Greenville Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – United States

Summer (June-August)

Greenville’s summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s. The humidity levels make it feel even hotter, with heat indices often reaching the triple digits. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons and evenings, providing brief respite from the heat. The sun shines for an average of 8 hours per day during summer, and rainfall averages around 5 inches per month.

Winter (December-February)

Greenville’s winters are mild, with average temperatures in the mid-30s to mid-50s. Snowfall is infrequent, with only a few inches typically accumulating each year. The sun shines for an average of 5 hours per day during winter, and rainfall averages around 3 inches per month. The cold temperatures are often accompanied by fog and drizzle, creating a gloomy atmosphere. However, the lack of snow and ice makes winter activities such as hiking and biking still possible.

Summer in Greenville

During the summer months in Greenville, the average temperature is a pleasant 78°F (26°C). The days are long and sunny, with an average of 10 hours of daylight. The humidity is moderate, making it comfortable to spend time outdoors. The average rainfall during the summer months is 4.5 inches, so there is a chance of rain on occasion.

Winter in Greenville

The average temperature in Greenville during the winter months is a chilly 42°F (6°C). The days are shorter, with an average of 8 hours of daylight. The humidity is low, making the air feel dry and cold. The average snowfall during the winter months is 10 inches, so there is a chance of snow on occasion.

Cloud Cover

Greenville, United States, experiences a wide range of cloud cover throughout the year. During the spring and summer months, the city typically has partly cloudy or mostly sunny conditions. However, during the fall and winter, cloud cover increases, with overcast or cloudy skies becoming more common. The average annual cloud cover in Greenville is 47%, with the cloudiest months being December and January.

Types of Clouds

The most common types of clouds in Greenville are cirrus, cumulus, and stratus clouds. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds that are composed of ice crystals and appear high in the atmosphere. Cumulus clouds are puffy clouds with defined edges that are associated with fair weather. Stratus clouds are flat, gray clouds that cover the entire sky and are often associated with rain or snow. Other types of clouds that are less common in Greenville include altostratus, altocumulus, and nimbostratus clouds.

Average Precipitation

Greenville, United States experiences a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. On average, the city receives around 45 inches (1,143 millimeters) of precipitation annually. The wettest months are July and August, with an average of 5-6 inches (127-152 millimeters) of rainfall each. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with no pronounced dry or wet seasons. However, there is a slight peak in precipitation during the summer months, particularly during thunderstorms and tropical storms.

Seasonal Distribution

Greenville’s precipitation patterns vary with the seasons. During the spring (March-May), precipitation is moderate, averaging around 3-4 inches (76-102 millimeters) per month. This coincides with the arrival of warmer temperatures and increased vegetation growth. Summer (June-August) is the wettest season, with frequent thunderstorms and tropical storms contributing to an average of 5-6 inches (127-152 millimeters) of rainfall per month. Autumn (September-November) brings a gradual decrease in precipitation, with average monthly totals ranging from 2-4 inches (51-102 millimeters). Winter (December-February) is the driest season, with average precipitation of 2-3 inches (51-76 millimeters) per month. This is due to the influence of cold fronts and high-pressure systems that bring drier air from the north.

Seasonal Patterns of Rainfall

Greenville experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations in rainfall. During the spring (March to May), rainfall is at its lowest, averaging around 3.5 inches per month. This is due to the influence of the Bermuda High, which brings in warm and dry air from the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer (June to August), rainfall increases significantly, with monthly averages exceeding 6 inches. The warm and humid conditions of the season, coupled with frequent thunderstorms, contribute to these higher precipitation levels.

Annual Variability

Annual rainfall in Greenville varies from year to year, influenced by various factors such as global climate patterns and sea surface temperatures. The average annual rainfall is approximately 50 inches, but variations of up to 10 inches above or below this average are not uncommon. Extreme rainfall events, including intense storms and tropical cyclones, can occasionally bring torrential downpours, leading to localized flooding and severe weather conditions.

Historical Snowfall in Greenville, United States

Greenville, South Carolina, has experienced notable snowfall events throughout its history. The most significant snowfall on record occurred on January 21-22, 1988, when the city received approximately 20 inches of snow. This historic storm paralyzed the area, with roads blocked and power outages affecting thousands of residents. Other significant snowfall events include 8.0 inches in January 1968, 5.3 inches in December 1989, and 3.8 inches in January 2007. The average annual snowfall in Greenville is only 1.8 inches, making these heavy snowfall events rare and memorable.

Impact of Snowfall on Greenville

Snowfall, while infrequent in Greenville, can have a significant impact on the city’s infrastructure and daily life. Heavy snowfall can lead to road closures, school cancellations, and power outages, causing disruptions to transportation, businesses, and everyday activities. The city’s infrastructure is typically not equipped to handle large amounts of snow, and prolonged snowfall can strain resources and lead to potential emergencies. Additionally, the sudden change in weather conditions can pose risks to safety, with icy roads increasing the likelihood of accidents and slick sidewalks creating hazards for pedestrians. Despite its infrequency, snowfall in Greenville requires preparation and caution to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of its residents.

Sunrise and Sunset

Greenville, United States, experiences variations in sunrise and sunset times throughout the year due to the Earth’s orbit and tilt. In general, during the summer months (June, July, and August), sunrises occur earlier and sunsets happen later, resulting in longer days. For instance, the earliest sunrise in Greenville is around 5:45 AM in late June, while the latest sunset is around 8:45 PM in late July.

Conversely, during the winter months (December, January, and February), sunrises occur later and sunsets happen earlier, leading to shorter days. The latest sunrise in Greenville is around 7:30 AM in late December, while the earliest sunset is around 5:30 PM in late December. These variations in daylight availability impact various aspects of daily life, including outdoor activities, commuting schedules, and energy consumption.

Daylight Saving Time

Greenville, United States, observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) from early March to early November. DST involves setting clocks forward by one hour in the spring and backward by one hour in the fall. The purpose of DST is to take advantage of longer daylight hours during the summer months, potentially reducing energy consumption and increasing outdoor activities.

By advancing clocks in the spring, sunrise and sunset times become later, providing more daylight in the evening. This can encourage people to spend more time outdoors, engage in recreational activities, or complete tasks that require natural light. However, DST also has potential drawbacks, including sleep disruption, increased risk of traffic accidents, and health effects for individuals with certain medical conditions. Despite these drawbacks, DST remains a widely practiced measure in many countries to maximize the benefits of natural daylight during the summer.

Moonrise and Moonset Times

In Greenville, United States, the moon’s daily rise and set times vary throughout the month and year. The times are influenced by factors such as the moon’s phase, the city’s latitude and longitude, and the time of year. For instance, during the summer months, the moon rises and sets later than in the winter months. Additionally, during a full moon, the moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, while during a new moon, the moon rises and sets with the sun.

Moon Phases

The moon goes through different phases throughout its orbit around the Earth, and each phase has its own characteristics. In Greenville, the most common moon phases are the new moon, crescent moon, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The new moon is when the moon is not visible from Earth, while the full moon is when the entire face of the moon is illuminated by sunlight. The other phases represent different stages of the moon’s progression from new moon to full moon and back to new moon. The moon’s phases are visible in the night sky of Greenville, and they can be used to track the passing of time and the changing seasons.

Average Humidity Levels

Greenville, United States, experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations in humidity levels. On average, the humidity in Greenville ranges from 60% to 80% throughout the year. The highest humidity levels occur during the summer months, particularly June through August, when the average relative humidity exceeds 70%. During this time, the air often feels muggy and uncomfortable, especially when combined with high temperatures.

Seasonal Variability

Seasonal variability in humidity is a defining characteristic of Greenville’s climate. In the winter months, December through February, the average humidity drops to its lowest point of the year, typically below 60%. The cooler temperatures and drier air make for more comfortable conditions outdoors. During the spring and fall, humidity levels gradually increase, reaching their peak in the summer months. As the weather warms up, moisture from the soil and water bodies evaporates into the atmosphere, contributing to higher humidity levels.

Average Wind Speed

Greenville, United States, experiences a moderate wind speed throughout the year. The average annual wind speed is around 7 miles per hour (11 kilometers per hour), with slight variations depending on the season. During the summer months (June to August), the wind speed tends to be slightly higher, averaging around 8-9 miles per hour. In the winter months (December to February), the wind speed is typically lower, averaging closer to 6-7 miles per hour.

Wind Direction

The dominant wind direction in Greenville is from the southwest, followed by the northeast. This means that the wind typically blows from the southwest or northeast to the southwest or northeast. The frequency of these wind directions varies throughout the year, with the southwest wind prevailing more often during the spring and summer and the northeast wind becoming more dominant in the fall and winter. However, there can be periods of wind from other directions, such as the west or north, especially during weather systems that bring changes in atmospheric pressure.

Spring (March-May)

Spring in Greenville brings an explosion of color and life as the city awakens from winter’s slumber. The average temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. The parks and gardens are teeming with vibrant blooms, turning the city into a picturesque canvas. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy, admire the cherry blossoms at Furman University, or hike the trails in Paris Mountain State Park. Spring also marks the beginning of the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, with events such as Artisphere, the Greenville Jazz Festival, and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra’s MasterWorks series.

Fall (September-November)

Fall in Greenville is a season of vibrant foliage, crisp air, and harvest festivals. The average temperatures range from 45°F to 80°F, making it a comfortable time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions. The trees surrounding the Reedy River transform into a blaze of orange, red, and yellow, creating stunning reflections in the water. Visitors can embark on a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy a hayride through a local farm, or attend one of the many fall festivals featuring live music, food vendors, and craft fairs. Fall is also an excellent time to visit the Greenville Zoo, home to over 200 species of animals, and the Roper Mountain Science Center, featuring interactive exhibits on science and technology.

Solar Energy Potential in Greenville

Greenville, located in South Carolina, boasts a favorable solar energy landscape. The city’s abundant sunshine, with an average of 213 sunny days per year, provides a significant resource for solar power generation. Moreover, Greenville’s location within the “Sun Belt” region ensures optimal irradiance levels. The average annual solar insolation in Greenville is estimated at 5.6 kWh/m2/day, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Solar Energy Projects and Incentives

Greenville has witnessed a growing interest in solar energy development. The city has implemented several initiatives and incentives to promote the adoption of solar technologies. The Greenville Solar Rebate Program offers rebates to homeowners and businesses for installing solar photovoltaic systems. Additionally, Greenville’s participation in the South Carolina Solar Incentive Program provides tax credits for eligible solar installations. Several large-scale solar projects have also been commissioned in Greenville, including a 10-megawatt ground-mounted solar facility and a 3-megawatt rooftop solar system on a local manufacturing plant. These projects demonstrate the increasing viability and economic benefits of solar energy in the city.

Elevation and Relief

Greenville, South Carolina, is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city’s elevation ranges from 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level along the Reedy River to 1,400 feet (427 meters) on Paris Mountain. These elevation changes contribute to the city’s scenic topography, offering vistas of rolling hills, lush valleys, and distant mountain peaks.

River Systems

The Reedy River plays a crucial role in shaping the topography of Greenville. Flowing through the heart of the city, the river creates a natural valley that has attracted development since its earliest days. The river’s tributaries, such as the Saluda River and the Enoree River, further contribute to the region’s varied terrain, creating steep slopes and picturesque waterfalls. These river systems have also shaped the city’s cultural and economic landscape, providing a source of water power and recreational opportunities.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is the primary airport serving the Greenville-Spartanburg area in South Carolina, United States. It is ranked as the busiest airport in South Carolina and the 11th busiest airport in the southeastern United States. GSP is located approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Greenville and five miles south of downtown Spartanburg at the intersection of interstates 85 and 26. The airport has one main terminal with 20 gates and offers direct flights to over 40 destinations, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. GSP is served by a variety of major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located approximately 60 miles west of Greenville in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the closest airport to Greenville with commercial airline service. AVL is a smaller airport than GSP, with only one main terminal and 12 gates. However, it does offer direct flights to several major cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. AVL is served by a variety of regional airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

History and Culture

Greenville, South Carolina, is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture. Founded in 1794, it has seen significant growth and transformation over the centuries. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the Civil War, and its historic downtown district, known as the West End, is a testament to its architectural heritage. Greenville is renowned for its arts and culture scene, boasting numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. The Greenville County Museum of Art houses a vast collection of American and European artwork, while the Peace Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide range of performances, including Broadway shows and concerts.

Economy and Education

Greenville’s economy is thriving, with a strong focus on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Major corporations such as Lockheed Martin, BMW, and Michelin have operations in the area, providing a substantial employment base. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, including Furman University, Bob Jones University, and Clemson University’s Greenville campus. These institutions contribute to the city’s intellectual and cultural vibrancy, and their graduates form a highly skilled workforce that supports the region’s economic development. Greenville’s commitment to education is evident in its excellent public and private school systems, which provide students with a strong foundation for their future success.