Best time to visit South Carolina

+37
South Carolina

Best time of year to visit South Carolina

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.

6 THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH CAROLINA (JUNE 06 - JUNE 15)

South Carolina Carnival

South Carolina Carnival

June 6-9, 2024 • event

Get covered in paint at this festival of color

Carolina Country Music Fest

Carolina Country Music Fest

June 6-9, 2024 • event

A great combination of beach fun and country music

Congaree Fireflies

Congaree Fireflies

mid-May–mid-June • nature

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

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds

April–October • nature

About half a dozen hummingbirds species visit South Carolina

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

April–September • nature

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

Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee

all year round • activity

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

21 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

South Carolina State Fair

South Carolina State Fair

out of rangeOctober 11–22, 2023 • event

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

Myrtle Beach Bike Week

Myrtle Beach Bike Week

out of rangeMay 12–21, 2023 | October 2–8, 2023 • event

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

Balloons Over Anderson

Balloons Over Anderson

overSeptember 1–4, 2023 • event

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

South Carolina Fall Foliage

South Carolina Fall Foliage

out of rangelate October–early November • nature

Discover top leaf-peeping spots of Upstate South Carolina

4th of July in Myrtle Beach

4th of July in Myrtle Beach

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

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

Hot Air Affair

Hot Air Affair

out of rangeAugust 30–September 2, 2024 • event

The annual balloon festival, which benefits a cancer charity

MCAS Beaufort Air Show

MCAS Beaufort Air Show

out of rangeMay 11-12, 2024 • event

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

Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

The largest displays of holiday spirit in the state

Christmas Events in Charleston

Christmas Events in Charleston

out of rangeearly to mid-December • event

A magical season full of events and activities

Charleston 4th of July Events and Fireworks

Charleston 4th of July Events and Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

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

James Island Holiday Festival of Lights

James Island Holiday Festival of Lights

out of rangeNovember 10–December 31 • event

A dazzling holiday destination near Charleston

South Carolina Pecan Music & Food Festival

South Carolina Pecan Music & Food Festival

out of rangeNovember 2, 2024 • event

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

Upstate Renaissance Faire

Upstate Renaissance Faire

out of rangeSeptember 6–7, 2024 • event

Celebrate adventure and pageantry at this new medieval festival

Christmas Lights in Myrtle Beach

Christmas Lights in Myrtle Beach

out of rangelate November–early January • event

Add a sparkle to your Myrtle Beach holiday vacation

Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival & Polo Match

Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival & Polo Match

overNovember 7, 2021 • event

The combination of balloon rides and equestrian competitions

Orangeburg County Fair

Orangeburg County Fair

out of rangeOctober 2–8, 2023 • event

Plan your fall with this street fair in mind

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate October • event

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

Piedmont Interstate Fair

Piedmont Interstate Fair

out of rangeOctober 10–15, 2023 • event

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

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

The Carolina Opry Christmas Special

out of rangeNovember 1, 2022–January 1, 2023 • event

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

Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival

Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival

out of rangeApril 27, 2024 • event

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

Charleston Memorial Day Weekend Events

Charleston Memorial Day Weekend Events

out of rangeMay 25–27, 2024 • event

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

Last updated: