Charleston is always in season. But when is it best to visit?
Year after year, Charleston is perennially ranked as one of the most popular domestic destinations. Weather-wise, spring and autumn are when Charleston really shines, thanks to moderate temps and deliciously warm and breezy nights. But don’t discount the winter and summer months just yet, when the crowds thin out and the city becomes a veritable playground for locals and visitors. There are plenty of wonderful things to see and discover in the Holy City. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit, no matter the season.
Autumn in Charleston
Fall is considered peak season in Charleston when the temps and humidity are at bay, and days give way to clear blue skies and brisk and breezy nights.
The best thing you can do on any visit to Charleston is to enjoy a walk around town, and there’s no better time of year to do just that than in the fall. From a guided history tour to a self-guided stroll through the French Quarter en route to the Battery, you really can’t go wrong. If you’re looking to cover some distance, or if you’re pressed for time, one of the best ways to explore Charleston is by bike. Luckily, many hotels in the city come furnished with their own fleet of beach cruisers at no additional fee. There’s also no better time to join a ghost tour than in the lead-up to Halloween in October.
Hosted by the Charleston Preservation Society, don’t miss a chance to take a fall history or homes and gardens tour, which is only offered once a year between October and November and is one of the best and only times to go beyond the gates of some of Charleston’s most prestigious homes.
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Another popular attraction is Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, which hosts a number of events throughout the year, including an annual fall festival and pumpkin patch, which is not to be missed if you’re traveling with children.
Spring in Charleston
Springtime is the second peak season in Charleston and one of the most popular times of the year to visit when colorful azaleas and magnolias are in full bloom and can be found at every turn. Be prepared if you have seasonal allergies, as the pollen can be bothersome to visitors and locals.
For locals (this writer included), springtime is absolute magic in the Lowcountry. Music, food, and the arts are on full display all season long.
Spring really kicks off in earnest in early March with Charleston Wine + Food, which draws chefs, winemakers, artisans, and everyone who’s anyone with a love and appreciation for all things Southern cuisine. Every March for the last 77 years, The Charleston Festival has been hosted by the Historic Charleston Foundation and is a celebration of the history, culture, style, art, design, and preservation of the Holy City.
The music continues at the Charleston Jazz Festival in April, and the spring season is rounded out with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, which runs from the end of May to early June and features hundreds of events showcasing artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
Finally, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is open year-round. However, springtime is arguably the best time to stroll the gardens with the resident peacocks, who, along with the camellias and azaleas, are on full display.
Winter in Charleston
Temperatures drop come wintertime, and so do the crowds, making this one of the best seasons to come and enjoy the best Charleston has to offer.
Not only are dining reservations easier to come by at restaurants across the city, but hotel rates tend to dip too. January marks Restaurant Week in the city, which is a great time to try some of the best spots in town at a discounted rate.
Charleston’s hotels go all out for the holidays, starting with The Charleston Place. Considered the city’s holiday headquarters, every year, this grand dame hotel transforms into a magical holiday destination complete with dozens of Christmas trees, beautiful décor, and nightly “snowfall” in the hotel’s Market Street Circle.
Oyster roasts are a popular pastime in the South, and every February, Charleston puts on the biggest oyster party in the world at their annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival.
Whatever you do, be prepared to bundle up. The weather fluctuates in the wintertime, and while snow flurries are rare, it can happen so it’s good to come prepared.
Summer in Charleston
Summertime is the slow season in Charleston, thanks to high temps and 100% humidity. The heat really picks up in late June and doesn’t let up until mid-to-late September; making a visit during the months of July and August is doable but not the most hospitable in terms of sightseeing.
Still, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Start your day early, and do all the sightseeing you can first thing in the morning. In the afternoon, plan a leisurely lunch indoors or on the water. Just over the Ravenel Bridge, Shem Creek is beloved by locals for its laid-back atmosphere, and the restaurants and bar scene pops off in the summertime, where there’s no better place to post up for sunset drinks and peel and eat shrimp along the waterfront.
The best part of summertime in the south is the abundance of aquatic activities. From a Charleston Harbor Boat and Fossil Adventure with a local naturalist to paddleboarding and hiking on nearby Bulls Island or chartering your own boat on the Charleston Harbor, there are so many wonderful ways to experience Charleston.
Another great idea is to book a hotel with a pool. The Charleston Place offers a wonderful indoor pool, as does The Ryder Hotel, whose Insta-ready pool is popular with Charleston scenesters come summertime.
In the afternoon, when humidity is at an all-time high, you might want to do as the locals do and hightail it to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island. Summer isn’t complete without trying local favorites like Home Team BBQ and world-famous frosés at The Co-Op.