Our vote is for Spring, preferably April and May.
When is the best time to visit Charleston? The answer depends on what you want to do during your vacation! Whether you are searching for relief from the brutal winters of the north or planning the ultimate spring break getaway, Charleston offers plenty of events, outdoor recreation, and activities to keep you busy year-round!
After discovering the best time to visit Charleston, remember to Charleston Sea Island Vacation Guide! Our guide is designed to cut your planning time in half and is full of recommendations on Charleston’s top restaurants, historic sites, attractions, and more!
The Best Times to Visit Charleston, SC
Spring | March, April, May
The Atlantic Ocean begins warming up in the springtime.
It is the perfect time to enjoy the first days of the Lowcountry’s beach season!
The average high temperature between March through May is 72 degrees and the average low is 59. It is the busiest season for tourism.
If you are visiting Charleston in the spring, some events and popular activities include:
- Memorial Day weekend beach vacations and celebrations.
- Exploring the Lowcountry’s museums and outdoor gardens as the region reawakens with colorful blooms.
- Celebrating the performing, literary, and visual arts at the Spoleto/Piccolo Festival. (May-June)
- Enjoying the longest-running professional women's tennis tournament in the United States at the Credit One Tennis Open. (April)
- Delving into the history of downtown Charleston with a carriage tour before summer temperatures arrive.
- Strawberry picking at nearby Ambrose Farms, Boone Hall and other local farms.
Summer | June, July, August
Tourism season begins to slow in June, but it is still quite busy!
Loggerhead turtle nesting season also lasts throughout summer. During this time, porch lights and patio lights on the beach must remain off, which lends itself to incredible starry nights.
The summers in the Lowcountry are hot, typically in the high 80s and low 90s! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cool off.
The most popular activities and celebrations in the summer include:
- 4th of July beach vacations.
- Watching fireworks on the 4th of July Blast at Patriots Point.
- Cooling off with a Charleston boat tour around the peninsula.
- Rafting, kayaking, and canoeing on the Edisto, Wando, and Ashley rivers.
- Enjoying food, fun, crafts, and live music at the Charleston Farmers Market.
- Blueberry and blackberry picking at Boone Hall and other local farms.
Autumn | September, October, November
Tourism seasons picks up again in the fall as temperatures dip and offer relief from hot summer days. However, with highs of 75 in October, the season also offers plenty of beach-worthy days.
With arguably the best weather of the year, there are plenty of ways to explore the Holy City in the fall.
And with 10 to 13 hours of daylight during this season, there's plenty of time to take in daytime activities, beach walks and more.
Consider celebrating your Labor Day in the Holy City!
The most popular activities and events include:
- Indulging in the city’s award-winning restaurant scene during Charleston Restaurant Week. (September)
- Labor Day weekend celebrations on the beach.
- Inshore fishing for flounder, sea trout, blue fish, and more. (Note: Inshore fishing is a popular year-round sport in Charleston, but the weather in autumn makes it one of the most enjoyable seasons for the activity.)
- Embarking on Holy City ghost tours.
- Picking your own pumpkins and wandering the corn maze at Boone Hall Farms.
- Exploring the amazing architecture of Charleston in some of the Holy City’s most beautiful homes with the Fall Tours of Homes & Gardens. (November)
Winter | December, January, February
Winter is magical in the Lowcountry. Many weary travelers make their way to the Holy City for warmth and relief from brutal winter weather.
The average lows in Charleston rarely dip below 45 degrees, and snow is a rare occurrence. If you and yours are looking for holiday cheer, the Lowcountry has a lot!
Christmas in Charleston offer festive streets, holiday plays, evening walking tours and so much more.
During the winter, popular celebrations and activities include:
- Championship golf on Kiawah Island (Winter is one of the quietest times to play, and with great year-round weather, you never need to wait until “golf season” to enjoy your favorite sport!)
- Celebrating on James Island at the Holiday Festival of Lights with hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, and beautiful light displays. (November-January)
- Holiday shopping for unique gifts at the independent shops on Market and King Streets.
- Enjoying fried latkes and jelly donuts, arts and crafts, music, and more at South Carolina’s largest Chanukah celebration, Chanukah in the Square. (December)
- Exploring animal exhibits, sports competitions, fine artwork, nature conservation programs, and more at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. (February)
Charleston, SC Real Estate
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Browse through available listings on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, and Charleston, South Carolina.
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If you are planning a trip to Charleston, chances are that you’ve considered visiting Savannah as well! Read our blog on Charleston vs Savannah, GA, to learn more about the two sisters of the South!