Charleston climate
Charleston enjoys a wonderful climate, designated as temperate to subtropical. March to May are lovely months with spring flowers blooming profusely. June-August are pleasantly warm, the area's coastal situation helping to keep things cooler than inland. It is also the wettest time of year with almost half the annual rainfall occurring during summer, falling as showers or in thunderstorms. September, October and November are still warm months but cold spells will start making an appearance. This time of year is also hurricane season. Winter is short and mild, settling in by December and easing up by February, sometimes rainy and with occasional snow flurries in early January.
When to fly to Charleston
Peak Season:
The best time to book flights to Charleston and explore the city is during March, April and May. The city is in bloom, the weather is warm and rarely is there a rainy day. The summer months are usually packed with vacationers, but the threat of thunderstorms lingers during the day.
Off Season:
In the final months of the year most Charleston flights are cheaper and hotel rooms are discounted. The threat of hurricanes is apparent from August to November. Winter is chilly, but not freezing. If you don't mind sweaters and jackets, you can likely find a cheap flight to Charleston during October and November.
Getting around Charleston
Charleston is a fairly small city, so it’s easy to wander around on foot. If you’re travelling to plantations or other sites outside the city, your best option is renting a car. For travel within the city, you can take a bus almost anywhere. Fares are inexpensive. The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) trolley buses cover central downtown Charleston for free. Or you can head out in style by taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage. If you need a taxi, you’ll have to call for one ahead of time.
Charleston insider information
- Charleston is full of historic homes. Take a walking tour and explore the Aiken-Rhett House, Edmondston-Alston House, Heyward-Washington House, Joseph Manigault House and the Nathaniel Russell House. Grab a brochure from the visitor's center so that you have some background on each of these historic homes.
- Plantations are abundant in Charleston. Take a day trip to one of the plantations and gardens and enjoy the moss trees, pick-your-own-crops, woodworking and more.