Fall in Charleston is one of my favorite times of year. After a long, hot Lowcountry summer, there is something so nice about cooler days, outdoor dinners, football, fall festivals and finally being able to spend more time outside without the summer heat.
I was born and raised in Charleston and have spent more than 30 years here, so I know that fall in Charleston, SC doesn’t necessarily mean crisp mornings and changing leaves. September can still feel very much like summer, but by October, the weather is usually much more comfortable and there are so many fun ways to enjoy the city.
If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston in October, this is my favorite month to visit. You’ll find pumpkin patches, local festivals, oyster roasts, outdoor concerts, farmers markets and plenty of other fall activities in Charleston. November brings cooler temperatures and the beginning of Charleston’s festive holiday season, while September is still a great time for the beach if you don’t mind warmer weather.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a family trip or a fall vacation in Charleston, I’ve put together this guide with my favorite things to do, seasonal events, restaurants and ways to enjoy the city during the fall.
Here are the fall activities in Charleston I’d put on your list for 2026, along with what to expect from the weather in September, October and November.
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Fall Weather in Charleston
You might be wondering, does Charleston, SC have a fall? Is there fall foilage in Charleston?
Yes, Charleston does have a fall season with average temperatures in the 60ºs-70ºs throughout October and November. However, you won’t find much fall foilage in Charleston. Known for its palm trees and live oaks, these trees in Charleston will maintain their vibrant greens throughout the fall season.
Here are the average temperatures for Charleston, SC, during September, October, and November:
| Month | High | Low |
| September | 85°F | 68°F |
| October | 77°F | 57°F |
| November | 70°F | 48°F |
Best Time to Visit Charleston in Fall
The best month to visit Charleston in the fall is in October. During this month, the summer heat that lingers through September will finally make way for fall temperatures in the 60ºs-70ºs throughout October. While the days are still warm, the nights cool down enough to make it ideal for evenings out before it gets too chilly.
This ideal autumn weather makes October a great time to be in Charleston to enjoy the outdoors and many fun events that take place during the month.
Best Things do in Charleston during Fall
When I think of fall, I think all things cozy! To me, that means knit sweaters, lit candles, great coffee, fall produce, farmers markets, red wine and flavorful beers. As a local Charlestonian, these are some of my favorite things to do in Charleston during the fall to evoke all of these ideals.
1. Take a Walking Tour
I always recommend a walking tour in Charleston especially in the fall. It is the best way to really see Charleston up close and hear from the amazing certified tour guides. I suggest a history tour, but you could also choose a different focus like a culinary tour.
🚶♀️Recommended walking tour in Charleston, SC!
2. Spend the day at Deep Water Vineyard
Deep Water Vineyard, located on Wadmalaw Island, is Charleston’s only vineyard known for their muscadine wine. This gorgeous estate is perfect to spend a fall day during the harvest season. Do a wine tasting or simply grab a glass of wine and have a picnic. They usually have all kinds of events and live music on the weekends as well.
🍷 Book Transportation to Wadmalaw Island and Deep Water Vineyard
3. Visit a Brewery
Fall always has me craving a flavorful beer whether its pumpkin flavored or not! Some of my favorite local breweries to spend that day at are Palmetto Brewing, Westbrook Brewing, Edmunds Oast Brewing Co, Low Tide Brewery, and Holy City Brewery.
4. Make Candles at Candlefish
There’s nothing more cozy than a candle and you can make your very own fall scented candle at Candlefish, one of my favorite Charleston shops!
Book one of their workshops where they will guide you through the candle making process to create your own. The cost is $65 and you get to make two candles so it’s totally worth the cost! You can even bring your own alcohol for a fun girls night activity!
5. Catch a Concert
There is always live music somewhere in Charleston and the fall is the perfect time to catch a show at one of the outdoor venues. Check the schedules at some of the best open air venues like The Windjammer on IOP, Firefly Distillery, and the Credit One Stadium on Daniel Island.
6. Sullivan’s Island
September is definitely still beach weather in Charleston and sometimes you can still enjoy a beach day in October. Head out to Sullivan’s whether for a day in the sun or an afternoon walk. Then, head to Middle Street to dine at some of the best restaurants in town like Obstinate Daughter and Sullivan’s Fish Camp.
7. Visit the Marion Square Farmers Market
Head to the Marion Square Farmer’s Market to grab a coffee and stroll through the different vendors. The local farms will be there with all the best fall produce and local artisans will sell their works.
8. Shop on King Street
King Street is the main the shopping district in Charleston and one of the best in the whole country! Known for its mix of local boutique, national retailers and art galleries, you will definitely want to leave extra room in your suitcase.
Some of my favorite local shops: Lake Pajamas, Madison Mathews, Croghan’s Jewel Box, M Dumas and Sons, Jordan Lash, Under the Almond Tree (kids), Old Whaling Co, Copper Penny, and Beckett Boutique.
9. Attend a Fall Event in Charleston
October is event season in Charleston and there’s plenty of fun fall activities to enjoy. From music festivals to corn mazes, you’ll find it here. I’m sharing all of my favorites in the next section.
Fall Festivals and Events in Charleston
There are always fun events in Charleston throughout the year and the fall season is no different. Whether you want to find the perfect pumpkin, indulge in the culinary scene, or hear live music, you’ll find it at these amazing fall events in Charleston.
1. Boone Hall Fright Nights & Pumpkin Patch
Dates: September 25-November 1, 2026
Boone Hall is the premier spot for all things halloween in Charleston! Admission is only $15 and under 2 is free.
If you’re visiting Charleston with kids in the fall, the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is one of the seasonal traditions I always recommend adding to your list. In 2026, the event celebrates its 30th year with pumpkins, a corn maze, a family friendly Halloween tractor tour, a petting zoo, pig races, giant inflatables, live entertainment, and plenty of classic fall festival food.
The Pumpkin Patch runs Friday through Sunday from September 25 through November 1, with additional activities throughout the day. And if you’re wondering about the old Boone Hall Fright Nights, those have been discontinued. Boone Hall is focusing on creating a more family friendly fall experience instead.
Tip: If you’re traveling with little kids, I’d make this a daytime outing and give yourself a few hours to actually enjoy everything rather than trying to squeeze it in between other Charleston activities.
2. The Moja Arts Festival
Dates: September 24 – October 1, 2026
MOJA Arts Festival celebrates African American and Caribbean arts, culture and heritage throughout Charleston with music, dance, theater, visual arts, storytelling and more. The eight day festival takes place at venues throughout the city, making it a great addition to a fall Charleston itinerary.
The 2026 festival is also celebrating 50 years of MOJA, so there are some especially fun events on the calendar this year.
3. Charleston Food and Wine Classic
Dates: November 13-15, 2026
Charleston’s Food & Wine Classic returns in November for a weekend of tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops and special culinary experiences. The event brings together chefs, beverage experts and food lovers from around the country while also highlighting Charleston’s incredible culinary scene.
If you’re planning a fall food focused getaway, this is a fun weekend to build a trip around.
4. Charleston Tea Garden’s Autumn on the Island
Dates: November 21, 2026
If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your Charleston fall itinerary, head out to Wadmalaw Island for the Charleston Tea Garden’s first ever Autumn on the Island festival.
Taking place on November 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM, this new fall event is all about celebrating the Lowcountry community. There will be a local farmers and makers market, indigo dyeing, 4H chicken and rabbit shows, dairy goats, food vendors, local artisans and plenty of opportunities to shop for holiday gifts.
Admission to the event and parking are free, so you can also make a day of your visit to the Charleston Tea Garden. While you’re there, you can explore the tea fields, take the trolley tour, visit the tea factory and stop by the gift shop for some Charleston grown tea. They have an incredible hand lotion there that is one of my favorites!
Charleston Tea Garden is on Wadmalaw Island, about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, and is one of my favorite places to get out of the city and experience a different side of the Lowcountry. The garden is open year round, and fall is an especially nice time to visit as the tea plants begin to bloom after the harvest season wraps up!
5. Preservation Society The Fall Tours
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2026
One of my favorite things about fall in Charleston is having an excuse to peek inside some of the city’s historic homes and buildings. Every October, the Preservation Society of Charleston hosts its Fall Tours, offering walking tours, house and garden tours, architecture tours and opportunities to explore neighborhoods throughout the city.
The 2026 Fall Tours are especially notable because they’re celebrating the 50th year of the program. If you’re interested in Charleston’s architecture and history, I’d definitely look at the schedule before your trip since the individual tours take place on specific dates throughout October.
Checkout the full schedule for the Fall Tours.
6. Riverfront Revival
Dates: October 9-10, 2026
Riverfront Revival is a music festival created by our favorite local celeb, Darius Rucker. Considered his love letter to South Carolina, this country music festival is going to be a good one! This year, Hootie and the Blowfish will be headlining and you can checkout the full lineup on their site. Get your tickets ASAP as this will sell out!
7. Octoberfest Charleston
Dates: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Oktoberfest Charleston is a lively event that celebrates German culture with a variety of beers, traditional food, live music, and games. It’s a fun-filled day perfect for enjoying a festive atmosphere and experiencing authentic Oktoberfest traditions.
8. Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park
Dates: Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park is hosted by the Charleston County Parks Department and is the perfect Fall family event! Enjoy live and local bluegrass music, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and plenty of activities for kids. They’ll be serving the best fall southern cuisine like Carolina barbecue and of course some kettle corn!
9. Charleston Beer Fest
Dates: October 24, 2026
Charleston Beer Fest is a celebration of craft beer with numerous events including tastings, brewery tours, and beer pairings across the city. It highlights our many local breweries and provides a platform for beer enthusiasts to explore new brews and enjoy activities. Located at North Charleston Riverfront Park!
10. Steeplechase of Charleston
Dates: November 15, 2026
Steeplechase Charleston offers a thrilling day of horse racing held at the picturesque Stono Ferry Racetrack. This event combines the excitement of steeplechase racing with a social atmosphere, featuring tailgating, picnicking, and various activities for spectators.
11. Spend a Fall Day at Magnolia Plantation
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is beautiful any time of year, but fall is a particularly nice time to spend a few hours wandering through the gardens, especially once Charleston’s temperatures begin to cool down.
Magnolia also has a full calendar of fall programming in 2026, including its Journey to Indigo exhibit, Wine Strolls and other seasonal events throughout September, October and November. Check their event calendar before your visit to see what’s happening during your dates.
Where to Eat and Drink During Fall in Charleston
The fall season means dining al fresco in Charleston! Not only is the weather perfect for eating outside, but the local oysters are finally back in season. These are some of my favorite restaurants in Charleston for the fall where you can enjoy the atmosphere, seasonal produce and fresh catch!
Leon’s Oyster Shop
Leon’s Oyster Shop is one of my favorite spots in town especially during oyster season in Charleston – that’s any month with an “r” in its name.
Grab a table on the patio and order frozen rosé and a dozen local oysters start. I love the Bulls Bay Blades and the Single Ladies if they have them! Then, try some of my favorites like the fried oyster sandwich, fish sandwich, fried chicken or siam salad. Be sure to order dessert because old fashioned soft serve is on the menu!
Chubby Fish
For a seafood centric, coastal town, Chubby Fish is one the best places for fresh, sustainable seafood in downtown Charleston. Tucked into the Elliotborough neighborhood, you’ll love the local vibe and nautical flare.
The menu changes daily, but some of my favorite staples are bibb lettuce, chili garlic shrimp, curry, and crudo or ceviche! Plan to get there at least by 4:30pm to put your name down when they open at 5pm if you want to eat here (especially on weekends).
Pro tip: Head over to Elliotborough Mini Bar for a cocktail while you wait.
Southbound
Southbound is one of the newer members of the Charleston foodie scene. The hospitality here is unmatched and is one of the many parts that make it standout. The hosts greet you on the front porch with the warmest welcome making you feel like you have just arrived to your best friends house for dinner. I went for my birthday this year and they offered us bubbles to celebrate along with a handwritten card for me!
The culinary concept is focused around live fire cooking where everything is prepared over open flame which adds the perfect smoky flavor to many of the dishes. This is why it gets my votes for one of the best places to eat during fall in Charleston.
Chez Nous
Chez Nous means Our House in French and is hands down the most romantic restaurant in Charleston. It’s set in a tiny Charleston single style home that has been renovated into a restaurant. The flickering candle light make it the dreamiest spot at night during any season. The menu changes daily, but there are always two apps, two entrees, and two desserts – order the whole menu!
Sorelle
Sorelle is the hottest new Italian restaurant to open in Charleston. Chefs Adam Sobel and Nick Dugan have created a menu featuring Southern Italian cuisine created with the help of fresh, local ingredients. There is nothing better than fresh handmade pasta on a fall night!
Go for dinner and be sure to try a few of my favorites: start with the arancini cacio e pepe, zucchini parmigiana, the Sorelle Spaghetti with crispy zucchini and burrata, and end with the limone dessert which is a citrus cream shaped like a lemon!
Edmund’s Oast
Edmund’s Oast is one of my absolute favorites for lunch or dinner with a group. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with communal tables and a friendly vibe. I love sitting outside in the inviting courtyard for lunch or grabbing a spot at the inside bar for dinner or dessert.
Edmund’s Oast has an amazing cocktail program that was nominated for a James Beard Award for best bar southeast. They change up the drink menu quarterly featuring a guest bartender from popular restaurants in other cities! It is super fun to go taste the new creations every season.
Lowland
Lowland is a brand new restaurant in Charleston helmed by James Beard Award winning chef, Jason Stanhope. It’s located at The Pinch Hotel and housed in a historic building that feels like you are stepping into a charming old Charleston home.
The first floor has a lively bar area called the Tavern Room and the Parlour Room with grand 12 foot ceilings and large windows. Upstairs, you will find the dining room with gorgeous hand painted murals throughout.
Jason Stanhope carefully curated a Southern style menu with plenty of fresh ingredients and an upscale take on comfort food. The menu and the atmosphere at Lowland are both ideal for a cozy fall evening.
What to Wear in Charleston during Fall
Charleston is a fun time of year when it comes to style. After a hot and humid summer, the locals are always excited to pull out our fall fashion.
You will find the locals in denim, lightweight sweaters, maxi dress, and boots this time of year. You may also see some of us still rocking our sandals into October though!
Here is everything you should pack for fall in Charleston and a few fall outfit ideas to help you prepare!
- Maxi Dresses – maxi dresses are great in the fall especially for a nice dinner out.
- Sweaters – bring light sweaters to pair with jeans, pants, or skirts.
- Jeans/Trousers – jeans are always a good idea so its best to pack a pair of denim for the day and chic trousers for evenings.
- Lightweight Jacket – since it does not get too cold in Charleston, a lighter weight jacket is best suited for the fall evenings.
- Sneakers – comfortable sneakers are perfect for exploring the city on foot and taking any tours.
- Boots/Booties – boots and booties are a fall staple whether you wear jeans or dresses.
- Heel – a cute heel is always a great idea for nice dinners.
- Purse – a cute leather purse will go with all of your fall looks.
Where to Stay in Charleston during Fall
Fall calls for a cozy inn or bed and breakfast in Charleston. These are the perfect places to call home for a fall trip to Charleston this year!
If you’re planning a fall vacation in Charleston, I’d be happy to help with the hotel. As a luxury travel advisor, I can book your stay with my preferred hotel partners at the same rate you would find booking directly, while adding perks when available, like daily breakfast, room upgrades, hotel credits and early or late checkout.
I especially love doing this for Charleston stays because I know the hotels here well and can help you choose the right location and fit for your trip. Inquire about booking your Charleston hotel with me →
Zero George
Zero George is the most charming bed and breakfast style property. It is comprised of only 16 luxury suites throughout their several renovated historic buildings. It feels like you are staying at your Charleston friend’s house with the sweeping piazzas and twinkling gas burning lanterns.
The cozy vibes at Zero George make it a perfect spot to soak up fall in the Holy City!
The Dewberry
The Dewberry is one of the tallest buildings in Charleston at eight stories high with one of the best rooftop views in the city. It is styled in mid-century decor with a charming and warm feeling about it. They even have their own floral print which you’ll find on the armoire in the rooms (I am obsessed with it). And speaking of the rooms, you’ll love the large bathrooms with soaking tubs (in the Charleston Flat room type) and marble everywhere.
The hotel offers two great places to dine or drink. The Living Room is one of my favorite cozy places for a cocktail or head upstairs to the Citrus Club for an incredible view over the city.
And no trip is complete without a visit to their intimate spa. As a local, I go several times of year for facials or massages. It’s the ideal place to spend a fall weekend in Charleston.
Emeline
Emeline is conveniently located across the street from the Charleston City Market and the location could not be better right in the French Quarter. Recently renovated, this boutique hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms with contemporary touches and amazing views of historic Charleston.
I especially love their onsite restaurant, Frannie and the Fox, set against a brick fireplace in their open air courtyard. Expect Italian options from their wood-fired oven and creative cocktails. This al fresco space is perfect for fall nights around the fireplace.
In My Opinion: Fall in Charleston, SC Travel Guide
Visiting Charleston in fall is such a treat with cooler temps, colorful sunsets, and plenty of seasonal charm. From lively festivals to historic strolls under golden leaves, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy fall in Charleston, SC.
Cozy up in one of the city’s charming hotels, pack your layers for breezy evenings, and savor every moment of the season. Whether you’re here for the events, the food, or simply the slower pace, autumn is one of the most magical times to experience the Holy City.
Looking for more things to do in Charleston in the fall? Check out Charleston fall bucket list for more planning ideas!
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