The Best Times to Visit Savannah For Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Lower Prices

And when to spot the Southern city's blooming azaleas, too.

The historic architecture and palpable charm of Savannah, Georgia, make it one of the most beautiful cities in the South. Live oaks dripping in Spanish moss loom over stately town squares, and a thriving culinary scene draws foodies from around the country. Thanks to its coastal location, Savannah has a consistently mild (if humid) climate, but the weather fluctuations that do exist help dictate its tourist seasons, which are as follows.

• High Season: March to July

• Shoulder Season: August to December

• Low Season: January to February

Spring brings azalea blooms and the lion's share of tourists, but don't overlook the shoulder season, says Amanda Marks, a Les Clefs d’Or concierge at Thompson Savannah. “I love our fall weather, and recommend coming to Savannah in November before Thanksgiving."

Keep reading for more details on the best times to visit Savannah for fantastic weather, smaller crowds, lower prices, and more.

Related: T+L's Guide to Savannah, Georgia

Best Times to Visit Savannah for Smaller Crowds

“In my 20 years living here, I’ve found that Savannah is most crowded in spring (March, April, and May) and fall (September, October, and early November),” Marks says. So if you’re looking to admire Georgian homes or amble down River Street with fewer people around, consider booking your trip in January or February. Marks says that January is the quietest month in terms of travelers, but that some attractions may be closed this time of year, too.

Summer is another less-busy season, though it also brings challenging weather. Temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit are common in July and August, and humidity is usually sky-high, too. If you can tolerate that — or if the main goal for your trip is simply to enjoy the city's delightful (and air-conditioned) restaurants and nearby beaches — a summer visit may be worth considering, since it'll likely reward you with smaller-than-average crowds.

Best Times to Visit Savannah for Good Weather

The best weather in Savannah comes in spring and fall. Temperatures range from the high 50s to the mid-80s from March to June, when trees and flowers — most notably, azaleas — come into bloom and adorn the city with lush hues of green and pink. Prepare for a spring visit by packing layers, including a rain jacket or umbrella. “Nearly every afternoon, at around 3 p.m., it will rain for 30 to 40 minutes,” Marks says. But don’t let a little rain deter you. “Savannah is beautiful during and right after the rain. When the Spanish moss is draped with raindrops, it sparkles in the sun,” she explains.

If you can’t swing an early spring trip, Perry Lane Hotel staffer and lifelong Savannah resident Mandy Heldreth says to aim for June. You might squeeze in a visit just before the higher temperatures and humidity arrive, which tends to be in July and August.

The autumn portion of Savannah’s shoulder season, from mid-September to mid-November, is another time to find travel-friendly weather. Heldreth says that this is when “the city begins to cool off” again, with daytime temps in the low 70s.

Best Times to Visit Savannah for Lower Prices

Unsurprisingly, the limited demand seen in Savannah’s off-season translates to lower prices on accommodations. “When visiting in the off-season — before President’s Day, during the summer, or from November through the end of the year — more savings can be had," says Marks, "and exploring the city may be more enjoyable and easier to navigate with less foot traffic around." Try visiting at these less-popular times for a deal on the great hotels that showcase Savannah's Southern hospitality.

Off-peak months like January and November can also bring discounted airfare — though there's a chance you can snag a deal on flights at any time of year. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is served by several budget carriers, including Allegiant, which connects the city to nearly a dozen major and not-so-major airports (Appleton, Wisconsin, anyone?) across the country. Though you'll have to pack light and watch out for hidden fees, these airlines can be a great way to get to Savannah for the lowest price possible.

Best Times to Visit Savannah for Events and Festivals

Like Charleston and other Southern cities, Savannah hosts many events and festivals in the spring and fall, when the weather is at its best. “St. Patrick’s Day is considered a holiday in Savannah,” Marks says, “and while many attractions and tours are closed, we do have a fantastic parade to watch and enjoy.” Music and art are also a large part of local culture — the city is home to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), after all — and spring celebrations include the Savannah Music Festival and the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival. “The art students gather in Forsyth Park and draw on the sidewalks, creating beautiful masterpieces for everyone to enjoy,” Marks says of the latter.

In September, Savannah Jazz Festival’s live performances are held at Lucas Theatre, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, and Forsyth Park over the course of a week. October has its own set of events and festivals, too, including SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Savannah Pride, and the Savannah Greek Festival. Plus, it's a great time to enjoy the city's famous spooky side.

Worst Times to Visit Savannah

Though it's more affordable and less crowded, summer in Savannah isn't ideal for most travelers, given the sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity found in July and August. Unless you love heat, it's best to avoid visiting during this stretch. Also on the subject of weather, it's smart to note that hurricane season runs from June to November. Though Savannah isn't as vulnerable to tropical storms as much of the southeast (thanks to the sharp inward curve the coastline takes just north of the city), a direct or indirect hit is always possible — and it may be a risk some travelers would prefer to avoid.

Spring is generally regarded as the best season to visit the city, but if you're more interested in affordability than perfect weather, you may want to bypass the pricey peak period. The off-season months of January and February are some of the most affordable of the year, and though they won't be warm and sunny, they won't be ice-cold either — winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees.

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