Northern Transplants-How Hot Is It REALLY In SC

[Charleston native]

Originally Posted by belladee

Do you all think that they are hotter than South Fla?

Yes, places like Columbia, Greenville, and Florence would be worse than South FL, but again, that's because South FL is coastal. Being near the ocean with better access to water and ever-present seabreezes is better than being in inland SC with virtually nothing to really cool you off. That being said, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head/Beaufort areas might be a tad cooler than South FL since they are further north.

[Nausikaa]

I find South Fla worse, because of the sticky humidity. It can be in the 90s in SC, and the high 80s in SF, but still seems SO much more humid in FL.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by Charleston native

As a native, I have to say that SC does have intense summers, but the oppressive heat is worse if you live around the inland areas of the state like Columbia, Greenville, and Florence. The coastal areas such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Beaufort/Hilton Head get seabreezes that ease the heat and humidity. There's also an abundance of water-related activities in those areas for cooling off.

I thought Myrtle Beach was pretty darn humid. I was hot walking around but not when I was on the beach. I'm from Phoenix so when I say it was hot it was hot. Charlotte doesn't come close that type of humidity and everyone here complains it's hot. They have no idea.

[Charleston native]

Don't get me wrong the humidity is bad all over the state, but it's in the Southeast...that's to be expected. You do come from Phoenix (been there myself) which just has different heat altogether, a much dryer heat. But I would say that the coastal areas are a little better than South FL.

You're right, Charlotte isn't as bad because it's farther north and the elevation is higher. Problem is, you have a 3-hour drive to the beach!

[JimmyBirds]

I think you will find even the water won't cool you off in south Florida.

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by Charleston native

Yes, places like Columbia, Greenville, and Florence would be worse than South FL, but again, that's because South FL is coastal. Being near the ocean with better access to water and ever-present seabreezes is better than being in inland SC with virtually nothing to really cool you off. That being said, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head/Beaufort areas might be a tad cooler than South FL since they are further north.

I completely agree with you. I grew up between Florence and Columbia, and it is humid and hot, with stagnant swamp air. Florida's winters are much warmer than SC's, but in the summer I think Miami would be similar to Columbia. Right now, as I type this, Miami's heat index is 85. Columbia's heat index is 96, Charleston's is 88.

With the breezes coming off the coast and off the river, Wilmington is very pleasant. Charleston is the same way. I've always thought Charleston has a great climate, it is surprising to see so many people say that you have to stay inside all the time. If you're used to a colder climate, I guess it just takes time to adjust.

[Charleston native]

Good point, anonymous. While heat and humidity are the "worst" attributes about Southeastern climate, many people are flocking to the coasts in the region because the seabreezes and access to water alleviates these attributes. Chas and Wilmington are great examples of how a coastal, sub-tropical climate attracts these people. While Miami gives you warm winters, without hardly having to worry about wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, SC coastal cities provide a hint of winter weather with not-as-stifling heat in the summer.