Charleston in May is very warm, sunny and typically vibrant, and this is one of the best times of year to visit the city.
May weather is perfect if you don’t mind some heat. The average daily high temperature in May is in the low 80s, with highs frequently getting into the 90s on the hottest days.
The biggest Charleston events in May are the Spoleto Festival and its cousin, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, both beginning over the Memorial Day weekend, and the North Charleston Arts Fest, usually held at the start of the month.
Other May events in Charleston include the Charleston Greek Festival, special Mother’s Day events, Charleston’s popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, spring events at local attractions, races, plus other food, arts and music events, and the ongoing selection of concerts and performances at the city’s arts venues.
Things to do in Charleston in May are abundant and varied. This is a great time for outdoor sightseeing, activities and attractions — parks, historic cemeteries, plantations, visits to nearby Morris Island and its lighthouse, kayak tours of scenic Shem Creek, and other natural and historic sights near the city.
Many May days are hot enough for the beach, with the several beaches near Charleston attracting plenty of visitors on sunny weekends. Historic house tours and local museums are a draw year-round, and there is also a wide range of historical tours, focused on topics such as Black history, Charleston’s ghosts and folklore or its food culture.
Interested in a specific type of event? See Charleston’s calendars of upcoming:
– Concerts
– Comedy shows
– Musicals
– Food festivals
– Farmers markets
See also:
– Free things to do in Charleston
– Things to do in Charleston
– Charleston’s biggest festivals
!Event dates, venue and other details can change at short notice. Please check all information at the official website before making plans to attend an event.
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2023
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– AtomaCon, May 4-5 2024
Science fiction, fantasy and paranormal culture convention at the SC Aeronautical Training Center at Trident Technical College. More details
– Stomp, May 10-11 2024
Concert at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2023
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2023
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Symphony in Red White and Blue, May 18 2024
Concert at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. More details
– Spoleto Festival USA, May 24 - June 9 2024
Huge annual arts festival featuring 100+ performances across the city. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2023
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
– Needtobreathe – The Caves World Tour with Judah & The Lion, May 25 2024
Concert at the Credit One Stadium. More details
– Spoleto Festival USA, May 24 - June 9 2024
Huge annual arts festival featuring 100+ performances across the city. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2023
Very popular weekly farmers market in Marion Square, with produce, prepared foods and other goods from local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances. More details
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