Today's barometric pressure in Charleston, a 48-hour pressure chart, and a risk score for weather-triggered migraine and headache, based on pressure drops, humidity, and temperature changes.
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Charleston's low-country coastal position makes it sensitive to both Atlantic weather systems and Gulf moisture. The city's year-round humidity and frequent summer sea-breeze thunderstorms create a persistent baseline of weather-related migraine triggers.
Worst season for migraines: December through March. Charleston's exposed Atlantic coast makes it vulnerable to tropical systems from June through November, and those can bring a severe single drop. Most pressure drops, though, come with winter fronts from December through March, peaking in January, when 48% of days see a 5 hPa drop. Summer afternoons bring sea-breeze thunderstorms but little pressure movement, 9% of days or fewer in each summer month.
Common triggers in Charleston: Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane pressure drops, daily sea-breeze convergence thunderstorms, persistent coastal humidity above 85%. Charleston sits on a narrow peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers at sea level, fully exposed to the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The Low Country's flat, marshy terrain offers no topographic shelter from approaching storms. The warm Gulf Stream flowing just offshore fuels intense storm development, and the city's numerous tidal creeks and marshes add localized moisture that keeps humidity high even during nominally dry periods.
Typical pressure: Charleston averages 1016 hPa at rest, measured at the city's own elevation rather than corrected to sea level, and storm systems can push readings down to 988 hPa. Swings of 4-12 hPa over 24 hours are common during active weather and fall within the range most associated with pressure-triggered migraines.
2026 index: Charleston ranks #72 of 100 in our 2026 U.S. Migraine Risk Index, where #1 is the most challenging city for weather-driven migraine.
Can Charleston weather trigger migraines?
Yes. Charleston experiences 4-12 hPa barometric pressure swings, and research shows pressure drops are one of the most common migraine triggers. The city's specific patterns include Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane pressure drops, daily sea-breeze convergence thunderstorms, persistent coastal humidity above 85%.
What time of year are migraines worst in Charleston?
In Charleston the most barometrically volatile stretch of the year falls in December through March. That is when weather is most likely to play a part, if weather is a trigger for you at all. See when migraine weather season starts across the U.S.
Is there a barometric pressure headache forecast for Charleston?
This page works as one. Many people call a headache that arrives with a weather change a barometric pressure headache, and this forecast tracks the pressure drops, humidity and temperature swings behind that idea. The score covers the next 24 hours in Charleston and the chart shows the next 48. It is built on migraine research, so treat it as a rough guide for other headaches. A sudden, severe headache needs urgent medical care, whatever the weather.
Your own forecast
This page shows the weather risk for everyone in Charleston. The MigrAid app learns yours. It saves the barometric pressure, humidity and temperature with every migraine you log, shows whether Charleston's swings really line up with your attacks, and alerts you when conditions match your own trigger history.