts or early spring storms that pass through.
You’ll notice the sun comes out more compared to winter. Coastal towns usually get 240–250 hours of sunshine in March, so beach spots feel brighter than inland areas. That extra sun helps warm up the afternoons, even if mornings start off cool.
Humidity stays pretty moderate. You’ll feel a bit of moisture in the air, but it’s nothing like the sticky heat of summer. Breezes from the Atlantic usually keep coastal weather feeling more comfortable than it does inland.
Climate Trends Over Time
Long-term records tell us that South Carolina’s March climate has edged a bit warmer over recent decades. For instance, average highs in a lot of coastal cities have climbed about 1–2°F since the mid-20th century.
Rainfall patterns have shifted too. While the total amount of rain hasn’t really changed much, heavy downpours happen more often now.
So, you might notice fewer rainy days overall, but when it does rain, it often pours.
March still brings some pretty wild temperature swings. Historical data points out that St. Patrick’s week sometimes starts with chilly mornings in the 30s °F, then jumps to warm afternoons in the 80s °F.
These swings just show how unpredictable early spring can feel in the Southeast.
Coastal regions usually warm up faster than the Piedmont or the mountains. Over time, this gap has grown a bit, with coastal areas heating up more than higher elevations.