October hurricanes are uncommon in S.C. but ones that do come are memorable (2024)

FAQs

Is October hurricane season in South Carolina? ›

The hurricane season in South Carolina runs from early June through late November each year, with peak hurricane activity occurring in late August and early September. Pat Howard.

Late-Season Typical Development Areas and Tracks

Roughly one-fifth of all U.S. hurricane landfalls have occurred in October and November. On average, one hurricane forms every year in October, according to NOAA.

The months of August, September, and October have significantly more hurricane activity than other months. During these months, particularly in September, ocean waters have reached their highest temperatures.

South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states in the nation to be impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. Six coastal counties border the Atlantic Ocean. These counties have more than 200 miles of general coastline, and another 21 inland counties may be directly affected by these storms.

October is the most colorful autumn month in South Carolina. Average highs are in the range of 63°F to 79°F while average low temperatures are between 46°F to 55°F. October receives between 3″ to 5″ of rainfall across the state.

Hurricane season historically peaks in mid-September, and activity statistically begins to simmer into November. But serious storms — often originating from the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico — can form in October. Florida and Louisiana are the two states that encounter October hurricanes the most.

Worldwide, a season's climatological peak activity takes place in late summer, when the difference between air temperature and sea surface temperatures is the greatest. Peak activity in an Atlantic hurricane season happens from late August through September, with a midpoint on September 10.

In 1964 and 1965, those start and end dates were adjusted to June 1 through November 30. They've been the same ever since. Named storms and hurricanes per day from 1944 through 2020 in the Atlantic Basin. Arrows indicate the conventional June through November season.

As the season progresses into October, the water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean start to cool and wind shear increases, so the majority of the tropical activity shifts back into the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, where water temperatures are usually still very warm.

That works out to an average of a little more than one hurricane forming during the month each year. The most hurricanes to form in October was five in 2010, although 2020 came close with four. N​ovember's number of Atlantic hurricanes drops off sharply, with just 56 total in 171 years of record keeping.

Is it okay to cruise in October? ›

Throughout many of the cruise sector's most popular regions, the weather in October is usually mild and perfectly suited for more active exploration on land. Although slightly wetter, October is the start of the cruise season in the Caribbean.

With only one official tropical cyclone, the 1914 season was the least active tropical cyclone season on record. It is one of only two Atlantic seasons without a storm of hurricane intensity (winds of 75 mph (121 km/h) or stronger), the other being the 1907 season.

Our quality of life, rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and thriving economy make South Carolina the ideal place to live, work, and raise a family."

Best Times to Visit South Carolina for Good Weather

“From late April to early June and early September to late October, you'll get all the benefits of warm weather without it being too overbearingly humid.” It may not be swimming weather, but the colder months can be a great time to visit, too.

Hurricane season for South Carolina is set to start June 1 and last through November.

Hurricane season in North Carolina runs from June to November, though it sees the most hurricanes in August, September, and October. Kara McGinley. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.

Here are the big October four: 8th - 2016 - Hurricane Matthew made landfall near Myrtle Beach with 75 mph wind and heavy rain that lead to catastrophic flooding for areas inland. 13th - 1893 - Hurricane number 9 made landfall near Charleston but produced 120 mph winds in Myrtle Beach.