When is the best time to visit Charleston?
 

Would like to start planning a first visit to Charleston, a city I know little about. No itinerary planned yet, but interested in lots of walking in a city I have heard is very beautiful. We don't mind cool weather but were wondering if spring and summer are prettier than winter.

In the summer the heat index can easily reach 120 degrees. The heat and humidity can make for the most miserable conditions. Adding to that we cool the insides of buildings to freezing.

January-April are the best times to visit. Fall is still very hot.

I went in the first week of March last spring and the weather was great. Warm enough to walk around, but not so warm I was uncomfortable.

The fall is actually pretty nice, although of course in the South weather can vary in the fall from very comfortable to quite warm. I would avoid May-September for heat. I have not yet been in the early spring, but I would guess this is the prettiest time because of all the flowers blooming. My prior experiences were in late May and mid-October.

Just wanted to add that while we having flowers, plants and trees blooming all year long, whenever the azaleas bloom is the best and prettiest time.

Azaleas can bloom anywhere from mid February (2002) until mid April. It is really impossible to pin down an exact time.

Listen to GoTravel..having been there during all seasons I'd opt for winter or early spring. Summers are ghastly hot and humid to enjoy walking around - I had friends whose shoes melted! It can get raw and chilly in the winter but Christmas is beautiful in Charleston and they can get some unexpectedly warm days in Dec and Jan. I'd say my favorite would be late Oct/Nov or March/April.

Thanks all, just the info I was looking for. Will try to make it early spring.

susan4, mid-March to late April rocks in Charleston. Love it then, with lots of flowers in bloom ... (You can seriously cook yourself in July & August!)

Late March-early April is Spring Festival time, with home, garden, and plantation tours. Great weather and lots of stuff blooming.

The Spring is the best. Make sure u take in the best free show in the city. Every Friday at 4:30 the Citadel has a parade of the Cadets. A good show of a military college.

March it is. Home tours sound wonderful. We once toured restored homes in Nashville that were hosted by the owners and learned so much about the city, past and present. Any idea on where to find schedules.
I assume the plantation and other touristy tour info is readily available. Thanks all.

We went in late May and it was absolutely gorgeous!! Temps. were upper 70's to low 80's - no humidity - just perfect!! If Charleston Chops is still there, by all means eat there - the best meal we've ever had in a restaurant anywhere!! Filet Oscar - I wanted to lick the plate clean!

The two weekends in March when they are having the annual Garden Club tour of homes and gardens. Here's the link -
http://www.charlestonlowcountry.com/...rden_Club.html

Click on the calendar of events link on the side of the page to see the other special events in Charleston.

Spring is absolutely the best time to see Savannah or Charleston and a tour that includes the "secret" gardens of the cities are absolutely incredible experiences.

Mid May to early June is the best time to see Charleston, in my opinion. The Spoleto arts festival happens then, it's warm enough to enjoy the beaches, but not yet hot enough to melt shoes. Temps are in the mid-80s. However, this is also peak tourist season, so crowds will be maximized.