All race-day weather guides
Charleston, South Carolina·10K· First Saturday of April

Cooper River Bridge Run Weather & What to Wear

Mount Pleasant over the Ravenel Bridge into downtown Charleston. Early April on the coast: mild, humid, and breezy on the span.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 59°F (15°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 56°F (13°C), with 75% humidity and 11 mph wind, warming to roughly 68°F (20°C) by the finish. It rained on 2 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Shoes.

Average start

59°F (15°C)

Average finish

68°F (20°C)

Rain days

2 of 10 years

Start range

43° to 69°F

Advertisement

Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (first Saturday of April). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202569°F (21°C)72°F78°F93%8 mph–Overcast
202447°F (8°C)39°F55°F58%12 mph–Clear
202368°F (20°C)66°F74°F85%17 mph–Overcast
202256°F (13°C)49°F66°F68%12 mph–Clear
202143°F (6°C)35°F53°F54%8 mph–Clear
202058°F (14°C)52°F71°F50%9 mph–Mostly clear
201958°F (14°C)57°F73°F97%8 mph–Clear
201866°F (19°C)65°F72°F82%12 mph0.95 inOvercast
201761°F (16°C)58°F73°F66%6 mph–Clear
201665°F (18°C)63°F67°F92%14 mph0.71 inDrizzle

Coldest start: 43°F (6°C) in 2021. Warmest: 69°F (21°C) in 2025. Wettest: 0.95 in in 2018.

What to wear for a typical Bridge Run

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Short Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable running tee

Lower body

  • essential

    Running Shorts

    Lightweight with built-in brief

Footwear

  • essential

    Running Shoes

    Your regular training shoes

Race-day tips for the Bridge Run

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Cooper River Bridge Run?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 59°F (15°C) (feels like 56°F (13°C)) with 75% humidity and 11 mph wind, warming to about 68°F (20°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 2 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 43°F (6°C) in 2021; the warmest was 69°F (21°C) in 2025.

What should I wear for the Bridge Run?

For a typical 59°F (15°C) start: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Shoes. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Bridge Run?

The Cooper River Bridge Run is usually held on first Saturday of April. The next expected date is Saturday, April 3, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

Training in Charleston this week?

Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.

Check your live running weather

Advertisement