South Carolina is known for the southern-charm-filled cities of Charleston and Beaufort, glowing sea islands with Gullah heritage, and the up-and-coming capital metropolis of Columbia.
When planning a go to, there’s no scarcity of issues to do – from prime fishing lakes and streams to champion timber towering above record-breaking bottomland forests or mountain climbing trails by way of waterfall-filled woodlands.
However earlier than you ebook your journey, make an inventory of the highest stuff you wish to do in South Carolina and verify the climate forecast. The very last thing you need is to be sweating by way of Charleston’s cobbled streets within the unforgiving humidity or going to the seashore throughout a hurricane risk.
Right here’s our information to the most effective time to go to South Carolina.
The excessive season is the most effective time to go to the seashore (June-August)
There’s no approach round it – summer time on this subtropical state is miserably sizzling and humid. The most effective place to flee the warmth is alongside the palm-bedecked coast. Anticipate crowds, larger costs and decrease availability. Pack sunscreen, sun shades, and beachwear.
Contemplate visiting sights which have air-conditioning, comparable to Columbia’s plethora of wonderful museums just like the South Carolina State Museum and Columbia Museum of Artwork. The restaurant scene within the capital metropolis is a mixture of conventional favorites and pioneering newcomers with Terra and SmallSUGAR on the prime of the record.
Fishing and splashing within the Upstate lakes and rivers are an choice, too. The temps are barely cooler as you journey towards the hills of Appalachia, within the state’s northwestern nook.
The toughest time to get a room (or an inexpensive flight) in Charleston is throughout Spoleto (Memorial Day to mid-June), the several-week occasion when the town’s church buildings, theaters and out of doors areas are crammed with performances.
The town sees fewer guests from July to mid-September, because of the warmth. On the flip aspect, it’s a great time to go if you wish to snag dinner reservations at one of many metropolis’s coveted eating places. Convey an umbrella to guard your self from sudden thunderstorms.
Get pleasure from out of doors festivals throughout shoulder season (April/Could and September/October)
South Carolina is in superb bloom in April and Could, with comparatively fewer guests and delicate, sunny climate. Festivals explode all through the state, celebrating meals, wine, music and horses.
That is additionally a great time to discover the choices of Charleston, Columbia, Beaufort and Greenville. Understand that early spring is twister season and there’s an opportunity of thunderstorms – pack mild layers, an umbrella, and a jacket.
Fall brings spectacular foliage within the mountains and tolerable temps all through. It’s a good time for mountain hikes, scenic drives, and {golfing}. Festivals proceed with an autumnal theme, together with beer, shrimp, meals, and music. Convey a sweater for cooler nights.
Off-season is ideal for price range vacationers (November-March)
As winter blankets the land, the vacationer crush subsides, and lodging charges grow to be inexpensive.
The temperatures are delicate, with crisp nights and temporary chilly spells. Alongside the coast, the typical daytime temp is 60°F – excellent for a stroll on the seashore. Keep in mind that the farther inland you go towards Appalachia, the cooler it will get – nighttime temps can drop to freezing.
There’s some snowfall, although snowstorms are uncommon. Pack a mid-weight jacket and sweaters. Although you will spot locals carrying scarves and mittens, it is typically within the pursuits of style slightly than heat!
When is hurricane season?
Hurricane season kicks in late August by way of October, with September being the very best threat. Tornados threaten once more in November.
Keep away from the crowds in January
The state’s coldest month, the typical daytime temp is 58°F – not too unhealthy for a winter’s day. Although in case you head to the mountains, the thermometer can dip into the 40s and under. Lodging are at their lowest charges.
Key Occasions: Restaurant Week South Carolina, Charleston Boat Show
Nab a resort deal in February
Winter is on its approach out and temperatures begin to climb, although it’s nonetheless chilly and there might be rain. Festivals acquire momentum. Camellias begin to bloom, particularly attractive at Middleton Place. There are nonetheless offers to be discovered for lodges.
Key Occasions: Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition in Charleston, Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston, Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
Go birdwatching in March
March might be moist, although temperatures are delicate. Wildflowers begin showing in every single place. Birds begin their spring migration alongside the Atlantic Flyway; sizzling spots embody Huntington Seaside, thought-about by many to be the most effective bird-watching spot alongside the East Coast. Triple Crown equestrian occasions happen in Aiken.
Key Occasions: Charleston Food & Wine Festival, Craftsmen’s Classics Art & Craft Festival in Columbia
Hike amidst wildflowers in April
Azaleas and dogwoods bloom, and the temps are delicate, making this the perfect time to hike, bike, cycle and golf.
Extraordinary spring wildflowers ignite the panorama from April into Could, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. Native farmer’s markets open up all through the area, their stalls laden with squash, zucchini, and candy peas.
In late spring search for soft-shell crabs – Atlantic blue crabs which have just lately molted their laborious shell and are deep-fried or pan-seared and sometimes tucked right into a sandwich. You’ll discover them on menus throughout the state, although the most effective locations are within the Lowcountry.
Key Occasions: Aiken Horse Show, World Grits Festival in St. George, Charleston Jazz Festival, Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee, RBC Heritage Classic Golf Tournament in Hilton Head
Go to Farmer’s markets in Could
The whole lot, together with costs, begins to warmth up. Water parks and different summer time sights open their doorways. Search for Georgia peaches, subject peas, and okra at farmer’s markets and roadside stands.
Key Occasions: Freedom Weekend Aloft in Anderson, Original Gullah Festival in Beaufort, Artisphere in Greenville, Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington
Head to the river in June
This month is without doubt one of the greatest instances to be outdoor in South Carolina – summer time wildflowers line the paths and the river rafting within the mountains is classy. It begins heating up towards the tip of the month. Shrimp is plentiful alongside the coast into late December.
Key Occasions: Brookgreen Gardens Art Festival, South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Greenwood
Hit the seashore in July
The state’s hottest month, it’s miserably heat and muggy (the seasonal norm is 94°F, plus humidity). It’s additionally the state’s wettest month, with a mean of 5.5 inches of rain. It’s a great time to go to the seashore or the mountains. Pack an umbrella, simply in case.
Fourth of July occasions explode all through the state, with a number of the greatest in Charleston, Myrtle Seaside, Columbia, and Greenville.
Lake Murray hosts 1000’s of purple martins, which depart from their summer time house on Doolittle Island in a flurry of flapping wings, returning at nightfall in one other spectacular present.
Key Occasions: Beaufort Water Festival, South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney, The Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Nice
Control hurricanes in August
Peak tourism season arrives, with the seashores particularly crowded with guests. Control hurricanes probably brewing alongside the coast.
Key Occasions: Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival in Charleston, Low Country Jazz Festival in North Charleston
Feast on meals and wine in September
The warmth slowly retreats, which is why September (and October) supply an inordinate quantity of meals, wine, music and humanities festivals. Fall colours start to indicate, particularly within the Upstate, and U-pick farms are ample. The oyster season kicks off; look ahead to oyster roasts alongside the coast.
Key Occasions: Euphoria in Greenville, MOJA Arts Festival in Charleston, South Carolina Tobacco Festival in Lake Metropolis, South Carolina Apple Festival in Westminster
Sports activities season kicks off in October
The competition season continues, together with home excursions, food-and-wine fests, and the state honest. Soccer is within the air in every single place; good luck discovering a room in Columbia and Clemson if the Gamecocks and Tigers are taking part in at house. Polo and steeplechase tournaments happen in Aiken.
Fall foliage within the Upstate is at its crowning glory (although you’ll see shade effectively into December in some locations); take pleasure in it alongside trails in state parks together with Caesars Head and Desk Rock, which you’ll be able to entry alongside the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Freeway.
Late October into November is peak monarch butterfly migration season when 1000’s of those orange-and-black beauties cease by Lowcountry seashores to replenish with nectar; they like groundsel timber, a big shrub with stiff, spreading branches.
Key Occasions: South Carolina Jazz Festival, The Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens, Beaufort Shrimp Festival, South Carolina State Fair in Columbia
Convey your umbrella in November
The temps begin dipping into the 50s, with the potential of rain. Fall foliage continues within the Upstate.
Key Occasions: Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals in Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina Pecan Festival in Florence
Ring within the holidays in December
Because the temperatures cool – averaging within the mid-50s – the vacation season brings parades, vacation lights, and different festive occasions.
Key Occasions: Beaufort International Film Festival, Elgin Catfish Stomp, Holiday Lights on the River in Columbia
