Dorchester County Climate
Dorchester County, South Carolina
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
63.8°F
Annual Precip
51.7"
Annual Snowfall
0.3"
Extreme Heat Days
72
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
8b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
5,590
Excellent for heat-loving crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Dorchester County
Climate Verdict
Dorchester County has a warm, averaging 63.8°F year-round, moderately wet with 51.7 inches of annual precipitation, significant summer heat with 72.3 days annually above 90°F, light snow averaging 0.3 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are mild, with January temperatures averaging 46.4°F. summers are hot, with July averaging 80.5°F. The 34°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.
Regional Context
Dorchester County closely matches the South Carolina statewide average temperature of 62.8°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for South Carolina.
Climate Profile
About Dorchester County Weather
Warmer than the national median
Dorchester County's average annual temperature of 63.8°F sits nearly ten degrees higher than the national median. This climate reflects a humid subtropical environment with long, warm seasons.
Exceeding the South Carolina average
The county is warmer than many of its peers, topping the South Carolina annual average of 62.8°F by a full degree. It also experiences more precipitation, with 51.7 inches of rain compared to the state average of 48.9 inches.
A wet and warm coastal neighbor
Dorchester maintains a wetter profile than several inland neighbors, recording nearly 3 inches more rain than the state average. Its 63.8°F average temperature keeps it consistently warmer than counties further toward the Piedmont.
Long summers and negligible snow
Summers are intense with 72 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 80.5°F. Winter is mild at 48.4°F, bringing only 0.3 inches of annual snowfall.
Prepare for heat and humidity
Residents should service HVAC systems early to handle 72 days of extreme heat. With 51.7 inches of rain annually, ensuring proper property drainage is essential for the wet summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.