When to visit Charleston without the crowds
Charleston (South Carolina, United States) is calmest in January, February, August, September, October and December: fewer people and better prices. It gets busiest in March, April, May, June and July. Below is every month with crowds, temperatures and festivals. Careful with August, September and October: the calm has a reason (see the seasonal heads-ups).
Best months
Jan–Feb & Nov–Dec
When everyone heads home
The second half of June.
Tip
In winter the historic homes and plantations are free of heat and crowds.
Month by month
| Month | Crowds | Avg. high | Festivals & holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2/5 · calm | 15 °C (59 °F) | New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
| February | 2/5 · calm | 18 °C (65 °F) | Presidents Day |
| March | 4/5 · busy | 21 °C (69 °F) | |
| April | 5/5 · busy | 23 °C (74 °F) | |
| May | 4/5 · busy | 27 °C (81 °F) | Spoleto Festival USA (late May–June), Memorial Day |
| June | 4/5 · busy | 30 °C (86 °F) | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July | 4/5 · busy | 31 °C (88 °F) | Independence Day |
| August | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 31 °C (87 °F) | |
| September | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 29 °C (84 °F) | Labour Day |
| October | 2/5 · calm ⚠ | 25 °C (77 °F) | |
| November | 3/5 · moderate | 20 °C (68 °F) | Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 2/5 · calm | 17 °C (62 °F) | Christmas Day |
⚠ = seasonal heads-up.
Before you go: seasonal heads-ups
- Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
Crowds are a relative index for each place: 1 is its calmest month and 5 its busiest. Temperatures: Copernicus ERA5, 2016–2025 average. Includes official tourism statistics (National Park Service, Fort Sumter National Monument, 2023-2025). How it works
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Charleston without the crowds?
The calmest month is usually January, February, August, September, October and December (crowds 2/5). In October the average high is 25 °C (77 °F). All the calm months: January, February, August, September, October and December.
When is Charleston most crowded?
The busiest season is March, April, May, June and July. The second half of June.
What is the weather like in Charleston?
Average highs range from 15 °C (59 °F) in January to 31 °C (88 °F) in July, from Copernicus ERA5 (2016–2025).
What should I know before going to Charleston?
Peak hurricane season (Aug–Oct): watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
What festivals are there in Charleston?
The main ones: Spoleto Festival USA (late May–June) (May).
More places in South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach calm in January, February, April, October, November and December; busiest in July