Memorial Day in South Carolina usually brings warm afternoons, mild mornings, and that first real taste of summer. You can expect daytime highs in the low to upper 80s, with cooler mornings in the 60s, though it depends on where you are.
The coast feels a bit more humid, while places like Columbia and Greenville often heat up more inland.
Rain chances go up this time of year, so a sunny morning might turn into an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. That doesn’t mean you have to cancel your plans—just stay flexible.
Skies often clear up after quick bursts of rain, especially by the coast, where breezes help move storms along.
Weather can shift a lot between the beaches, the midlands, and the upstate, so it’s worth checking before planning any outdoor events or travel. Warm temps, changing skies, and the chance of scattered rain all play a part in how you’ll spend the holiday, whether you’re headed to the beach, the lake, or just hanging out in the backyard.
Typical Temperatures on Memorial Day
Memorial Day in South Carolina tends to bring warm afternoons, mild mornings, and clear differences between the coast and inland regions. It feels like summer’s beginning, but you’re not dealing with the blazing heat of July or August just yet.
Daytime Highs and Lows
On Memorial Day, daytime highs in South Carolina usually fall between the low 80s and upper 80s°F. Some years, temperatures push into the 90s°F, especially inland.
The highest numbers have even hit close to 100°F.
Morning and evening lows stay more comfortable. Along the coast, you’ll see lows in the upper 60s to low 70s°F.
Inland, mornings start off cooler, often in the low to mid-60s°F.
This swing between day and night makes mornings and evenings great for outdoor stuff. Midday can feel pretty hot, especially if humidity kicks in.
Temperature Variations by Region
South Carolina’s geography creates some real differences in Memorial Day temperatures.
- Charleston and the coast: Highs around 81–85°F, lows near 67–71°F. The ocean keeps things steadier.
- Columbia and central areas: Highs usually 83–89°F, lows in the low 60s°F. This region heats up fast and afternoons feel hotter.
- Greenville and the Upstate: Highs near 80–85°F, lows around 60–64°F. Nights are cooler here thanks to higher elevation.
If you drive from the coast inland, you’ll notice the change. The coast feels stickier, while the interior gets hotter during the day but cools off more at night.
Comparison to Other Times of Year
Memorial Day sits right at the edge of spring and summer in South Carolina. May highs usually hit the low to mid-80s°F, warmer than April but not as intense as July’s upper 80s to low 90s°F.
Compared to cooler months, it’s a big shift. March highs hang out in the mid-60s°F, and November isn’t much different.
Humidity starts climbing by late May, though it’s not as brutal as midsummer yet. You’ll notice more warm nights and muggy afternoons than in early spring, but it’s still milder than August’s heat.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Late May in South Carolina brings warm, humid air that often leads to frequent rain showers. Some areas stay dry while others get heavy downpours or thunderstorms, sometimes all in one day.
Chance of Rain on Memorial Day
You should expect a decent chance of rain around Memorial Day, since late May falls in one of South Carolina’s wetter stretches. Historical records show most spots get 8 to 9 days of measurable rainfall in May, so rain happens about a quarter of the days.
Coastal places like Charleston see a slightly higher chance, thanks to sea-breeze storms. Inland spots like Columbia and Greenville usually get fewer rainy days but still deal with scattered showers.
Most rain comes from quick storms, so you might wake up to sun and end up with afternoon showers. That’s just spring in the Southeast.
Rainfall Amounts and Distribution
Rainfall totals depend on where you are. On average, 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain falls across South Carolina in May.
The coast usually gets a bit less than the mountains, where moisture piles up and brings heavier showers.
| Location | Avg. May Rainfall | Rainy Days (May) |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | ~2.6″ | 8–9 days |
| Columbia | ~2.8″ | 9 days |
| Greenville | ~3.2″ | 10 days |
Rain rarely lasts all day. It tends to show up in bursts, usually during the hottest part of the afternoon.
You might see a quick half-inch in one place, while a nearby town stays dry.
Thunderstorms and Weather Events
Thunderstorms pop up more often in late May as heat and humidity build. You’ll notice afternoon and evening storms with heavy rain, lightning, and short bursts of gusty wind.
These storms usually move through quickly but can dump a lot of rain.
Severe weather isn’t as common as in early spring, but it can still happen. Sometimes you’ll get hail or a strong wind gust, especially inland.
If you’re traveling, watch out for short but intense downpours that make driving tough. Outdoor events might need a backup plan since storms can surprise you.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Around Memorial Day, South Carolina skies often bounce between clear and cloudy. Higher humidity creeps in as summer nears, making things feel heavier and changing how the sky looks.
Cloudy Versus Clear Days
Late May finds South Carolina with a pretty even split between sun and clouds. On average, you’ll get partly cloudy skies about half the time.
Clearer skies show up more in the mornings. By afternoon, heating from land and sea brings in scattered clouds.
Charleston gets clear skies about 50–55% of the time in May. Columbia and Greenville do a bit better, closer to 55–57%.
So, you’ll have a good shot at outdoor plans without total cloud cover.
Still, don’t be surprised by an overcast day here or there. Afternoon thunderstorms, though not daily, can turn things gray fast. These storms hit the coast and central regions more often than the mountains.
If you’re planning something outside, keep in mind that late morning usually brings the clearest skies. Clouds ramp up in the late afternoon when it’s hottest and muggiest.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity really starts to matter by late May. Dew points in South Carolina often go above 65°F, especially near Charleston.
Once it hits that, the air feels muggy, even if it’s only partly cloudy.
Columbia and Greenville get fewer sticky days than the coast, but you’ll still notice some humid afternoons. On average, Charleston logs 16 or more muggy days in May, Columbia about 8, and Greenville around 5.
Humidity can make low to mid-80s temperatures feel hotter than they are. Even with bright skies, the air feels heavy, especially midday and early evening.
You’ll find mornings and evenings easier to handle since humidity drops a bit when the sun’s low. If you’re planning to be outside for a while, early hours are your best bet for clearer skies and less moisture.
Regional Differences Across South Carolina
South Carolina’s geography really shapes Memorial Day weather. The coast stays warmer and more humid, the Midlands see bigger temperature swings, and the Upstate and mountains stay cooler with a bit more rain.
Coastal Weather
Along the coast, including Charleston and Myrtle Beach, you can expect average highs in the low to mid-80s°F and lows in the upper 60s°F. Ocean breezes help ease the heat, but humidity ramps up fast as summer gets closer.
Rain happens, but it’s usually brief. Coastal spots get about 3 inches of rain in May, with 8–9 wet days on average.
Afternoon showers or thunderstorms can pop up, especially when warm air meets the sea breeze.
You’ll get almost 14 hours of daylight, so beach days are long. Water temperatures climb into the low to mid-70s°F, which is nice for swimming.
Muggy conditions pick up late in the month, so evenings get stickier than inland.
Midlands Climate
In the Midlands, including Columbia, temperatures run higher than the coast. Average highs reach the mid- to upper-80s°F, while overnight lows drop into the low to mid-60s°F.
This area heats up fast during the day, and without ocean breezes, afternoons can feel scorching.
Rainfall is a bit lower than at the coast, about 2.8–3.0 inches in May. You’ll see 8–9 days with measurable rain, mostly from quick afternoon storms.
These storms can get intense but usually move on quickly.
Humidity builds through late May, but it isn’t as constant as on the coast. Skies stay partly clear more than half the time, so you’ll have plenty of sun for outdoor plans.
Upstate and Mountain Areas
The Upstate, including Greenville and the mountain foothills, stays cooler than the rest of the state. Average highs run from the upper 70s to low 80s°F, and overnight lows dip into the mid- to upper-50s°F.
Higher elevation keeps nights comfortable.
Rain shows up a bit more here, averaging 3.5–4.0 inches in May. Expect 9–10 days with rain, usually as light showers or mountain thunderstorms.
These storms can pop up fast in the afternoon and bring quick bursts of heavy rain.
Humidity stays lower than in the Midlands or along the coast, especially in the mornings. If you like cooler air and less muggy nights, the Upstate is probably the most comfortable spot for Memorial Day in South Carolina.
Weather Impact on Memorial Day Travel
Traveling across South Carolina during Memorial Day depends a lot on how heat, humidity, and scattered rain affect the roads and skies. Afternoon storms and heavy traffic can slow you down, especially on major highways and near popular spots.
Best Times for Travel
You’ll usually have an easier time if you hit the road early. Traffic is lighter, and storms are less likely before midday heating kicks in.
Leaving before 9 a.m. can help you dodge both backups and the most active weather.
Afternoons often bring scattered showers, especially in central and coastal regions. These storms cut visibility and slow things down on I‑26, I‑20, and I‑95.
Try to plan your trip to avoid peak storm hours, usually between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and you’ll lower your chances of delays.
If you have to travel late in the day, keep an eye on radar apps and local alerts. Sometimes waiting just a bit can mean clearer skies and safer driving.
Traffic and Road Conditions
Holiday traffic gets thickest near Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia. Expect longer drives on interstates heading to the coast.
Rain makes these routes trickier, with slick roads and sudden slowdowns.
Storms can leave standing water on low roads, especially near rivers and marshes. Downpours often cut visibility, so use headlights and give other cars more space.
Prepare for stop-and-go traffic near beach exits and big attractions. It’s smart to charge your devices before you go and bring water in case you end up stuck for a while.
Checking traffic maps before you leave helps you pick alternate routes that dodge big jams and stormy areas.
Tips for Planning Your Memorial Day in South Carolina
Temperatures usually climb into the upper 70s or even the upper 80s. Short bursts of rain or storms pop up pretty often, so you’ll want to be ready for both sunshine and sudden downpours.
Try to plan activities that make sense in warm, humid weather. Sometimes it’s just too sticky for anything too strenuous, you know?
What to Pack for the Weather
Late May brings hot afternoons and muggy air, with scattered showers never far away. Pack light, breathable clothes—cotton shirts and shorts feel great during the day.
Grab a lightweight rain jacket or a poncho, just in case storms roll through in the afternoon.
Think about your shoes before you go. Sandals are awesome for the beach, but if you’re walking around downtown or hitting a trail, sneakers will save your feet.
Sun safety matters a lot since UV levels spike this time of year. Toss in sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Afternoon storms can drop the temperature fast, so it’s smart to bring a light sweater or a long-sleeve shirt for later in the day.
Traveling with kids? Pack extra clothes for them in case you get caught in the rain.
A small travel umbrella and a reusable water bottle make things easier and help you stay hydrated.
Outdoor Activities and Events
When the weather warms up, beaches, lakes, and hiking trails seem to call everyone’s name. Folly Beach and Myrtle Beach invite you to swim or just soak up the sun.
Lake Murray and Lake Hartwell are great for boating and fishing, if that’s more your thing. Afternoon storms tend to roll in, but they usually move out fast.
Try to get your outdoor plans started earlier in the day, since mornings often feel more stable.
Charleston and Columbia love to celebrate Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies. You’ll usually find these events outside, so don’t forget water or something for shade.
If you’re into nature, you might want to explore Congaree National Park. The shaded trails and wildlife there are pretty special.
Coastal spots throw food festivals and live music into the mix during the holiday weekend, so you’re not stuck with just the beach.
Rain might make an appearance, but most events go on unless the weather turns really bad. Just glance at the local forecast before you head out, and you can tweak your plans if you need to.