Charleston is a city in South Carolina known for its charming cobblestone streets, world-class seafood restaurants, and Civil War history.
If you are planning to visit Charleston, read on to find out more about when is the best time to do so.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Charleston SC?
The best time to visit Charleston SC is March through May (spring) or September through November (fall).
The temperatures during springtime range from 51 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and 53 to 82 in fall.
You should avoid the months of June and July because the weather is very hot and humid.
Visiting Charleston SC consists mostly of outdoor activities such as visiting the City Market, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter National Monument, The Battery, Angel Oak Tree, and more.
This means that the weather is your best friend or your worst enemy.
Here is a quick overview of the average temperatures in Charleston SC during the season:
- March: 51 – 65° F
- April: 58 – 72° F
- May: 67 – 78° F
- June: 74 – 84.5° F
- July: 76.9 – 87.6° F
- August: 76.1 – 82° F
- September: 71.8 – 82° F
- October: 62.5 – 74.6° F
- November 53.6 – 67.3° F
Spring months are ideal for people who want to avoid the crowds that come during the peak tourist season.
The fall months offer relief from the summer heat and are perfect for outdoor activities.
However, you should keep in mind that the hotel rates might be slightly higher than in June/July.
But this shouldn’t discourage you from checking out Booking.com and finding your dream hotel.
March In Charleston SC
The Charleston SC weather in March is ideal with lots of sun and pleasantly warm days.
With temperatures ranging between 51 and 65° F, this month is probably the best one for outdoor activities.
The hotel rates might be slightly increased during this month, but the number of events compensates for that.
Key Events:
- 01 March – Charleston Wine and Food Festival – $135 entry
- 16 March – Charleston Spring Antique Show – $17 – $20 entry
- 17 March – St. Patrick’s Day Parade – free entry
- 24 March – Annual House and Garden Tour – $60 entry
- 26 March – Firefly Oyster Roast March – $25 entry
Other things to do in Charleston SC in March
You can visit Middleton Place and enjoy a museum, a restaurant, and what is considered to be America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens.
You can also take a bike to Kiawah Island and explore 30 miles of trails or book a fishing charter and spend the day on the water.
April in Charleston SC
The weather in April in Charleston SC is warm enough but not too hot if that makes sense.
The temperatures during the day are around 72° F and dip into the 50s at night. There is a possibility of a rain shower or two, so be prepared.
Key Events:
- 01 April – Credit one Charleston Open Tennis Tournament – free entry
- 01 April – Cooper River Bridge Run – $40 – $70 entry
- 11 April – Charleston RiverDogs – Opening Day Game $20 entry
- 20 April – Charleston Jazz Festival – $25 – $55 entry
- 22 April – Mullet Hall Trail Run – $38 – $42 entry
- 22 April – Lowcountry Cajun Festival – $15 entry
- 30 April – Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival – free entry
Other things to do in Charleston SC in April
Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island offer great fun in April.
Since it is Easter, on April 17th, both islands offer Easter brunches with your family, picnics on the beach, and plenty of fun activities.
Make sure to reserve a table for you and your family in advance.
May in Charleston SC
The temperatures in May in Charleston SC are starting to pick up.
During the days, you can expect temperatures in the mid-70s.
Although it is hotter than the previous months, the humidity is still pretty low and manageable. Sunscreen and bug repellent will come in handy.
Key Events:
- 03 May – Annual North Charleston Arts Festival – free entry
- 26 May – Piccolo Spoleto Festival – free entry (lasts for 17 days)
Other things to do in Charleston SC in May
If you like biking, Kiawah Island has 30 miles of paved trails that you can explore.
On top of that, there are around 10 miles of hard-packet beach trails to explore and take a dip into the water after riding a bike.
You can also book a fishing charter and choose between near shore, inshore, surf fishing, deep sea, and more.
September in Charleston SC
September in Charleston SC is the peak tourist season.
It is warm, but you can feel the signs of cooling down. With temperatures ranging between 71 – 82° F, sunscreen and drinking water is a must.
Most tourists spend their days on the beach, but there are also some other cool things to do.
Key Events:
- 02 September – Lowcountry Jazz Festival – free entry
- 07 September – Charleston Restaurant Week Fall Edition
- 30 September – MOJA Arts Festival – free entry
Other things to do in Charleston SC in September
September in Charleston SC is reserved for three things: beaches, city market, and Magnolia plantation and gardens.
During September, the ocean is the warmest and perfect for swimming.
You can spend the morning on the beach and head over to the Historic Charleston City Market in the afternoon.
To end the day on a high note, you can stroll the Magnolia plantation and gardens.
October in Charleston SC
If you ask the locals, they will say that October is the best month to spend in Charleston SC.
The weather is still fairly warm during the day, and you can spend it outdoors.
During the night, the temperatures start to drop, and you can have a good night’s sleep.
Key Events:
- 01 October – MOJA Arts Festival – free entry
- 04 October – Fall Tour of Homes – free entry
- 07 October – Riverfront Revival Festival – free entry
Other things to do in Charleston SC in October
The pleasant weather allows for spending time on the beaches and parks near Charleston.
Make sure to visit Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island.
November in Charleston SC
Temperatures during the day in November are in the 60s, and they slowly drop into the 50s at night.
Although it might not be hot enough to go for a swim, there are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy.
Key Events:
- 05 November – Annual Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering – $75 entry
- 05 November – Harvest Festival – free entry
- 08 November – The Charleston Museum Fall Lecture Series – free entry
- 11 and 12 November – YALLFEST – $50 entry
- 24 November – 40th Annual Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5k – free entry
Other things to do in Charleston SC in November
The temperatures allow for taking a walking tour around Charleston SC.
There are plenty of tours to choose from that will show you highlights of the historical sites around the city.
If you enjoy food, you can go on a culinary tour and enjoy some of the best restaurants in the world.
In Conclusion
If you wish to avoid any scorching temperatures, you should visit Charleston SC in the spring (March through May) or during the fall (September to November).
No matter which month you choose to visit, there is always something to do in Charleston SC.
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