South Carolina

Best time to visit South Carolina

The best time to visit South Carolina depends largely on your own preferences for a holiday.

Spring (March to May) has mild and comfortable temperatures, blooming flowers (especially in Charleston's gardens), and a plethora of festivals. This is arguably the most ideal time for exploring historic cities like Charleston, visiting plantations, and enjoying outdoor activities before the intense summer heat sets in. Tornado season peaks in early spring, so it's good to be aware of weather forecasts.

Autumn (September to November) sees decreasing humidity and temperatures, making it very pleasant for outdoor exploration. The foliage in the upstate mountainous region is stunning, particularly in October. It's important to note that hurricane season runs from June to November, with a peak between August and October. While storms are not a daily occurrence, it's essential to monitor weather forecasts and have a flexible plan during this period.

Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach vacations and water activities. Coastal areas like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island offer plenty of family-friendly attractions. However, this is peak tourist season, especially July and August so expect crowded attractions as well as high temperatures, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms.

Winter (December to February) is the least crowded time, offering the best deals on accommodation and a more relaxed pace. Winters are relatively mild, especially along the coast, making it suitable for exploring historic sites without the heat.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your priorities for your holiday.

Discover South Carolina

South Carolina borders Georgia on its western side, and the state is perhaps best known for the lure of its miles of beaches. Stretching from Georgetown to beyond Savannah in Georgia, the remote islands of the Lowcountry are semi-tropical in climate and certainly exotic in culture. Sand dunes,  oak trees draped with Spanish moss and glittering lagoons make up the natural beauty, while the beauty of this area’s culture lies in its rich history.

Perched on the coast, South Carolina’s first capital, Charleston is one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities and is overflowing with charm, beautifully preserved architecture and true southern hospitality. Further north the 60 miles of shimmering sands in Myrtle Beach are perfect for families with dolphin spotting and an iconic boardwalk with a wide choice of shops and restaurants. The exclusive island of Hilton Head has remote wilderness,  soft powder sand beaches and an air of sophistication about it. Both resorts offer plenty of watersports, and some of the best golf courses in the country.

Highlights of South Carolina

What is South Carolina famous for?

• Charleston
• Hilton Head Island
• Myrtle Beach

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

Charleston

Beautiful, sophisticated and timeless, Charleston is the quintessential Southern city. Hazy with the heady scent of azaleas and magnolia, Charleston is the place to head for tours of elegant antebellum houses. Despite its somewhat chequered and often tragic past, the city is where the first shot of the Civil War was fired and today the city is not only a historical mecca but also a bubbling, dynamic cultural centre existing firmly in the present. Take an authentic horse and carriage ride around the city, or simply go for a stroll, Charleston is very walkable.

Top spots to visit are ‘The Battery’ – the waterfront promenade and the nearby grand colourful Georgian houses on Rainbow Row which look out on to the water. Shop for souvenirs and local crafts at the bustling Charleston City Market, one of the oldest markets in the USA or enjoy the upscale shops and restaurants on King Street. Take a tour or drive out to Charleston’s charming historic mansions including Boone Hall and its colourful gardens and impressive oak-lined driveway and Middleton Place that boasts America’s oldest landscaped gardens.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is South Carolina’s premier beach resort destination, located just 30 minutes’ drive from Savannah, Georgia, it is the perfect place to visit when driving between Savannah and Charleston. Popular with locals and families, the many reasons why people choose to holiday in Hilton Head are its pristine soft sandy beaches, world-class golf courses, spas, water activities including sailing and kayaking and good selection of restaurants. Being a barrier island, it feels to visitors as if you’re staying on a remote outpost with an exclusive feel to it. In addition to its beautiful scenery the island is home to deer, alligators and birds and there are cruises available that go in search of dolphins.

Myrtle Beach

Boasting 60 miles of coastline, two state parks, water and amusement parks, Myrtle Beach is a busy beach resort with plenty of things to do. Great fun for all the family, the biggest draw is its golden sands and warm waters that offer an abundant of watersports – everything from parasailing to jetboating and even dolphin cruises. The popular SkyWheel offers breathtaking views of the beach and the city, which is located on ‘The Boardwalk’, a 1.2-mile colourful promenade lined with numerous shops and restaurants. For a bit of escapism head to Myrtle Beach State Park to spot birdlife, go on nature trails or relax on its golden sands.