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Best time to visit

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If you are looking for the best time to visit South Carolina, consider March through May, or September through October. Warm spring weather and longer days are just right for famous events like the Myrtle Beach Bike Week! But early fall’s mild temps and beautiful foliage are also very tempting. Come in October for the South Carolina State Fair, and add on some extras—the Palmetto State offers great hiking and fishing! “Shoulder season” (spring and fall) is also a pearl for budget tourists. If you choose to visit in summer, keep in mind that June through August are the peak of the heat and humidity, and you will be in the Deep South. To beat the heat, head to Charleston, Grand Strand, or Hilton Head to chill by the "big water" and enjoy those ocean breezes. The Carolina Country Music Festival, which takes place in June, is an event not to miss. Temperatures dramatically drop between December and February, and the coolest conditions can be found in the higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But if you don't mind wintery weather, you’ll find the best prices with the least crowds.

31 things to do in South Carolina

Lake Jocassee

all year round Activity

One of the best nature spots in South Carolina with boat-in camping

South Carolina State Fair

October 9-20, 2024 Event

Twelve days of diverse exhibits, exciting competitions, rides, and premiere entertainment

Carolina Country Music Fest

June 6-9, 2024 Event

A great combination of beach fun and country music

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

November 1–December 31, 2024 Event

The most famous holiday show of the South with a mix of Christmas music and Yuletide comedy

Carolina Panthers Fan Fest

August 1, 2024 Event

One of the favourite football fan events in Charlotte

Myrtle Beach Bike Week

May 10–19, 2024 | September 30–October 6, 2024 Event

The first-rate African American motorcycle rally in the U.S.

Christmas Lights in South Carolina

mid-November–early January Event

The largest displays of holiday spirit in the state

James Island Holiday Festival of Lights

November 10–December 31 Event

A dazzling holiday destination near Charleston

4th of July in Myrtle Beach

July 4, 2024 Event

Myrtle Beach area offers a variety of events to celebrate the Independence Day

Congaree Fireflies

mid-May–mid-June Nature

Magic is in the air when thousands of synchronous fireflies light up the dark forest

Christmas Lights in Myrtle Beach

late November–early January Event

Add a sparkle to your Myrtle Beach holiday vacation

Christmas Events in Charleston

early to mid-December Event

A magical season full of events and activities

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

South Carolina Fall Foliage

late October–early November Nature

Discover top leaf-peeping spots of Upstate South Carolina

Halloween

late October Event

The cobblestone streets of Charleston, dating back to the 1670s, are a perfect backdrop for frights and scares

Balloons Over Anderson

September 1–4, 2023 Event

Bring the family and enjoy hot air balloons and food vendors throughout a weekend in September

South Carolina Carnival

June 6-9, 2024 Event

Get covered in paint at this festival of color

Hummingbirds

April–October Nature

About half a dozen hummingbirds species visit South Carolina

Charleston 4th of July Fireworks, Events & Festivals

June 22–July 4, 2024 Event

One of the best cities in the world dresses up in red, white and blue

Piedmont Interstate Fair

October 8-13, 2024 Event

A large agricultural fair in Spartanburg with plenty of entertainment for the whole family

Orangeburg County Fair

October 1-6, 2024 Event

Plan your fall with this street fair in mind

South Carolina Pecan Music & Food Festival

November 2, 2024 Event

After visiting this festival, you'll fall in love with pecans!

Hot Air Affair

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

The annual balloon festival, which benefits a cancer charity

MCAS Beaufort Air Show

May 11-12, 2024 Event

Get acquainted with the aero world at one of America's finest aviation shows

Upstate Renaissance Faire

September 6–7, 2024 Event

Celebrate adventure and pageantry at this new medieval festival

Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival

April 27, 2024 Event

A free, family-friendly event in the larger Columbia area

Charleston Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 25–27, 2024 Event

The long weekend is jam-packed with theater, live music, and plenty of entertainment for all ages

Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Weekend Parade and Events

May 24–27, 2024 Event

Spend Memorial Day Weekend on a sunny beach and enjoy great events

Artisphere

May 9–11, 2025 Event

A free festival with over 100 artists' stalls, hands-on art exhibits and demonstrations

Greenville Country Music Fest

October 18–20, 2024 Event

A 3-day celebration for country music lovers

Best Beaches in Savannah

May–October Nature

Discover some of the top beach escapes of the southeastern U.S.

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