Best Times to Visit Charleston to Save Money, Hit the Beach, and Avoid the Crowds

Planning a trip to the Lowcountry? Here are the best times to visit Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston, South Carolina, consistently ranks at the top of Travel + Leisure’s annual list of the best cities in the United States. The popular East Coast destination has exciting year-round activities, access to several islands and beaches, and generally enjoyable weather. The food, ranging from fresh-caught fish to barbecue, and picturesque cobblestone streets are more reasons to love the Holy City. So, when should you go? Here's a breakdown of the tourist seasons:

• High Seasons: March to May and September to November

• Shoulder Season: June to August

• Low Season: December (excluding the holidays) to February
  

Whether it's good weather, quiet beaches, or a discounted trip you're after, read on for the best times of year to visit Charleston.

Related: Charleston Travel Guide

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Smaller Crowds

Charleston gets about 7.5 million visitors every year. The city's warm climate and many enticements, including historical architecture, beautiful nearby beaches, and some of the country's best shopping and dining, mean it's rarely quiet. That said, travelers looking to go when the crowds are smaller should avoid visiting in the spring and fall. These times see the best weather Charleston has to offer, and a steady stream of tourists journey to the coastal destination to celebrate the beginning and end of beach season.

Although you may have to bundle up to sit on Sullivan’s Island from late November through February, winter is a great time to enjoy Charleston while it’s not at maximum capacity. After Christmas and New Year's is when you'll find the smallest crowds possible. Still, the city's most popular restaurants usually have a line or waitlist all year round.

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Good Weather

If you can time your trip during Charleston’s spring sweet spot, mid-April through the end of May, you’ll be welcomed by pleasantly warm temperatures — anywhere from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit — and the rich, fragrant scent of the jasmine blooms that climb walls and fences all over the city. Mild weather makes it a great time to experience Charleston's architecture, culinary scene, and natural beauty.

Late September until early December is also a popular time to visit Charleston, as daily temperatures can continue to reach the high 70s. You may even be able to squeeze in a beach day during this time if you’re lucky. Just be sure your plans are somewhat flexible, as it's also hurricane season.

Elizabeth Rhodes, T+L special projects editor and South Carolina native, says April and October are her favorite times to visit. “The weather is pleasant — usually not too hot or humid — so you can really enjoy walking along The Battery, visiting the beach on Sullivan’s Island, or grabbing a drink at a rooftop bar.”

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Lower Prices

Charleston's cooler winter weather marks the beginning of its off-season. Lows in the 40s from December to February tend to deter avid beachgoers, and that usually makes flights and hotel prices more affordable. If you’ve been wanting to stay at one of Charleston’s best hotels, which are typically on the pricier side, this is the time.

For beachier weather, consider visiting the city in the summer, when tourism and demand for accommodations are low compared to the spring and fall rush. People who are bothered by the heat and humidity avoid this time, but if you can handle it, a stay in June, July, or August could be relatively easy on the wallet. Whenever you go, know that Charleston can be experienced luxuriously or on a budget. It's packed with totally free outdoor attractions such as the beaches, The Battery, Rainbow Row, and Angel Oak.

Related: 28 Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Best Times to Visit Charleston for Festivals

Festival season in Charleston arrives in the spring, though events start to pop up in February. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is one of the first major Charleston festivals each year, bringing a variety of wildlife- and nature-focused art, live entertainment, and special events. In March, Charleston Wine + Food draws chefs, winemakers, artisans, and anyone with an affinity for Southern food and culture. Then, there's the Charleston Jazz Festival in April.

Charleston’s historic homes and picturesque gardens are rarely open to the public, but the Festival of Houses and Gardens from March to April offers guided tours of some of the most beautiful buildings in the area. Music, dance, and theater take the stage for a couple of weeks in May and June, when Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival come to town — the latter highlights local and regional artists. Basically, If you’re visiting Charleston in the spring, there’s sure to be something going on.

Worst Time to Visit Charleston

The crux of traveling to Charleston is that the worst time to visit is also one of the most popular times to see the city. While ideal for lounging on the beach, June, July, and August aren’t the best for sightseeing in Charleston. Summer is when the Lowcountry’s humidity covers the city, making the congested streets and public spaces even more suffocating. You’ll also need to consider hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. Long holiday weekends, particularly Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, are usually the most crowded and most expensive.

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