Does It Snow in South Carolina? See When and How Much

In short, yes, it does snow in South Carolina. It doesn’t snow much; in fact, not enough that is measurable, so when it does snow that much, it is an event. Because South Carolina is in an interesting area, the state has a mixed climate. 

The Palmetto State features moderate winter weather when it does experience colder months. Winter average temps range from middle 30℉ to middle 50℉. And, single digit temps are rare, although the higher elevations can dip below 0℉, but only briefly.

Where is it the Coldest in South Carolina?

The coldest-ever temperature recorded in South Carolina was in Caesars Head in 1985 when it hit -19℉. Compare this to the coldest temperature recorded in Minnesota -60℉. Considering the difference in the states and the temperature climate of South Carolina, -19℉ is pretty chilly! 

Caesars Head is a National Park and is known for its breathtaking views, soaring Hawks (buteo), and the home of the tallest waterfall in South Carolina. It also experiences very cold temperatures because it has an elevation of 3,215 feet above sea level. The cold snaps and accompanying ice have closed the park at times.

What Does South Carolina Snow Look Like?

Although it has been known to snow, the state generally experiences a “wintery mix” of sleet and light snow. This wintery mix is not the soft, gentle snow that one would expect in Maine. It is mainly ice and has caused accidents and multi-car pile-ups. 

When it did snow significantly in South Carolina, the measurable rate of snow was two and a half feet 30 inches) accumulating over three days. If we compare this again with the frigidly cold Minnesota state, just in 2022, the state received a bit over 80 inches. 

The state of South Carolina presents a great mix of temperatures that range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s along the coast. Because of this mix, the snow looks like a wet, wintery mix. 

This mixed bag of precipitation lends itself to ice that coats the roads, causing black ice, and power cords, causing blackouts. However, can you imagine how gorgeous the historic town of Charleston looked during a White Christmas of 1989? That year, the snow finally stuck and briefly ended with icy sleet and freezing rain. 

The Last South Carolina Snowfall

One of the last impactful snowfalls in South Carolina occurred on January 29, 2022. The snow stuck to the ground, carpeting the city and neighborhoods with a fluffy white. Kids enjoyed sledding down hills and even made some miniature snowmen. For a moment, the local news in the Columbia area covered nothing but the exciting weather of strange snowfall. Is South Carolina Snowfall Helpful to the Environment?

The southeastern region of the United States gets plenty of watery precipitation during the year and is considered water-rich. Even though this is the case, the South Carolina area does experience droughts. The northwestern area of the state, ironically where Caesars Head State Park is located, is in Greenville County. 

So, that snowfall is quite welcome to help with the droughts. It rarely snows along the southern coast, which is a subtropical environment. So, snow is rare. So much so that it’s a treat; if you happen to have a White Christmas in South Carolina, buy a lottery ticket because you hit the jackpot.