Weather in Greenville, South Carolina
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—83°53°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—89°63°
- MondayMay 18Partly Cloudy—90°67°
- TuesdayMay 19Overcast—89°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Drizzle11%92°66°
- ThursdayMay 21Heavy Drizzle73%88°65°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle73%71°62°
- PM 2.5
- 18.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 20.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 8.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 76.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:36 AM
- Moonset
- 12:50 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Greenville at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 8°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 16 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Greenville's warmest temperatures at around 78°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at approximately 41°F. December sees peak rainfall with 5.1 inches, compared to February's low of 3.5 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| February | 44° | 3.5″ | 6 |
| March | 51° | 4.3″ | 6 |
| April | 60° | 4.2″ | 7 |
| May | 67° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| June | 74° | 4.4″ | 7 |
| July | 78° | 4.6″ | 7 |
| August | 77° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| September | 71° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| October | 60° | 3.9″ | 5 |
| November | 50° | 4.0″ | 6 |
| December | 43° | 5.1″ | 6 |
Regional context
Greenville falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this zone.
Similar climates: Charleston, SC, Columbia, SC, Myrtle Beach, SC, Rock Hill, SC, Spartanburg, SC.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they establish territories around flowering plants.
Dogwood trees complete their spring blooming cycle by early May, dropping white petals across forest floors.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Greenville?
- Spring's final frost typically occurs around mid-March in Greenville, while the first fall frost generally arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Greenville?
- December ranks as the wettest month, averaging about 5.1 inches of rain, while the city receives roughly 51 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Greenville?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, averaging about 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Greenville?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 41°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Greenville?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Greenville get?
- Greenville experiences about 74 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Greenville?
- Greenville's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Greenville, South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures hover near 41°F in January, while summer brings July averages of 78°F, creating a 37°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 51 inches, distributed across roughly 74 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here follow the city's latitude at 34.8°N, along with its proximity to large water bodies and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, when frost threatens, and how daily weather unfolds.