Best time to visit · Charleston · United States
The best time to visit Charleston
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ProfReader, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best months to visit Charleston are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and dry enough for long walks and the gardens or autumn light are at their best. Summer is hot, humid and stormy but good for beaches; August to early October is peak hurricane season. Winter is the quietest and lowest-priced time for house museums and restaurants.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- February, June and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 15°C (59°F))
- Rainiest month
- July (~14 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- December–February
Seasons
Charleston has a humid subtropical climate: mild winters with occasional cold snaps, long hot and humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms, and an Atlantic hurricane season from June to November that peaks from August to October.
March–May
Spring
Azaleas, camellias and wisteria in bloom, comfortable heat and the city's major festivals — also the busiest and most expensive season.
June–August
Summer
Hot and humid with daily afternoon storms; beaches, warm sea and evening dining on Shem Creek make up for midday heat.
September–November
Autumn
September carries hurricane risk, then October and November bring lower humidity, warm water and oyster season.
December–February
Winter
Mild days, chilly nights and quiet streets; the lowest hotel rates outside the Christmas holidays.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C | 4°C | 9 | 13°C | 10.2 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 17°C | 6°C | 9 | 13°C | 11 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 21°C | 9°C | 9 | 16°C | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 25°C | 12°C | 7 | 20°C | 13 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| May | 28°C | 17°C | 8 | 24°C | 13.8 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| June | 31°C | 21°C | 12 | 27°C | 14.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 33°C | 23°C | 14 | 29°C | 14.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 32°C | 23°C | 14 | 29°C | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 29°C | 20°C | 10 | 27°C | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 25°C | 14°C | 6 | 23°C | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 21°C | 8°C | 6 | 19°C | 10.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 17°C | 5°C | 8 | 15°C | 10 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall (usually late January or February) |
| February | Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (usually mid-February) |
| March | Charleston Wine + Food festival (usually early March); Festival of Houses and Gardens — private house tours (usually March to April) |
| April | Cooper River Bridge Run (usually early April); Charleston Open women's tennis on Daniel Island (usually early April) |
| May | Spoleto Festival USA — performing arts across the city (usually late May to early June); Piccolo Spoleto — local arts alongside Spoleto (same period) |
| June | Spoleto Festival USA continues (usually until early June) |
| July | Fourth of July fireworks over the harbour (4 July) |
| September | MOJA Arts Festival — African American and Caribbean arts (usually late September to early October) |
| October | Fall Tours of Homes — evening house and garden tours (usually autumn) |
| November | Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park (usually mid-November to early January) |
| December | Christmas parade and boat parade (usually early December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in December–February, and the sights are quietest in January.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Charleston?
The best months to visit Charleston are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and dry enough for long walks and the gardens or autumn light are at their best. Summer is hot, humid and stormy but good for beaches; August to early October is peak hurricane season. Winter is the quietest and lowest-priced time for house museums and restaurants.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Charleston?
Usually in December–February. Cool and quiet, with the lowest hotel prices of the year; good for house museums and walking, though occasional cold fronts bring frosty mornings.
+What is the rainiest month in Charleston?
July, with about 14 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Charleston get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).