South Carolina's population is over 3.7 million. Climate The climate of South Carolina varies from subtropical along the coast to temperate in the northwest. In the northern part of the state, temperatures average 5 C in January and 22 C in July. Charleston, in the southeast part of the state, receives an average annual rainfall of 132 cm, while Columbia, in the center of the state, receives an average of 127 cm. Among South Carolina's performing arts organizations are symphony orchestras in Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston.
Several cities boast chamber music groups and choral societies.
In Charleston, Spoleto Festival U.S.A. is an annual festival featuring music, dance, and theater. Many of South Carolina's colleges and universities stage a variety of musical, theatrical, and dance performances each year. In addition, the state has two state forests and over forty-seven state parks and historical areas. Camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing are just a few of the state's popular outdoor activities. In 1861, the American Civil War began with an attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.