Richland County Climate
Richland County, South Carolina
Avg Annual Temp
63.9°F
Annual Precip
45.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.5"
Extreme Heat Days
83.5
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
Climate Profile
About Richland County Weather
High Heat in the Palmetto State
Richland County averages 63.9°F annually, placing it nearly 10 degrees above the national median temperature. It receives 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is typical for the humid subtropical South. This climate supports a long growing season but brings intense summer humidity.
A Core Part of the Hot Midlands
Richland's 63.9°F average is higher than the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. The county is slightly drier than the rest of the state, with 45.9 inches of rain versus the 48.9-inch state average. It is frequently among the warmest metropolitan areas in the region.
Warmer Than Surrounding Rural Counties
Richland is warmer than Newberry (62.6°F) and Sumter (63.2°F), likely due to the urban heat island effect in Columbia. It experiences 84 extreme heat days, far more than Newberry's 59 days. This makes Richland one of the most heat-stressed counties in the Midlands.
Intense Summers and Mild Winters
July is hot with an 82.0°F average and 84 days reaching over 90°F. Snow is rare, with only 0.5 inches recorded annually on average. Winters are very manageable, with a December-to-February average temperature of 47.2°F.
Prepare for Prolonged Heat Waves
Residents need high-performing cooling systems to withstand 84 days of 90°F+ temperatures. With only 0.5 inches of snow, heavy winter gear is rarely needed, though light jackets are used for the 45.4°F January average. Irrigation may be necessary during the hot summers to supplement the 45.9 inches of rain.
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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.