Charleston, South Carolina is a year round destination with something fun to do during every single month. April, May, and October are the best times to visit Charleston for amazing weather, blooming flowers, and special events.
While there are popular times of the year to visit, every month has something special to offer visitors and locals, alike. Whether you want to explore the historic district or kick back at the beach, Charleston offers it all.
As a Charleston native, I have a few favorite times of year in the Holy City. This guide will walk you through what to expect during each season and my personal favorite months in Charleston.
Charleston in Spring | Visit in May
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Spring in Charleston is easily the most popular time to be in this charming destination. With the flowers in bloom and the sun shining, there are plenty of reasons to visit.
As a local, May is my favorite month during the springtime in Charleston. I love seeing the jasmine bloom and the temperatures reach the high 70s-low 80s. It’s nice out for patio season at the local Charleston restaurants and warm enough to relax at the beach before it gets too hot.
This is also the perfect time of year for exploring downtown Charleston and taking a walking tour of the historic district. During the last week of May, plan to catch a performance and check out the art at Spoleto Festival USA!
Charleston Weather in the Spring
Charleston weather during the spring is warm during the day with slightly cooler evenings. You can expect temperatures to range between 70ºF to 85ºF on average.
Month | High | Low |
---|---|---|
March | 69ºF | 48ºF |
April | 75ºF | 54ºF |
May | 82ºF | 62ºF |
Things to do During Spring in Charleston
During March, April, and May, there are tons of fun events and festivals to take advantage of in Charleston. Here are a few of my favorite activities:
- The Charleston Festival
- Charleston Wine and Food Festival
- Cooper River Bridge Run
- Walking Tours
- Dine Al Fresco at My Favorite Rooftops
- Shop on King Street
- Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto
- First Friday Art Walks
Summer in Charleston | Visit in June
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Summers in Charleston are marked by salt air and sunny days. If you visit during the summer, you will likely want to spend ample time at the beaches and less time in the historic district. I recommend visiting in June before it gets too hot.
This time of year is perfect for staying at Charleston’s beach resorts on Kiawah Island and the Isle of Palms for convenient access to beaches and pools.
If you are looking for a less expensive and less crowded time to visit downtown Charleston, the summer months will offer the best hotel rates. Most visitors prefer to visit the beaches in the summer and many locals are on holidays of their own.
Charleston Weather in the Summer
By June, Charleston weather heats up into the 90s with equally high humidity levels. As July and August approach, you can count on it not dropping below 95F often. It is not the most glamorous time to be in Charleston, but that is why we love our 5 area beaches.
Month | High | Low |
---|---|---|
June | 87ºF | 69ºF |
July | 90ºF | 72ºF |
August | 89ºF | 72ºF |
Leisurely tip: It is HOT in Charleston during the summer so be sure to pack your SPF and stay hydrated!
Things to do during Summer in Charleston
Summer is the perfect time to pack your swimsuits and head toward to coast line. Charleston has 5 area beaches that are perfect for all of your summer vacations.
- Visit Folly Beach
- Visit Isle of Palms
- Dine on Sullivan’s Island
- Catch a Summer Concert at The Windjammer or Credit One Stadium
- 4th of July in Charleston
- See a Riverdogs Baseball Game
- Spoleto Festival (a two-week long festival)
- Take a Surf Lesson
- Enjoy a Sunset Sail
- Look for Dolphins on Shem Creek
Charleston in Fall | Visit in October
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Aside from Spring, Fall is the most popular time to visit Charleston as the temperatures cool off. The mild weather allows you to enjoy all the things that make Charleston historic and unique. Take a walking tour along the Battery, shop on King Street, or experience one of the city’s renowned festivals.
As a local, I love to enjoy the local restaurants for an al fresco dinner and take long walks along The Battery, Hampton Park, and the Ravenel Bridge.
Charleston Weather in the Fall
The fall weather is beautiful in Charleston with warm days and cooler nights. September is still hot in Charleston so I personally do not really consider it fall! October and November, offer the best weather throughout the year.
You may be wondering about hurricane season in Charleston. While the season runs June through November, the most active month is September, historically. We sometimes can receive these storms, but I wouldn’t worry about planning your trip around it.
Month | High | Low |
---|---|---|
September | 84ºF | 67ºF |
October | 77ºF | 56ºF |
November | 69ºF | 47ºF |
Things to do During Fall in Charleston:
Fall is a great time of year to be in Charleston and these are some of my favorite things to do:
- Charleston Food and Wine Classic
- Fall Tour of Homes
- Second Sunday on King Street
- Halloween at Boone Hall
- Take a Walking Tour
- Walk the Ravenel Bridge for Amazing Views
- Shop on King Street
- Go “Crabbing with Tia”
Winter in Charleston | Visit in December
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This may surprise you, but winter is actually one of my favorite times in Charleston. December is the best month to visit during winter because the city comes to life during the holiday season with festive events and beautifully decorated homes to admire. It is also nice because the college kids leave town for the holidays!
Charleston Weather in the Winter
Charleston winters are very mild with average highs near 60ºF and lows near 40ºF. It’s best to watch the 10 day forecast closely this time of year in the event of a cold (or warm) front.
We oftentimes will have a nice, sunny and 75 type of day during the winter months. It would be very rare for us to get snow or even flurries in Charleston. Although, I have seen it happen in my 30+ years here!
Month | High | Low |
---|---|---|
December | 61ºF | 40ºF |
January | 58ºF | 38ºF |
February | 61ºF | 40ºF |
Things to do during Winter in Charleston
There are so many great reasons to visit Charleston in the winter months. With wonderful festivals like the Southeastern Wildlife Expo and Christmas festivities, winter is a special time in Charleston. These are my favorite ways to enjoy Charleston in the summer:
- Catch a Play at The Dock Street Theater
- See it “Snow” at The Charleston Place
- Checkout the Holiday Farmer’s Market at Marion Square
- Visit the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island
- Taste the Local Oysters (it’s prime season!)
- Attend the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) in February
- Charleston Restaurant Week in Janaury
- Run the Charleston Half Marathon in January
- Enjoy Christmas in Charleston
- Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall
FAQ
Answering a few of my most asked questions about visiting Charleston. Feel free to leave any questions in the comments below and I will answer you!
The very best months to visit Charleston are May and October. These months offer beautiful weather, lush scenery, and ample opportunities to explore the outdoors.
The least expensive time to visit Charleston is during the summer months of July and August. The downtown area is less busy during July and August as people opt to spend time at the beaches. Take advantage of lower hotels rates and fewer crowds.
Hurricane season in Charleston runs from June through November each year. The most active month for hurricanes in Charleston is September and early October.
Before You Go to Charleston
These posts will help you plan the perfect first visit to Charleston with my insider knowledge! Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments as your plan your trip.
- Best Area to Stay in Charleston
- My Favorite Boutique Hotels
- Beach Resorts and Hotels in Charleston
- My Personal Favorite Restaurants in Charleston
- My Favorite Things to Do in Charleston as a Local
- What to Wear in Charleston
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