In Charleston, we have four proper seasons, five if you want to count August and its humidity as its own. Even with the humidity, there’s no place like home.
While we love packing our bags and putting our timeshare to use to explore new destinations, we also look forward to our local annual events and plan our trips away around them. With each change of season, we get a chance to experience Charleston's magical charm all over again.
Here are the top things to do.
Spring In Charleston: Festivals, Flowers And Family Fun
Springtime brings the azaleas to full bloom and promises mild days and cool evenings. The first week in April is the busiest month for local events, and there is no shortage of things to do.
Flowertown Festival in Summerville
The town of Summerville hosts the Flowertown Festival, which is the largest craft festival on the East Coast. More than 100,000 people visit daily for the three-day weekend event.
Cooper River Bridge Run: World’s Largest 10K
You'll know them when you see them— the T-shirt gives these runners away. Local artists compete to design the T-shirt every year to be part of the largest 10K in the world. I'm proud to say that our family has participated in the Kids run or Bridge run every year for the past 18 years.
Run, walk or crawl across the bridge — just get over it as we locals like to say.
Lowcountry Food Festivals: Cajun, Strawberry and Grits
James Island County Parkhosts the annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival in April. Don’t worry if you can’t come until the middle of the month. It just means you’ll catch Boone Hall's annual Strawberry Festival instead.
If you like grits, make your way to St. George — just a 40-minute drive from Charleston. There you can enjoy the World Grits Festival, also in April.
We even have a rice festival. Drive to beautiful Walterboro, South Carolina, in June to enjoy the annual Rice Festival.
Summer In Charleston: Beaches, Boating And The Spoleto Festival
Folly Beach & Isle of Palms: Where to Cool Off
Summers in South Carolina will make you appreciate the comforts of air conditioning.
With all of the local water sources, we have plenty of options to cool off. Choose from lakes, rivers, creeks, sounds and, of course, the ocean — give "boat life" a try.
Boating Tips for Charleston’s Tides
Be sure to plan your boat day around the changing tides so you won't be stranded on a sand bar for hours.
If you'd rather stay on dry land while you enjoy the water, drive to one of our beaches and enjoy the sand between your toes for the day. Parking fills up early, so start the day early. Whether I dig my toes into the sand at Folly Beach, the “Edge of America" as it’s referred to by locals, or I drive over the scenic Cooper River Bridge, I love a good beach day.
Spoleto Festival USA: Charleston’s Performing Arts Gem
Spoleto Festival is a friendly reminder that summer is upon us. The event is one of America's major performing arts festivals and has run annually since 1977.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, Gian Carlo Menotti, started the festival after visiting the Festival Dei Due Mondi in Spoleto, Italy. This fun event showcases performances that all ages can appreciate. Churches, gardens, theaters and open spaces serve as the backdrop for the 17-day event.
Fall In Charleston: Halloween Events and Outdoor Adventures
I love the mild fall in the South; I chuckle when my husband tells stories of shoveling the driveway to leave for work when he lived in Wisconsin. He traded his snow skis in for water skis shortly after moving to South Carolina and never looked back.
I can even recall enjoying pumpkin patches and Halloween in shorts.
Lowcountry Halloween Festival for Families
If you do find yourself visiting during autumn, be sure to check out the Lowcountry Halloween Festival. Remember to bring your candy sacks and prepare to fill them to the brim.
The first visitors are guaranteed to get candy from the local businesses handing it out.
After the kids are sufficiently sugared, spend your time enjoying face painting, the petting zoo and other fun things to do.
Insider tip: Come dressed as a family for the opportunity to win a prize.
Once December rolls around, you’ll notice that you start feeling the chill in the air while the sun is up, and it's an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors.
Camping, Campfires and S’mores in the South
If you're an adventurous, outdoorsy family, the region is great for camping excursions this time of year.
However, chances are you’ll have to go a little north to feel the frost on your tent.
Winter In Charleston: Holiday Lights, Churches And Wildlife
As the new year nears, we’re praying for a snow day. The snowstorm of 2019 blanketed the Lowcountry with a whopping 5.3 inches of snow, so anything is possible.
Enjoy the cooler temperatures with these activities.
James Island Holiday Festival of Lights
James Island County Park hosts the fabulous Holiday Festival of Lights that runs from mid-November to December 31 and wows visitors of all ages with its millions of twinkling lights. The youngest travelers and kids at heart can also pay Santa a visit here.
Exploring Charleston’s Historic Churches in Winter
Winter is a great time to bundle up and appreciate other parts of the city. For example, you can admire the skyline, where you'll notice the church steeples standing tall. We have more than 400 churches, and our nickname is the "Holy City."
The city of Charleston has a long-standing ordinance stating that no structure can be taller than our tallest church steeple, which is Saint Matthew's Lutheran Church. Most importantly, in the Holy City, we love and respect each other's religious beliefs, and there are plenty of churches to explore.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: Nature and Conservation
If you're a lover of all things wildlife and nature, don't miss the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a three-day weekend event in February.
It brings together people of all ages, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists in the name of outdoor education and awareness. Exhibits cover everything from fine arts, conservation, sporting demonstrations and fundraising events to educate the public about local wildlife and how to protect the environment.
Read “6 Restaurants In Charleston To Try On Your Next South Carolina Getaway” for more Lowcountry vacation inspiration.
Key Takeaways by Season, and FAQs
What are the best things to do in Charleston, SC in spring?
Attend the Flowertown Festival, run the Cooper River Bridge 10K, and enjoy food festivals like the Cajun, Strawberry, and Grits festivals.
Are there family-friendly fall events in Charleston?
Yes, the Lowcountry Halloween Festival offers candy, costumes, and fun for all ages.
What winter events should I see in Charleston?
Visit the Holiday Festival of Lights, explore historic churches, and attend the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
When is the Spoleto Festival in Charleston?
It runs for 17 days in early summer and features performances in churches, gardens, and theaters.
Why is Charleston called the “Holy City”?
Because of its 400+ churches and a city ordinance that no building can be taller than the tallest church steeple.
What’s unique about Charleston’s seasons?
Locals joke that there are five seasons, counting August’s humidity as its own. Each season brings distinct festivals and outdoor experiences.
What summer activities are popular in Charleston?
Beach days at Folly Beach or Isle of Palms, boating, and attending the Spoleto Festival USA.