May in Charleston is marked by warm, sunny weather and a vibrant atmosphere, making it one of the best times of year to experience the city.
The weather in May is ideal for those who enjoy the heat, with average daily high temperatures in the low 80s, often reaching the 90s on particularly hot 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 2027
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
– ArtWalk, May 7 2027
Monthly first Friday art walks in downtown Charleston galleries. More details
– Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays April through November 2027
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 2027
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 2027
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 2027
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
→ See June events