The best time to visit Savannah, GA is usually in the spring or fall, when mild temperatures and lower humidity make it easy to spend the day outdoors. Shaded by the American Sycamore trees that stretch over the paved pathways, visitors in Savannah will find tree-lined streets and 22 historic squares built for wandering on foot.
But the right season for your trip to Savannah could be different; it all depends on what you want out of it. No matter which season you choose, our Savannah travel guide can help you start planning your Savannah, Georgia vacation.
Spring in Savannah: Peak Season for Blooms and Festivals
- Pros: Near-perfect weather each day, plenty of festivals and events to enjoy
- Cons: Crowds tend to be higher during this season
- Weather: Rainfall stays relatively light and humidity hasn’t built up yet, making this some of the most comfortable weather Savannah sees all year
Thanks to its balmy weather, cool breezes and endless sunshine, many people consider spring to be the top season for visiting Savannah. Average highs run from 72°F in March to 85°F in May. The magnolias are in bloom and the city truly comes into its own throughout the months of March, April and May.
It’s no wonder that spring is also the peak travel season in Savannah, so you can expect higher crowds as you tour the city’s top attractions and explore the parks that make Savannah famous. Yes, spring means bigger crowds at the top attractions, but for most visitors, the season’s near-perfect weather makes it worth sharing the sidewalk. You’ll still find plenty of quiet corners to enjoy the parks and squares at your own pace.
Some of the top things to do in Savannah during the spring include:
- Visiting Forsyth Park and relaxing in the shade of the oak trees. Soak up the park’s atmosphere and watch the locals go about their lives in the city. Bring your favorite book along and carve out your own slice of peace in this urban park.
- Enjoying a riverboat cruise. The red-and-white riverboats that paddle up and down the Savannah River are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Checking out the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Considered to be one of the most festive events in Savannah throughout the year, the wild and crazy St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a favorite springtime event in Savannah.
- Catching a show at the Savannah Music Festival. Held each year from late March through early April, this festival brings dozens of concerts spanning jazz, blues, classical and Americana to historic theaters and churches across downtown Savannah.
Summer in Savannah: Hottest Season and Best Beach Weather
- Pros: Beach season begins in earnest and there are lots of waterfront activities to enjoy
- Cons: The heat in the summer can be oppressive, driving many locals indoors for the summer
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common and humidity is at its peak, making early morning or indoor activities more comfortable than midday outings
Given its location along Georgia’s warm coast, Savannah has long been a favorite summer vacation destination. If you don’t mind the heat and humidity, you’ll find that the city is rife with potential throughout the months of June, July and August.
In fact, you’ll find that summertime in Savannah is quite popular. The tourist crowds will be high and the temperatures will be even higher, with average highs climbing from 93°F in July to 92°F in August. Pace outdoor plans around the heat—mornings are far more comfortable than midday and staying hydrated matters as much as sunscreen.
If you’re planning a summer vacation to Savannah, these are the activities and attractions you should check out:
- Hit the beach. When the temperatures climb sky high and it feels impossible to breathe because of the humidity, the best place to be in Savannah is on the beach on Tybee Island. With soft white sand and cool waves crashing into the shore, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at this affordable beach destination.
- Watch the Savannah Bananas in action. Wearing their iconic banana-yellow uniforms, the Savannah Bananas bring a sense of silliness and lighthearted charm to a baseball game, making it a must-do summertime activity in Savannah.
- Cool off with an ice cream—but make sure to eat it before it melts! Savannah’s historic downtown is home to several classic ice cream parlors, including Leopold’s Ice Cream. If you’re spending the day at the beach on Tybee Island, then the best place to get ice cream in Savannah is the Tybee Sugar Shack.
- Explore Savannah’s museums when the midday heat gets too intense. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, childhood home of the Girl Scouts founder and the Sorrel Weed House, a National Historic Landmark built in 1841 and known for its Greek Revival architecture, both offer air-conditioned relief along with a dose of local history.
Fall in Savannah: Best Weather and Fewer Crowds
- Pros: Mild weather, low crowds and many exciting spooky season events to enjoy
- Cons: Many of the top attractions are open seasonally and may have limited fall hours
- Weather: Rainfall tapers off through October, leaving mostly sunny, dry days ideal for walking tours
As the intensity of the summer heat starts to ebb away and the summer tourist crowds retreat home for another school year, those with freedom and flexibility find that fall is the best time to visit Savannah. Mild temperatures and endless sunshine define this season, average highs sliding from 88°F in September to 70°F by November and the light crowds make it easier to enjoy the city’s parks and outdoor activities.
That’s why many believe that fall is actually the best time to visit Savannah. It’s true that some of the most iconic attractions may have limited operating hours from fall through winter. But there are still plenty of things to do and places to explore when you visit Savannah in September, October or November.
These are some of the best things to do in Savannah in autumn:
- Attend the Savannah Jazz Festival or the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, two events that organizers save for the cooler fall weather each year.
- Indulge in the excitement of the spooky season and take a Savannah ghost tour. The city’s history lends itself to some incredible ghost stories, with many tour guides claiming there are ghouls and ghosts around nearly every corner. Haunted tours in Savannah take visitors through the city’s downtown to some of the spots where spirits allegedly linger.
- Meander through the city’s squares and take in the sights—all while knowing you basically have the place to yourself. With the summer crowds dwindling with each passing day, the squares of Savannah are easier to explore. Fall is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll throughout the city to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the architecture.
- Wander through Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by the Bird Girl statue featured in the novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, with its moss-draped oaks and ornate Victorian-era headstones. Fall’s cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make it one of the best times of year to explore the grounds at an unhurried pace.
Winter in Savannah: Lowest Prices and Quietest Crowds
- Pros: Mild winter weather, low crowds and a quiet atmosphere
- Cons: Some of the most popular tourist attractions may be closed during the winter
- Weather: Winter is Savannah’s driest stretch, with plentiful sunshine and minimal rain
Those who prefer to enjoy moderate temperatures all winter long—and don’t need a blanket of white snow on the ground to enjoy the winter—will love coming to Savannah during the months of December, January and February.
Average highs stay mild, from 62°F in January to 72°F in March. Winter also brings the lowest hotel rates of the year, making it the best time to visit Savannah on a budget. You can browse the best hotels in Savannah to see where you might find deals for lodging that's higher priced at other times of the year.
From festive holiday gatherings to unique activities and events, you’ll find that these are some of the best things to do during the winter in Savannah:
- Tour the historic homes that have been part of the city’s fabric for centuries. Some of the most well-known historic homes in Savannah include the Owens-Thomas House and the Davenport House Museum.
- Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which defines the city’s skyline with its twin spires and French Gothic architecture. While you can certainly admire the cathedral from the outside, one of the best ways to experience its beauty and grandeur is to go inside. Note: There’s a suggested donation fee of $3 per adult.
- Walk along River Street and enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the winter months. Restaurants, boutiques and cafés line the street, which offers some of the most picturesque views in Savannah.
- Explore the Savannah Book Festival each February in the historic district. This free event draws nationally recognized authors for talks and signings across several downtown venues.
Savannah Weather by Month
Savannah’s coastal location means warm, humid summers and mild winters, with the most comfortable stretches falling in spring and fall. Here’s the average high and low temperature by month, based on NOAA climate data:
- January: 62°F/40°F
- February: 66°F/43°F
- March: 72°F/49°F
- April: 79°F/56°F
- May: 85°F/64°F
- June: 91°F/71°F
- July: 93°F/74°F
- August: 92°F/74°F
- September: 88°F/69°F
- October: 80°F/59°F
- November: 70°F/48°F
- December: 66°F/45°F
FAQs
What’s the best month to visit Savannah, Georgia?
April is the best month to visit Savannah, Georgia. Temperatures are warm but not oppressive, humidity stays low and the city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom. The weather is perfect for exploring the city on foot, since there are plenty of things to do in Savannah without a car.
What’s the cheapest time of year to visit Savannah?
Winter, particularly January and February, is the cheapest time of year to visit Savannah. Hotel rates drop once the holiday travel rush ends and crowds thin out at the city’s top attractions. You can extend savings further with budget-friendly things to do in Savannah, like riding the Savannah Belles, the free passenger ferry that crosses the river to River Street.
What month is the rainiest in Savannah?
June is the rainiest month in Savannah, based on NOAA’s climate data. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common throughout the humid summer months.
When is the best time to visit Savannah as a family?
Spring and early summer work best for a family trip to Savannah. School is still in session for much of spring, so crowds stay lighter at the top attractions and warm early-summer days are ideal for beach time on Tybee Island.
Plan Your Trip to Savannah With AAA
However you define the best time to visit Savannah, GA, planning ahead makes the trip easier—especially if you’re chasing spring’s blooms or fall’s milder days. AAA Travel can help you build out every part of your Savannah trip, from hotels to activities, in one place.
Join the over a million people who are AAA Members and start planning your trip to Savannah today. If you’re not yet a Member, AAA can help you dream up the perfect trip, then use your Membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.
Plan Your Trip to Savannah With AAA.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Savannah today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.