Charleston, South Carolina, is renowned for its extensive cultural history, stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, pedestrian-friendly waterfront, and seafood-heavy cuisine. Due to its top-notch leisure options, Charleston has consistently won votes as the best US city for travel over the years. Based on various weather patterns and activities you can take part in while visiting Charleston SC, we have compiled a monthly list of the best times to visit the city to help you decide when to go. Hence, no matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a perfect month for you below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
When is the Best Month to Visit Charleston, SC?
Charleston is most enjoyable between March and May and September and November. The flowers are in full bloom at this time of year; the heat and humidity have not yet arrived, and hurricane season has not yet started.
When is the Cheapest Month to visit Charleston, SC?
The cheapest time to travel to Charleston is during the winter months, when the cost of accommodations and lodging is at its lowest.
When is the Rainiest Month in Charleston, SC?
The wettest days occur in July, which has an average of 14.8 days with 5.54 inches of precipitation.
What is the hottest month in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, South Carolina experiences its hottest temperatures in July, with an average high temperature of 88 °F (31 °C) and an average low temperature of 78 °F (26 °C).
What is the coldest month in Charleston, SC?
With an average high temperature of 59°F and an average low temperature of 43°F, January is the coldest month of the year in Charleston.
How many days is enough for Charleston, SC?
Four days will be enough to explore Charleston and see the majority of the highlights, taste some of the incredible cuisines, and even see some of the nearby attractions.
What is the busiest time of the month in Charleston, SC?
The busiest months in Charleston are during the peak season, which runs from March to May and from September to November. Additionally, hotel rates rise during this time, and all popular attractions are crowded.
How much do I need for a week in Charleston, SC?
That depends on the kind of spender you are, but a weeklong trip to Charleston typically costs $2,249 per person on average.
Is Charleston, SC expensive?
Although Charleston is known to be an expensive destination, there are still some months when you can go there on a tight budget.
Charleston, SC in January
The coldest month is January, with an average low of 38°F (3°C) and an average high of 59°F (15°C). We advice that you bring a warm jacket if you intend to travel during this month because it can get quite chilly and windy. Even though fewer people travel to the city at this time of year, many of Charleston's attractions can still be enjoyed thanks to the weather.
Charleston, SC in February
The typical high and low temperatures in February are 63°F (17°C) and 41°F (5°C), respectively. There are many events to attend, including Valentine's Day, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, and many others, making this month full of love and joy. Additionally, there are fewer people around at this time, which naturally reduces the cost of hotels and flights. When traveling this month, so pack layers of clothing and jackets to keep you warm.
Charleston, SC in March
With an average high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) and an average low of 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius), March begins to get warmer. The Charleston Wine and Food Festival, live music performances, and many other exciting events and activities are available to enjoy this month. If you want to travel on a budget and take in the popular attractions, this month is also ideal for you because there are fewer tourists in the area at this time.
Charleston, SC in April
With an average high of 76°F (25°C) and an average low of 53°F (12°C), April temperatures continue to rise as spring reaches its peak. Due to several outdoor events that draw sizable crowds, this month is very active for tourism. If you plan to travel during this month, be prepared to pay a premium for flights and accommodations.
Charleston, SC in May
The month of May experiences the most sunshine throughout the year, with average high temperatures of 83°F (28°C) and low temperatures of 62°F (17°C). If you don't mind the heat, May is the best month to visit. There are so many events to take in, including the North Charleston Arts Fest, the Charleston Greek Festival, special Mother's Day events, Charleston's well-liked weekly farmers market in Marion Square, and many others. Additionally, this month is usually busy, and prices for hotels and flights surge.
Charleston, SC in June
With an average high temperature of 88°F (31°C) and an average low temperature of 70°F (21°C), June officially ushers in summer. In June, there are many activities to take part in, including the Spoleto and Piccolo Spoleto Festivals, the Charleston Carifest, Juneteenth celebrations, and numerous other activities that draw large crowds to the city. Since this month is typically crowded, airfare and hotel rates go up.
Charleston, SC in July
The hottest month is July, when average high temperatures reach 91°F (33°C) and low temperatures reach 73°F (23°C). This month offers a variety of activities to participate in as the temperatures and humidity rise, the events calendar fills up, and the crowds thin out. Overall, this time of year is less crowded and offers a variety of entertaining events to check out, including the July 4th fireworks, the Sweetgrass Festival, the Southeast Crab Feast, and many more.
Charleston, SC in August
With an average high temperature of 89°F (32°C) and an average low temperature of 72°F (22°C), August experiences the most rainfall each year. Even though there are a lot of days with rain this month, there are still lots of events to attend, including the SC Reggae Jerk, Wine Fest, and the Grape Stomp Festival. Additionally, there are more people this month. It is advised that you bring breathable, lightweight clothing appropriate for the hot, muggy summer days and nights.
Charleston, SC in September
The average high temperature peaks at 85 °F (29 °C), while the low temperature is 67 °F (20 °C). Numerous events are scheduled for this month, including the Cooper River Bridge Run (for 2021), Charleston Restaurant Week, Lowcountry Jazz Festival, Sea and Sand Fest, Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Polo Match, as well as lots of music and family-friendly activities. Lastly, being a peak hurricane month, this month is also less crowded.
Charleston, SC in October
With an average high temperature of 77°F (25°C) and an average low temperature of 57°F (14°C), October begins to cool off. Since the weather is getting cooler and more bearable, this month sees a huge number of tourists returning. The MOJA Arts Festival, Charleston Pride Festival, Flower town Festival, Follypalooza, Charleston Beer Week, Summerville Italian Feast, and Halloween are just a few of the events to enjoy this month, making it a good time to visit Charleston.
Charleston, SC in November
With an average high temperature of 70 °F (21 °C) and an average low temperature of 47 °F (9 °C), November had the least amount of precipitation. Overall, this month is cooler but not freezing, making it the ideal time to tour a plantation, take a cooking class, or visit one of the area's historic homes. There are undoubtedly enjoyable events to take in this month, including the Steeplechase of Charleston, the Charleston Scottish Games, the Highland Gathering, and many others.
Charleston, SC in December
December has the least sunshine each year, with an average high temperature of 62°F (16°C) and an average low temperature of 40°F (5°C). There are still more tourists this month because there are so many fun events to attend, such as the Holiday Festival of Lights, the Charleston Holiday Parade, the Folly Beach Christmas Parade, Chanukah in the Square, the Yorktown Countdown, the New Year's Eve Flip-Flop Drop & Fireworks, and many more. Furthermore, if you want to avoid crowds while also saving money, December is the best month to travel because prices fall during this month.
Conclusion
Here comes the end of the best time to visit Charleston, SC! We hope you were able to choose the ideal month to visit Charleston, SC, taking into account your preferences for the weather and your travel objectives. If you found this article to be insightful, kindly express your thoughts in the comments section. Also, share with any of your family members or friends in your social circle who might be thinking about visiting Charleston, South Carolina.