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When is the Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC?

When is the Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC?

When is the best time to visit Charleston, SC? If you’re planning a vacation to the peninsula or one of Charleston’s beaches (or both), you can visit the Holy City year-round. Here are some of our tips for visiting each month of the year.

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Charleston, you’re not alone. Ever since it was ranked as the Best City in the World in 2016, Charleston has been a bucket-list destination for travelers from all over the world.

So, when is the best time to visit? While we have our favorite months of the year, the good news is that you can’t go wrong visiting Charleston any week on the calendar. With its subtropical climate, Charleston’s weather is good just about year-round, and there are interesting things to do and places to see no matter when you visit the Holy City.

Ravenel Bridge in Charleston, SC

Choosing When to Visit Charleston, SC

Even so, we understand that you might be trying to figure out the ideal time to visit Charleston. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of reasons to visit each month, along with information about the typical weather conditions in Charleston from January through December. We’ve highlighted some local events each month of the year as well.

So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know about choosing the best time to visit Charleston, SC:

Visiting Charleston in January

Why to Visit Charleston in January

Why should you visit Charleston in January? For many people, January is the best time to visit Charleston because it is one of the quietest months of the year. The winter holidays have passed, and most people are settling back into their normal routines. As a result, tourism in the city is at a relative low, and you can really get a feel for what it’s like to live like a Charleston local. If you’re planning on going to the beach, it might be too chilly to swim in the ocean, but you’ll still be able to relax in the sun and walk the shoreline hunting for shark teeth and sand dollars.

Charleston, SC Weather in January

In January, the average low temperature is 43 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is 57 degrees. However, it’s not unusual to have afternoon temperatures rise into the 60s—or even 70s. It typically only rains a few days out of the month; so, if you stay for a week, you are almost guaranteed to have several dry days.

January Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in January in Charleston, SC include:

Visiting Charleston in February

Why to Visit Charleston in February

Why should you visit Charleston in February? For many people, February is the best time to visit Charleston because this is still a month when relatively few tourists come to the Holy City, but the weather is also starting to warm up just a bit. If you’re planning to go on a carriage ride or boat tour, you’ll most likely be comfortable with just a light jacket—if you need a jacket at all.

Charleston, SC Weather in February

In February, the average low temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is 60 degrees. Typically, we’ll also get several days with temperatures climbing into the 70s. It rains even less in February than it does in January; so, while you should check the forecast, there is a good chance that rain won’t be an issue during your vacation.

February  Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in February in Charleston, SC include:

Visiting Charleston in March

Why to Visit Charleston in March

Why should you visit Charleston in March? For many people, March is the best time to visit Charleston because the flowers are in bloom, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. You can stroll King Street all day, and then take in the sunset at a waterfront restaurant on Shem Creek in the evening. The beaches are still uncrowded, too (though you may want to either plan for, or plan around, spring break), and in the morning you may find that you have the sunrise all to yourself.

Charleston, SC Weather in March

In March, the average low temperature is 51 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high climbs to 66 degrees. Afternoons in the 70s are not uncommon—often without a cloud in the sky. March is also fairly dry, with just six days of rain on average.

March Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in March in Charleston, SC include:

Visiting Charleston in April

Why to Visit Charleston in April

Why should you visit Charleston in April? For many people, April is the best time to visit Charleston because spring is in full swing. The Holy City comes to life in April, with farmers' markets, Second Sundays on King Street, and several local events that bring the Holy City roaring back to life. The weather is just about perfect in April—whether you are planning to participate in the Cooper River Bridge Run or you want to spend your days exploring the peninsula or relaxing on the beach.

Charleston, SC Weather in April

In April, the average low temperature is 59 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high climbs into the seventies at 73 degrees. It rains just five days out of the month on average, so you can plan pretty confidently to go golfing or get on the water if these are activities that interest you.

April Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in April in Charleston, SC include:

Visiting Charleston in May

Why to Visit Charleston in May

Why should you visit Charleston in May? For many people, May is the best time to visit Charleston because this is the unofficial start of summer in the Holy City. Warm temperatures are here to stay, the nights are getting even longer, and the ocean water transitions from cold to tolerable. There are tons of local events in May; and, since school is still in session, you can still explore all that Charleston has to offer without the bigger summer crowds.

Charleston, SC Weather in May

In May, the average low temperature is a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high just fails to crack the eighties at 79 degrees. But, 80-plus afternoons are common, and you can plan to pack shorts and a bathing suit for your vacation to Charleston.

May Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in May in Charleston, SC include:

  • Charleston Dragon Boat Festival
  • Garden Stroll & Wine Tasting at Middleton Place
  • North Charleston Arts Fest
  • Race the Landing 5k
  • Spoleto Festival

Visiting Charleston in June

Why to Visit Charleston in June

Why should you visit Charleston in June? For many people, June is the best time to visit Charleston because this is the official start of summer. School’s out, and you can plan a family vacation before the hottest days to come in July and August. You can expect warm temperatures all day long; and, while you might get an afternoon rainstorm, there is a good chance that you’ll have clear skies for your entire vacation.

Charleston, SC Weather in June

In June, the average low temperature jumps to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is a summery 85 degrees. Charleston averages seven days of rain in June, though these are usually short afternoon or evening showers.

June Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in June in Charleston, SC include:

  • Charleston Rum Festival
  • Dancing on the Cooper
  • Lowcountry Boil on Morris Island
  • Night at the Museum
  • Reggae Nights Concert Series

Visiting Charleston in July

Why to Visit Charleston in July

Why should you visit Charleston in July? For many people, July is the best time to visit Charleston because it’s hot outside—and hot summer days are quintessentially Charleston. You can lay out at the beach all day and take a dip in the ocean when you want to cool down. You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner on many local restaurants’ outdoor patios and rooftop bars; and, if you’re into kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding—or if you want to try surfing—the water is plenty warm.

Charleston, SC Weather in July

In July, the average lows and highs only climb slightly compared to June (with a range of 77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). But, afternoon temperatures can climb into the 90s, and the heat index can get into the triple-digits some days.

July Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in July in Charleston, SC include:

  • Charleston Variety Show
  • Fireworks at the Beach
  • Independence Day at Middleton Place
  • Patriots Point Fireworks Blast
  • Sweetgrass Festival

Visiting Charleston in August

Why to Visit Charleston in August

Why should you visit Charleston in August? For many people, August is the best time to visit Charleston because it’s still summer, but the temperatures and tourist traffic are starting to taper off just ever so slightly. It’s still plenty hot for spending your days at the beach, but the start of fall is just around the corner—and you can feel it in the air on late-August nights. Whether you are hoping to explore downtown Charleston, get in the ocean, get on the water, or get on the links, August is a great time to plan your vacation.

Charleston, SC Weather in August

In August, the average low temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is 87 degrees. Similar to June and July, while the forecast may occasionally call for rain, most days this involves a summer storm rolling in during the afternoon.

August Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in August in Charleston, SC include:

  • Ballpark Festival of Beers
  • Beer from Here at the South Carolina Aquarium
  • Lowcountry Jazz Festival
  • Marine Mammal Mondays
  • Sweet Tea Trail Tour

Visiting Charleston in September

Why to Visit Charleston in September

Why should you visit Charleston in September? For many people, September is the best time to visit Charleston because, while many people’s summer vacations have come to an end, it is still decidedly summer in the Holy City. You can go to the beach in September; and, while you’ll still be spending your days under the summer sun, the evenings will be cooling off just enough that you can comfortably watch the sunset from your balcony or screened porch.

Charleston, SC Weather in September

In September, the average low temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is 83 degrees. It typically rains less in September than it does in August, though this is the height of hurricane season—so you’ll definitely want to check the forecast before getting on your flight.

September Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in September in Charleston, SC include:

  • Charleston Battery and RiverDogs Soccer and Baseball Games
  • Charleston Restaurant Week – Fall Edition
  • Dirt Dash Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k
  • Lowcountry Jazz Festival
  • MOJA Arts Festival

Visiting Charleston in October

Why to Visit Charleston in October

Why should you visit Charleston in October? For many people, October is the best time to visit Charleston because the summer tourist season is over, and the crowds that took over the beaches, King Street, and Charleston City Market are gone for the year. Since it’s now the off-season, nightly hotel and vacation rental rates are lower as well. But, you can still take advantage of all that Charleston has to offer, from its history and culinary culture to its golf courses, inland waterways, and ocean views.

Charleston, SC Weather in October

In October, the average low temperature is 62 degrees and the average high is 75 degrees. October is typically one of the driest months of the year in Charleston, as long as we don’t have a storm headed toward the coast—as October falls within the Atlantic hurricane season.

October Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in October in Charleston, SC include:

  • Bird Fest
  • Live Under the Oaks
  • Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5k
  • Oktoberfest
  • Turtle Trek 5k & Kids Run

Visiting Charleston in November

Why to Visit Charleston in November

Why should you visit Charleston in November? For many people in the northern U.S., November is the best time to visit Charleston because they’re ready for a break from home and want to make the long Thanksgiving weekend. November is also a great time to visit because the weather’s starting to turn, and you can enjoy warm afternoons and cool evenings by the water. Tourism is relatively light during the winter months, so you’ll have a much easier and more comfortable time navigating popular destinations like Charleston City Market, King Street, Shem Creek, and Fort Sumter.

Charleston, SC Weather in November

In November, the average low temperature is still in the fifties—53 degrees Fahrenheit to be precise. The average high dips back down into the sixties (at 67 degrees), but you can still expect some warmer afternoons. November is one of the drier months in Charleston as well; though, again, you’ll want to make sure there are no hurricanes over the horizon.

November Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in November in Charleston, SC include:

  • A Winter Wonderland in Color
  • Chili 5k
  • Harvest Festival
  • IOP Beach Cleanup
  • Lowcountry Beer Tour

Visiting Charleston in December

Why to Visit Charleston in December

Why should you visit Charleston in December? For many people in the northern U.S., December is the best time to visit Charleston because the holiday season is in the air. Many businesses and homeowners downtown on the peninsula and at Charleston’s beaches decorate for the holidays, and there are holiday-themed events throughout the month. Even though it’s the dead of winter in many parts of the world, it’s still balmy in Charleston, and one of the most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations takes place at the beach.

Charleston, SC Weather in December

In December, the average low temperature drops to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, but the average high remains in the sixties (at 61 degrees). Hurricane season is over, and while it occasionally rains in December, it is extremely unusual for it to rain for days on end.

December Events in Charleston, SC

Some of the local events that typically take place in December in Charleston, SC include:

  • Chanukah in the Square
  • Festival of Lights
  • Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop
  • Holiday Parade of Boats
  • Summerville and Mount Pleasant Christmas Parades

So, when is the best time to visit Charleston, SC? Ultimately, the answer depends on what you want to get out of your Charleston vacation. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still want to be able to enjoy warm beach days, then consider coming in May or September. If you don’t care about the crowds and want the quintessential Charleston summer vacation experience, then come in June, July, or August. If you like it when the weather cools down just a bit and you can have Charleston’s landmarks and beaches (almost) all to yourself, then consider coming during the winter months. Any time is a great time to visit Charleston, and you truly can’t go wrong with any month you choose.

Pineapple Fountain in downtown Charleston, SC

FAQs: Planning Your Visit to Charleston, SC

Should You Visit Charleston, SC in Winter?

Winter is a great time to visit Charleston, SC. Even in the dead of winter, the average daily highs are still around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, since it’s the off-season in Charleston, you will be avoiding the crowds that descend on the Holy City during the summer months. You can snag good deals on hotel rooms and vacation rentals as well, and you can still take tours, rent kayaks and SUPs, and do anything else you might want to do during your vacation.

Should You Visit Charleston, SC in Spring?

If you ask many Charlestonians for recommendations on when to visit, they will tell you to come in spring. It’s warm, even bordering on hot, most afternoons, but you still get a cool breeze in the evening. You can wake up with the sunrise, watch the sunset during dinner, and enjoy all that Charleston has to offer before the summer vacationers make their way to the Holy City.

Should You Visit Charleston, SC in Summer?

Even though summer is the on season in Charleston (and definitely the busiest time of year when it comes to tourism), summer is still a great time to visit the city and its beaches. You can soak in the sun, cool off in the ocean, and go golfing or shopping in the morning before taking a tour in the afternoon or watching a Charleston RiverDogs or Charleston Battery game in the evening. A Charleston summer is something that everyone should experience at least once during their lifetime.

Should You Visit Charleston, SC in Fall?

Fall is a great time to visit Charleston as well. While the weather is starting to turn, it’s still warm enough outside to explore the city comfortably or spend all day at the beach. The sun rises directly east of Charleston in the fall—making for incredible morning photos—and if you’re interested in taking a tour or carriage ride, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a seat when you want to go.

What is the Best Month to Visit Charleston, SC?

What is the best month to visit Charleston, SC? It’s so hard to pick just one, because each month of the year is appealing for different reasons. Ultimately, however, if we had to pick just one, we’d say to come in May. It’s warm enough to get in the ocean, but not so hot that you’ll be wanting to get out of the sun. Everything’s open, the tours are up and running, and you can get as much (or as little) as you want out of each day you spend in the Holy City.

 

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