Best Time to Visit Charleston, SC | Ideal Seasons & Months

Looking for the best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina? Discover the most enjoyable months to visit along with crowd levels, weather, and events!

Charleston is one of my favorite cities on the East Coast.

Nicknamed the “Holy City” for its many spires, this charming destination boasts an impeccable restaurant scene, lovely hotels, rooftop bars with a view, boutique shopping, evening ghost tours, and coastal views. What more could you ask for?

While much of the year makes for a pleasant visit, some months are less than ideal from a tourist perspective.

Between stifling summer heat, a calendar full of events in spring (cue the crowds), hurricane season, and packed holidays like Easter and Valentine's Day, you’ll need to select your dates carefully.

I'll take you through each month and season, what events you can expect, typical crowd levels, and weather patterns so you can plan your trip with confidence!

The short and sweet answer for the best time to visit Charleston

Late Fall in Charleston takes the win…early/mid Spring is a close second

The best months to visit Charleston are October, November, March, and April.

The weather is perfect for sightseeing. Crisp and cool in the morning and evening with warm, sunny afternoons.

Visit early in spring and late in fall for the best chance of fewer crowds.

Late October/early November and April are my favorite months if you want to be specific.

Fall in Charleston - September through November

The best time to visit charleston for rooftop weather and fewer events (crowds)

Fall in Charleston is the absolute best...in my humble opinion.

The weather is perfect for enjoying Charleston’s rooftops with a view. You’ll have crisp mornings for walks along the waterfront and warm afternoons to sightsee or visit the beach.

Fall is a tad more enjoyable than spring because there are fewer events and crowds.

Once Labor Day passes, kids are back in school, and the dreaded "hurricane season" scares other potential visitors away. In reality, Charleston rarely gets hit with hurricane weather. Hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th with peak months being August and September.

The end of October and early November is the sweet spot and the best time to visit Charleston for great weather and fewer crowds (and you've passed the peak hurricane months).

Temperatures in October and November range from the mid-50s to the low-70s. Late October and November are also the driest months of the year (averaging 6 to 7 rainy days).

Dress in layers as it's quite cool in the mornings and evenings and warms up considerably by the afternoon.

September on the other hand can be uncomfortably warm with lingering summer heat and humidity. This month also sees the highest chance of rain and is a peak hurricane month.

SEE my other Charleston blog posts: 

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Spring in Charleston – March through May

The best time to visit Charleston, SC for colorful blooms, ideal weather, and a calendar full of events

Spring is the best time to visit Charleston if you're looking for good sightseeing weather and a lively vibe with all the events.

I prefer to visit in March and April as the summer humidity can start as early as May.

Opt for March if fewer crowds and crisp mornings/evenings are a priority. April is better for those looking to enjoy evening cocktails on a rooftop.

Temperature-wise, March and April are similar to fall in Charleston (low 50s to low 70s). There’s a slightly higher chance of rain, averaging 8-9 rainy days each month.

Dress in layers as it can be quite chilly in the evening and early morning and warm up to t-shirt weather by the afternoon. While 70 may not seem hot, it feels much warmer than the actual temperature when you're in the sun. 

May can be hit or miss on weather depending on humidity levels. Temperatures range from the high 60s to high 70s. Afternoons can get hot, so plan your outdoor activities for mornings and evenings. 

Spring is also the best time to visit Charleston when it comes to a calendar full of events. In March you have the Charleston Wine and Food Festival. 

April events include the Cooper River Bridge Run, Credit One Tennis Open, and the North Charleston Arts Festival.

Watch artists from around the world perform in operas, symphonies, and plays at the Spoleto Festival USA in May. 

Charleston in Winter – December through February

The best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina for mild weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds

Outside of the Christmas season and Valentine's Day, winter is the best time to visit Charleston for lower prices paired with mild weather.

Lows hover in the mid-40s while highs reach the 50s and 60s.

It's perfectly comfortable to explore the city during the day with a light/medium coat...sometimes just a sweater if the sun is shining.

Events are pretty sparse in the winter. The most notable being the Holiday Festival of Lights and Charleston Restaurant Week. This is a great time to try the hottest restaurants in Charleston at a fraction of the cost.

If you don't mind packing warmer clothes, winter is a wonderful alternative (and considerably cheaper) to spring and fall. You'll also have an easier time getting into restaurants without a reservation and have smaller tour groups. 

Avoid the holiday season when kids are out of school and Valentine's Day (Charleston is a popular romantic getaway) as this brings a rush of tourists and hikes up hotel prices.

I recommend the very beginning of December for fewer crowds and better weather. The Christmas decorations in late November and December make the city extra cozy and charming.

Summer in Charleston – June through August

Not the best time to go to Charleston with the spike in summer crowds and uncomfortable temperatures/humidity

If there was one season I would avoid and say is NOT the best time to go to Charleston, it's summer. The combination of high crowds and prices paired with the miserable heat and humidity...it just doesn't make sense to visit this time of year.

You would have a more enjoyable and memorable trip if you spent spring or fall in Charleston...even winter beats summer by a long shot.

June through mid-September is the wettest time of year, averaging 12 to 15 rainy days a month. Typically, there's about a 35% chance or higher that you'll experience a wet day in summer. That likelihood keeps going up and hits a peak of 51% towards the end of July. Not great for sightseeing.

Book your walking tours and any outdoor activities for the morning and save afternoons for cooling off at the beach.

In Summary

I hope this post helped you decide the best time to visit Charleston, SC for your upcoming trip! In general, my absolute favorite months to visit are October, November, and April.

Fall in Charleston is the best mix of perfect weather and manageable crowds. Spring is similar to fall weather-wise but offers colorful blooms throughout the city and a calendar full of events, which means an uptick in tourists.

Winter is ideal for those more focused on lower prices, fewer crowds, and mild weather.

Summer is the absolute worst time to visit Charleston with summer crowds and miserable heat and humidity.

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Best Time to Visit Charleston | Ideal Seasons & Months

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