Charleston in Springtime

Charleston springs offer relatively mild weather (not too hot and not too cold), opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and annual festivals.

Between the months of March and May, the flowers and plants bloom — and you can even take  tours of Charleston’s gardens.

This is also the perfect time to enjoy Lowcountry cuisine, as many restaurants begin to open their patios and rooftops.

If you’re planning on visiting Charleston in March, April, or May, here is everything you’ll need to know to plan your trip.

Charleston Weather in the Spring 

The weather in Charleston stays much warmer in the winter than in most of the U.S. 

And Charleston springs bring some even better weather — perfect for enjoying some outdoor activities. If you happen to visit us this spring, we recommend booking a walking tour, eating at a rooftop bar or restaurant, or exploring Charleston by boat or horse-drawn carriage. 

Here in Charleston, we see some pretty wonderful weather in the spring. You’ll see highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 50s here from March through May.

In March, highs are in the mid-60s; in April, highs rise to the upper 60s; and in May, you may even see some highs in the upper 70s/low 80s. 

The best part? It hardly rains during spring in Charleston. On average, we see about five days of rainfall per month. 

That means you can enjoy outdoor activities in the Holy City in the spring. That’s why we’ve included some of our favorite Charleston outdoor activities on this list. 

Find out what to wear in Charleston in the spring so you don’t pack clothes that are too heavy or too light.

Charleston Spring Festivals and Events

Charleston is home to dozens of outdoor festivals and events each year. Just a few of the things we’re excited about in Charleston this spring include the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, the Highwater Festival, and Easter Weekend festivities.

Many of these events were canceled in previous years, so this year we expect organizers to go all out!

Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens

The Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens takes place each year in March in April. There’s no way we would give up the opportunity to check out some of the most elegantly designed homes in the South!

If you visit during the festival, you’ll get the opportunity to tour some of the city’s most iconic privately owned homes and gardens. Learn about different architectural styles and the history of the city’s famous families. 

Highwater Festival

The Highwater Festival is officially back! This two-day festival gathers together some of the best musicians and restaurants in the Lowcountry. 

This year’s musical headliners include Jack White and Modest Mouse. There will be plenty of good eats and libations, provided by some of the most popular restaurants in Charleston.  

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend is one of the most popular weekends to visit Charleston. 

Each spring, the city organizes an Easter egg hunt for the little ones, and the annual Easter parade will be held at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. 

Top 5 Things to Do in Charleston in the Spring

Spring in Charleston is one of the few seasons when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, so it’s the perfect time to visit if you want to enjoy outdoor activities.

It’s also a rare time when you can watch all the plants and flowers bloom, so you should visit in the spring if you’re a lover of horticulture.

Here are our top five things to do in Charleston in Springtime.

1. Watch Lowcountry Plants and Flowers Bloom

Charleston is known for being home to some of the prettiest streets in the nation. 

You’ll get to stroll down cobblestone streets, back alleyways and passages, and pass by some of the most stunning candy-colored structures. 

And to top it all off? Spring is when Charleston blooms. You’ll find some of the most picture-perfect flowers coming to life in March, April, and May, including wisteria and jasmine. These beautiful blooms grow gracefully up trellises, along fences, and on the porches of some of the most famous homes in the city. 

You’ll be able to spy on some of the city’s most eye-catching flora on any of our historic walking tours.  

2. Take a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to see the city is on foot. And one of the most engaging ways to walk through Charleston? By guided tour. 

Yes, we’re a little bit biased, but we happen to think that walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know a city. Not only will you get a tour of some of the most iconic and interesting spots in Charleston, but you’ll also get the inside scoop on all the stories you would never have known about without your trusted guide. 

If you want to enjoy the weather during spring in Charleston, we recommend our Charleston Alleys and Hidden Passages tour. 

3. Eat Al Fresco at Charleston’s Outdoor Restaurants

In Charleston, we’re practically surrounded by water. Pair that with a temperate climate, and you get a recipe for dining al fresco. 

Charleston is full of rooftop bars and restaurants that overlook our many waterways, bridges, and historic structures. Some of our favorite Charleston rooftop bars and restaurants include:

• Pavilion Bar
• Stars Rooftop Bar and Grill
• Rooftop at the Vendue
• Eleve

Just to name a few!

4. Take a Boat Ride in the Charleston Harbor

Another great way to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather is by boat. And with so much water surrounding Charleston, a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery (and to get around) is by boat.

Charleston makes it really easy to enjoy the city by boat — regardless of your budget. 

The Charleston Water Taxi stops at the Charleston Waterfront/Marina, Patriot’s Point, and the Waterfront Park. It’s a great way to see the city from the water and an easy way to get across the Cooper River to Patriot’s Point. 

If you want to spend some more time on the water, you can always charter a fishing boat or a sailboat for the day. Or, you can DIY your Charleston boating adventure by renting a kayak, paddleboat, or canoe. 

5. Take a Horse and Carriage Ride

A horse-drawn carriage ride is one of the most iconic activities in Charleston. And what better time of year to take one than in Charleston in the spring? 

Take a private or group carriage ride with our partner, Carolina Polo & Carriage Co.

Springtime in Charleston is a magical time. Not only can you enjoy the mild weather, but you’ll also get a chance to see the flowers bloom. Since there are tons of festivals and events going on, there are plenty of reasons to visit.

What are your favorite reasons to visit the Holy City in the spring?