Does it Snow in South Carolina?
If you’re planning a holiday trip to South Carolina this year, you might be wondering if you’ll be treated to snow.
Realistically, answering the question “does it snow in South Carolina?” can be difficult.
The brief answer is YES.
Because the weather in this state is so unpredictable, you can have a lot of snow one year and then have none the following.
South Carolina, the nation’s state with the most clashes and battles during the American Revolution, is located in the United States’ southeastern area and shares boundaries with North Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean.
South Carolina is the 23rd most populated state in the United States, with a population of 5.148,714.
The Sassafras Mountains, at 1,083 meters above sea level, are South Carolina’s highest point, while the Atlantic Ocean is its lowest.
South Carolina’s rich history and sandy beaches make it a popular tourist destination, but does it snow there?
In this article, I will answer in detail the question, “does it snow in South Carolina?”
Let’s dive straight into it.
Does it Snow in South Carolina?
As mentioned above, the answer is YES.
South Carolina receives snowfall every year, despite the fact that it is not a mountainous state.
The state’s southernmost regions, such as Charleston and Myrtle Beach, rarely get snow, although the northern and central regions do.
Snowfall accumulations in South Carolina average up to 1 inch.
From December to February, the mountains in the northwest region of the state generally always have a few inches of snow on the ground.
Climate of South Carolina
The climate in South Carolina is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
The winter season in South Carolina lasts from December to February, and temperatures frequently fall below freezing.
Despite this, snowfall is often mild, with most areas of the state receiving less than an inch.
As you proceed from the coast to the higher-altitude regions in the northwest, temperatures drop and snowfall intensifies.
The hot season lasts more than 3.5 months from the end of May until the middle of September, with an average daily high temperature of more than 83°F.
July is the hottest month in Central, with average highs of 90°F and lows of 70°F.
The cold season lasts three months from the end of November to the end of February, with an average daily high temperature of less than 60°F.
January is the coldest month in Central, with an average low of 35°F and high of 53°F.
How Often Does it Snow in South Carolina?
Although it snows every year in South Carolina, it is not a typical event.
The state receives only three inches of snow per year, with the majority of that falling in the mountains in the northern region of the state.
Having said that, South Carolina has had its fair share of major snowstorms.
When Does it Snow in South Carolina?
Majority of the snow falls during the winter season in South Carolina.
Temperatures do not drop dramatically over these months; however, snow is more frequent during the peak winter.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of snowfall in South Carolina:
December
Winter officially begins in South Carolina in December.
Temperatures in the state normally range from highs of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) along the coast to lows of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 degrees Celsius) in the state’s high-altitude highlands.
The coastal city of Charleston has snowfall for 0.2 days, with accumulations reaching 0.3 inches (8 mm).
Caesars Head State Park in upstate South Carolina receives the greatest snowfall, with 1.3 inches (33 mm) falling after 0.5 snowfall days.
January
In most places of South Carolina, January is the height of winter.
It is also the state’s coldest and snowiest month, with average temperatures at 45.3 degrees Fahrenheit (7.4 degrees Celsius).
Throughout the month, Charleston receives snowfall on 0.1 days, although it does not build to considerable depths.
Greer, in the northwest, receives the most snowfall, with 2.3 inches (58 mm) after 1.2 snowfall days.
February
Temperatures are often rising as winter comes to an end, compared to January levels.
The average temperature is 48.5 degrees Fahrenheit (9.1 degrees Celsius), and it rarely falls below freezing.
The coastline area has received little snow, while the hills have received small dustings.
Greer has 0.7 snowfall days on average, and the snow accumulates to a depth of 1.0 inch (25 mm).
Where Does it Snow in South Carolina?
Does it Snow in Charleston, South Carolina?
YES, Charleston does experience some flurries of snow during the winter period.
Charleston is South Carolina’s largest and third most populated city.
The municipality has a land area of 330 square kilometers with a population of about 800,000 people.
Winters in Charleston are short and mild, with freezing rain and the occasional light snowfall.
The heaviest snowfall in Charleston occurred on December 23, 1989, when 6.0 (152 millimeters) of snow fell on the city.
Throughout the year, Charleston receives 0.5 days of snowfall and has a snow depth of 0.5 inches (13 mm).
Does it Snow in Columbia, South Carolina?
YES, it snows lightly in Columbia during the winter season.
Columbia is South Carolina’s second largest city and the state capital.
Despite the fact that winter in Columbia lasts from December to February, the city has recorded the earliest snowfall in November and the latest in April. January is Columbia’s coldest month, with low temperatures of 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius).
Columbia has 0.5 snowfall days per year and a total snow depth of 0.5 inches (13 mm).
Does it Snow in Greer, South Carolina?
Greer is a tiny city in South Carolina’s Upstate region with a population of 33,000 people.
It has the most snowfall in South Carolina, with a yearly average of 4.7 inches (119 mm) of snow after 2.8 days of snowfall. Greer’s coldest and snowiest month is January.
Does it Snow in Taylors, South Carolina?
The answer is YES, it does snow in Taylors, although the amounts are not impressive.
Taylors is one of South Carolina’s most popular locations, with a lively city center, numerous antique malls, and well-kept state parks.
Although its annual snowfall is only 3.6 inches, the pleasant ambiance and general festive enthusiasm in this town more than compensate for the smaller snowfall in Taylors.
If you enjoy the performing arts, I highly recommend paying a visit to The Logos Theatre before you leave.
Despite the fact that it was only founded in 2006, this amazing theater has left an indelible impression on both locals and visitors.
Has South Carolina Ever Experienced a Snowstorm?
YES, there have been snowstorms in the past in South Carolina.
The Great Southeastern Snowstorm of 1973 is one of the devastating snowstorms to ever hit South Carolina.
From February 9-11, 1973, the storm created a state-wide blanket of snow, making it one of the more major snowstorms in the whole Southeastern United States.
Within 24 hours, the storm dumped 24 inches of rain on Rimini in the Midlands area.
It was the most significant snowfall in the state’s recorded history, along with 18 inches in Darlington, South Carolina, and 7.1 inches in Charleston, South Carolina.
The course of this snowstorm was one of the most intriguing aspects of it.
While the Upstate region receives more snow than the rest of the state roughly every other year, it was mostly spared by this winter in comparison to other locations.
The storm was most severe in the Midlands, with legitimate accumulation in the Pee Dee and Lowcountry.
This record is remarkable because these places typically go years without even a small snowfall.
What’s the Winter Like in South Carolina?
In late December and early January, the weather is normally warm, with spells of rain and a modest probability of snow flurries.
The daily temperature ranges from 47° F (8.3° C) to 52° F (11.1° C).
The region usually has its first snow in early December and its last snowfall in late February.
Despite the fact that South Carolina is not the snowiest of states and that many communities can spend years without any measurable snowfall, South Carolinians enjoy celebrating winter from the Upstate highlands to the Lowcountry beaches.
The mild winters allow visitors to enjoy the charming Hilton Head Island’s more than 12 miles of pristine coastline, magical trails and unforgettable canoe rides through Congaree National Park, magnificent waterfalls in Caesars Head State Park, cities with architecture as old as it is impressive, and beautiful winter snowfall in cities such as Greenville, Easley, and Anderson.
Ski Resorts in South Carolina
South Carolina’s skiing scene is less established than that of its neighbors, such as North Carolina, due to a lack of enough snow cover, the state’s low altitude, and the region’s hot climate.
With no natural or constructed ski resorts to cater to the needs of snow revelers, South Carolina’s winter sports enthusiasts cross the border and enjoy the snowy slopes of North Carolina during the winter season.
Winter in South Carolina, on the other hand, is not so dull because the state has a lot to offer the odd traveler who happens to be inside its borders.
You can choose to learn about Palmetto State’s past by visiting the many historical museums, or hiking on the slopes of the Sassafras, or even horseback riding on the beach.
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in South Carolina?”
Does it snow in South Carolina? The answer is YES, as seen in the post.
Despite the humid subtropical climate, some parts of South Carolina do record snowfall during the winter months.
The winters are mild but despite the little amount of snow, there are numerous activities to keep you entertained.
So, if you’re looking to escape the harsh winter conditions, then South Carolina should be your destination!