Charleston In Winter
Much of the winter period of December through February is the off season in Charleston, with January through early February in particular being one of the least popular times of the year to visit the city.
The reason, for the most part, is the weather. Although Charleston seldom really gets cold, the winter months can be decidedly cooler than the more favored seasons of spring and fall.
To some extent, however, whether or not Charleston is an acceptable wintertime vacation destination hinges on where in the country (or world) you are coming from.
Although many southerners find Charleston’s winter weather too unreliable for a vacation, visitors from cooler climes are often delighted with South Carolina’s sun and comparative warmth, especially in December and February.
Winter being the less popular time of year to visit Charleston (with the exception of the holiday season through to the New Year), you can also enjoy the city at its least crowded, and with a better chance of finding a good deal on flights and accommodation too.
See also:
– Charleston festivals
– Things to do in Charleston
– Things to do near Charleston
– Farmers markets and holiday markets in the Charleston area
Winter Weather In Charleston
Winters in Charleston are generally mild, with maximum daytime temperatures averaging around 60°F (15°C) from December through February, which can make for pleasantly warm days when the sun is out. Average lows through the season are around 40°F (5°C); snow is rare.
Winter, however, is one of the more variable times of year in Charleston with regard to the day-to-day temperature, which can make for difficulties deciding what to bring! It is generally best to check the forecast immediately before you travel and pack accordingly, remembering that evenings will usually be cool.
Although the average daily maximum temperature through winter is in the 50s to 60s, on any given day it can easily dip down into the 40s or alternatively, rise (especially in December and February) into the 70s. Maximum wintertime temperatures of 80°F are not unheard of.
Winter visitors to Charleston can expect cloudy weather around half the time. Rain too is a definite possibility in Charleston year-round, with the winter period falling between the summertime rainfall peak and the fall low and averaging around 3 inches or so per month.
→ More about Charleston’s weather in December, January and February
Ideal Winter Activities
If you are visiting in December, there will be plenty of holiday-themed things to do in Charleston throughout the month, from lights shows to holiday-themed concerts and performances, special festive events at local attractions, and so on.
Shopping is also a favorite holiday season activity in Charleston, which offers a large range of shops from big chain stores to small boutiques selling fashion, local crafts, art and more.
For visitors from colder climates, many days of the South Carolina lowcountry winter will seem pleasantly warm, with outdoor sightseeing and activities not at all out of the question.
For the less hardy visitor, this can be an ideal time of year to explore Charleston’s many museums and historic homes, which will generally be less crowded outside of the most popular tourist seasons of spring and fall.
A highlight of Charleston’s winter sightseeing is the beautiful camellia gardens at Magnolia and Middleton Plantations. Magnolia Plantation’s collection in particular is considered to be among the best in the country, with many different cultivars and varieties that flower at different times all through winter.
Winter Festivals & Events In Charleston
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is one of Charleston’s most popular food-related events, held in January at nearby Boone Hall Plantation.
Several holiday lights shows are also held each year, of which the biggest is the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island. The Holiday Parade of Boats is another popular holiday lights event, held in the Charleston Harbor.
Other winter events include the Charleston Jazz Festival and the Charleston Marathon, but for the most part festival organizers prefer to plan their events around the warmer weather of spring and fall.
See also: festivals and events in Charleston in –
Planning A Winter Visit To Charleston
January and February are the off-season in Charleston. The city is never a cheap destination, but at this time of year it is usually possible to save a little on accommodation. Look out for special package deals at some hotels, offering tours or other activities included with your reservation.
The same is not true in December, when Charleston’s excellent shopping, holiday lights and other seasonal festivities attract a large number of visitors to the city. December visitors looking to save money and avoid the crowds should consider a mid-week rather than a weekend visit, when the chance of finding cheaper accommodation is higher.
The days around Valentine’s Day are another period to avoid if you are on a budget, as Charleston – considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the United States – is very popular at this time.
The downside to a winter visit, to be balanced against the saving on travel and accommodation costs, is that if your trip coincides with a run of rainy or colder weather, it can be harder to come up with free or cheap outdoor activities, and opportunities for budget-friendly picnics may likewise be few. Daylight hours are also much shorter.