Founded in the 17th century, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina, as well as one of the oldest in the country. This sense of history and charm continues to permeate the atmosphere in Charleston, making it an appealing place for visitors of all ages. While the most popular season for visiting Charleston is in the summer, when most families have free time to travel, you will find that the best time to visit Charleston may vary based on the season and your own interests. With unique offerings every season of the year, there's no wrong time to take a trip to Charleston.
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Visiting Charleston, SC in the Spring
Pros: Comfortable weather, low tourist crowds and plenty of attractions open for business.
Cons: Spring weather can be unpredictable at times and might be chillier than you anticipate
As you search Charleston when to visit, you will find that there are many opinions on when the best time to visit Charleston is. However, most tourists and locals would agree that spring is the ideal season to explore the city, especially if you are taking your first trip.
The weather in Charleston during the spring is best described as comfortable. Sunshine is plentiful, the breeze is cool and temperatures may climb between 60 and 75 degrees. It's widely regarded as nearly perfect almost every day in the spring. Not to mention, the purple wisteria seems to climb out of every window, adding a pop of color to a city that is already bright and beautiful. If you are looking for the best time to visit Charleston, SC for flowers, spring is your best bet.
Known for its historic charm and amazing architecture, spring is the perfect time for a stroll in Charleston. As you saunter down the streets and discover hidden gems around every corner, the scent of jasmine will captivate you and leave you feeling as if you have walked into a fairytale wonderland.
Some of the best things to do in spring in Charleston include historic tours of local homes and estates, patio dining at the rooftop bars in Charleston and enjoying the Festival of Houses and Gardens, which is a favorite springtime event in the city.
If you are looking to get a taste of the authentic flavor of the city before the summer vacationers arrive in droves, then spring may be the top season for you to plan a visit to Charleston.
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Summer Fun in Charleston
Pros: Lively atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beach
Cons: Both the temperatures and humidity can be high and there's a higher chance of rain during the summer
Summertime is the season when everything heats up in Charleston. Not only do the temperatures climb sky-high, driving locals and visitors alike to the most popular beaches in Charleston, but the events and open attractions also boast peak crowd levels.
Throughout the summer, you can expect temperatures to range between 78 and 82 degrees, which is typically comfortable for most. However, the humidity levels can make the air temperature feel much warmer and heavier in the southern United States, so be sure to dress comfortably and include air conditioning breaks on your itinerary.
Summer is the busy travel season in Charleston, which means that most of the city's best attractions are open and ready to welcome visitors.
Some of the top things to do in Charleston in the summer include:
Sightseeing. Charleston's best attractions shine bright during the summer months, with some of the most popular attractions including the Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row and Joe Riley Waterfront Park.
Biking the city. You can bring your own bike or rent one from a vendor. During the summer, biking is one of the best ways to experience the wonder and whimsy of downtown Charleston.
Watching baseball. Charleston is home to the Charleston RiverDogs, a Minor League Baseball team that has a solid fan base. Affordable tickets and concessions make this the perfect family-friendly activity in Charleston.
While you may find that you are enjoying the city with an abundance of travelers from around the world, summer is considered by many to be the best time to visit Charleston.
Getty Images / Daniela Duncan
Fall Splendor in Charleston
Pros: Many events to enjoy, weather is cooler
Cons: Crowds may be unexpectedly high during this season
When September arrives, locals take a deep sigh of relief — the worst of the summer heat and humidity are behind them and the vast majority of vacationers have gone home for the start of the school year. As a result, fall is the top season for visiting Charleston if you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for respite and romance in the heart of this charming city.
During the fall, you can expect temperatures to drop slightly, yet remain warm and comfortable. The average temperatures in fall range from 58 to 76 degrees, so be sure to bring a light jacket just in case. Depending on when you decide to visit in the fall, you may also witness the leaves changing from green to hues of gold, crimson and orange. The fall foliage arrives between late October and early November in Charleston.
Fall is also considered to be festival season in Charleston, so you will find that there's always something going on in the city.
Some of the top fall festivals in Charleston include:
MOJA Festival — Taking place in late September and early October, the MOJA Festival is a celebration of African American and Caribbean contributions to the local community and culture.
Gather Charleston — Also hosted in late September and early October, this culinary festival brings together some of the greatest chefs in the region, allowing you to indulge in tasty bites.
Magnolia Beauti-FALL Festival — This one-day festival typically takes place in late October and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It's a classic fall festival with face painting, pumpkin painting, live music and plenty of flavorful food.
For one-of-a-kind experiences and once-in-a-lifetime views, plan a fall trip to Charleston. With cooling weather and a fall seasonal atmosphere, this can be a great time to visit.
Wikimedia Commons / Brian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0
Winter Weather in Charleston
Pros: Moderate temperatures, very low tourist crowds
Cons: Fewer attractions may be open
Nestled along the coast, Charleston enjoys balmy winters that are preferred by those who resist the icy cold and falling snow of the Northeast or Midwest. Those who are searching for a peaceful and restful vacation will find that winter is a great time to visit Charleston.
Temperatures in Charleston throughout the winter range from 47 to 52 degrees, which is quite comfortable when compared to many other locations. You may be in pants and a jacket, but you will find that the sunshine makes it easy to stroll along the streets and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
It may surprise you to find out that going to the beach is one of the most popular winter activities in Charleston. In many cases you’ll have vast stretches of sand to yourself and the temperatures are comfortable enough to put down a chair and read your favorite book. Privacy and solace define any winter trip to Charleston, making this a wonderful time of year to visit.
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