Roadtrip in the South. Help on when to go!

Old Jul 28th, 2015, 10:58 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Roadtrip in the South. Help on when to go!

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to the south. Not 100% on the states but we are thinking Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Georgia and maybe Mississippi and Alabama. The part that is holding us up is when to go. We can't figure out when the best time would be. We are deciding between Sept or Oct. I like the heat more then the cold and humidity doesn't bother me. My husband likes it a little cooler but is willing to go whenever. What I am looking for is hot but not too hot that we can't function. I want to experience the south the way I see it in my head, humid with a mint julep in my my hand. But at the same time I don't want to be so hot that I can't muster up the energy to do anything but also I am afraid if we wait until October that it will be too cold.
Does anyone have any idea if it is still nice out in October? I think I read that hurricane season goes up till September but I could be wrong.
Help I need suggestions from someone who either lives there or has visited during these times.

Thank you so much in advance.
Robinbird is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 02:38 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Only you can decide on what "good" hot is for you. Check out weather.com for averages and you can decide.

For me - no hot is good and I have found NO to be too hot in Feb and in Nov. FL was not so bad in early March but I definitely wouldn't want it any hotter.

Have been to Atlanta several times at different times of year - but business so didn't really go outdoors except for a few minutes. And haven't tried the other states you mention.

But I am heat averse and can't really deal with anything much more than 72. Perhaps you will love Sept or Oct.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 03:08 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
October. After the 15th.

I lived in Mississippi, Florida, both the Carolinas, and Virginia. Oh, Tennessee as well.

Only in Tennessee or in the mountains elsewhere would you be likely to have a chilly morning (60 F).

The further into October, the less likelihood of hurricanes.
Ackislander is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 03:32 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wouldn't worry so much about hurricanes, but who knows. Fall in the south is a beautiful time--October at the beach (SC/NC) is our very favorite time.
I think "humidity" is much over used--you are on a vacation.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 04:25 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 58,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
October is my favorite month in the south (heck, in most parts of the country).
JanetKMR is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 04:32 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Heat, humidity, and potential for hurricanes extends through September. I think as late in October as you can go would be lovely.
Definitely come to Charleston and I would also recommend Asheville, NC. Mid-October there is GORGEOUS (but busy).
Have fun!
lantana is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 06:37 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 58,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with the recommendation of Charleston in October. It is a great time to be there.
JanetKMR is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 07:18 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Atlantic hurricane season runs all the way through November, with September being statistically the most active month.

That said, I don't really think you should plan based on that, because you never know when or if a hurricane will arise.

I also agree that you will not be too cold in October, or cold at all! Choose the date that works best for you in that time frame.

I'd choose later in September or earlier in October, for heat with lower rain chances.
NewbE is offline  
Old Jul 29th, 2015, 12:04 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you're specifically looking for hot, I'd go in September, but either will probably be great. In no way will it be too cold during the day in early to mid-October, unless you're in the mountains and it's a real cold snap; depending on how late you go, where you go and your personal tolerance, the nights might start to get a tad chilly. (But as Lariana mentioned, if you pick October and want to include the Smokies or Blue Ridge mountains, go ahead and book now - that's one of the most popular times to visit there.)
jent103 is offline  
Old Jul 30th, 2015, 04:40 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Last two weeks in October for cooler temps (not cold but possibly sweater-weather) and fall foliage.
crckwc1 is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 07:56 AM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all so much! I guess what I am really looking for is to have it on the warmer side. I would prefer to go late sept but my husband was offered a 2 day job right smack on sept 25th and 26th that would give us a chunk of money that we could use on the trip. I personally would rather have warm weather then more money but I know he wants the money ha! If it is chilly in October then I would talk him into not doing the job just for tank top weather.
Robinbird is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 08:13 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Depending on where you're from and what you're used to, early October could still be quite warm to you, especially as far south as you're thinking about going. I'm in Nashville and the average high here in early October is mid-70s; further south it'll obviously be even warmer, on average. I'd plan on leaving a day or two after his job is done, and I think you'll have a great time.

www.wunderground.com has monthly averages for whatever location you pick - look under the Almanac section.
jent103 is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 08:47 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What is "hot"? If you're from Scotland, the southern US may be hot until November.

I'd go in October. Fall weather in the South is still pretty warm, and fall colors will be starting in mid-month. And you should try to go to a major college football game, those are fun.
BigRuss is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 08:57 AM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We are from Los Angeles.
Robinbird is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 09:39 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you are from Los Angeles you will most likely hate hot in the South. It might seem romantic to be sitting on a porch fanning yourself while drinking a mint julep, but in the summer you will just be a hot sweaty mess. Plus, nobody really does that except in the movies. Everything inside is full blast air conditioned, which I find just as uncomfortable as the humidity. October is by far the best month in the South. Grew up in the deep south and now live in California.
AustinTraveler is offline  
Old Jul 31st, 2015, 09:50 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Guys, c'mon. It will be absolutely delightful in October. In the south it can be 75* on Christmas Day--and humid.
And if anyone has been in NYC in the summer they might recognize "humid". On any given day it can be delightful, or very hot but you don't need to be a hot sweaty mess. This is silly.
Today the humidity is delightful--very little. yesterday, not so much.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Aug 4th, 2015, 11:26 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
October. It should still be warm enough for you without being too sticky humid. As Gretchen says, it could be quite warm up through Christmas--or it might not, but October is usually the best.
dwdvagamundo is offline  
Old Aug 7th, 2015, 04:34 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For a touch of southern heat, I would go in September. As others have said, October is really nice too but will probably be a more mellow kind of warm.
jayne1973 is offline  
Old Aug 8th, 2015, 12:06 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,971
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
October is beautiful in SC.
Sassafrass is online now  
Old Aug 8th, 2015, 03:56 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I suggest driving parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway (suggested drive includes the Viaduct around Grandfather Mountain in Linville, NC) around October 15, which is give or take the prime time leaf-watching best time. Mornings and evenings you may need a jacket, but the days are fine, with the bluest of skies...the area known as the "High Country" in NC is all beautiful.
rth15 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
laslaff
United States
9
Jun 25th, 2006 10:13 AM
hortonrn
United States
16
Jun 19th, 2006 09:07 AM
Cali
United States
4
Aug 15th, 2003 10:07 AM
beachlover99
United States
4
May 2nd, 2003 12:34 PM
lori
United States
7
Aug 30th, 2002 05:21 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -