I'm looking to go to Charleston with my husband sometime in February or March for about a week. We're from WI so this should be warm enough weather for us. What I'm not sure is when to go. I've read that at the end of March everything is blooming there. I'm concerned though that with the Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens Charleston will be crowded. I'd probably prefer to go at the end of March if the weather is milder and things are in bloom but I don't want to go when the city is too busy.

I'm sure that the Festival of Houses and Gardens is wonderful but don't want to be there if the city is too crowded. What do you think?

Also, what area should I plan to stay? We'll probably be there about a week so I was thinking of possibly staying in Charleston for part of the week (maybe 3-4 days) and then maybe going to stay on one of the islands for the rest of the time, just wasn't sure if it was worth moving or if we should stay in one location. I really enjoy nature and think that I would like staying on one of the smaller islands near the water.

mid-late March. If there is any chance you will be making a side trip to Savannah, do not go there weekend prior to St. Patrick's Day thru 3/18 - expensive and unavailable hotels and a big drunken, congested street party when you get there - fun if you are a male age 18-24, hideous if outside that demographic.

Charleston is ALWAYS crowded. There is no longer a peak season in Charleston as it is busy all year long. Pick whatever dates are best for you.

Because the ocean temps don't get cold in Charleston, it stays balmy all year long. Even if the air temp is 55, it will feel much warmer.

The weather isn't going to be much different in February or March.

Stay downtown in the historic district. While the islands are nice, there isn't much to see. You can spend your whole week downtown and still will not see everything.

I agree with GoT ... I would stay the whole week in the historic district; also, do a house & garden tour! Charleston is fabulous ... I think mid-March is usually one of the best times to go. The azaleas should be blazing and gorgeous!

I've been in Charleston during the October home tour season and the March home tour season, as well as December and June, multiple times. I don't think that there will be big enough crowds in March to deter your enjoyment of the city. In my opinion, the main difference you will run into is hotel prices. For example, I checked the last week of February versus the last week of March on Orbitz and the Andrew Pinckney Inn (which is a good value place) jumps from $119 a night to $201 a night. The Harbour View Inn jumps from $193 to $264. That being said, I think that March is a prettier time to be there, because there are more plants in bloom.

I agree with the other posters who suggest staying downtown the entire time, especially if this is your first trip to Charleston. There is so much to see in the historic district and it is a great base for visiting the islands and the plantations. If you want to drive out to Sullivan's Island, it is just 15-20 minutes from downtown.

I agree. Mid to late March is best!

You could try Priceline to reserve a hotel in February or March. Just remember that once your bid is accepted, you cannot change or cancel.

I bid on Priceline for a 3* hotel in the downtown area of Charleston and I received the Mills House for $100 per night.

We are staying in Charleston for 1 week in mid March.



Laurie

Thank you all for your feedback. I think that mid-late March is probably what I'm planning on.

Just so you know that the flowers can bloom anytime down here.

Mine have bloomed as early as early February and as late as early April.

Personally I'd go in February when it is a little cheaper.

Avoid the end of March because of the Bridge Run. You will not find a hotel for under $400 per night.

Jumping back in to say that GoT is SO RIGHT about when the flowers will bloom. You try to *time* your trip for the best blooms; sometimes you hit it, sometimes you're a bit early or late. Same thing when people ask for the best dates to see Fall foliage in the North Carolina mountains ... Nature can't be guaranteed!

I've never visited Charleston ANY TIME that I wasn't supremely happy ...

I suppose that it makes sense that depending on the weather and the season the time of the flowers blooming with vary. I'm sure as several of you have stated I will be happy no matter what time I go. I was originally thinking that maybe I would go near the end of March, maybe March 21-28 but I'm thinking that with GoTravel's comments about the Bridge Run that maybe I'll move it up a week or two.

I'm thinking that it's not important for me to be there for the Festival of Houses because I've never seen any of Charleston I'm not likely to do much around this Festival anyway.

I think your original dates of Mar. 21-28 are fine. The Cooper River Bridge Run is April 4, which is the following weekend, so I don't think that will interfere with the time that you want to be there.

GoTravel - that's encouraging about the weather. I was thinking to go in late April, since my Toronto bones might still need some thawing out and it seemed like a nice time for my first trip to Charleston, but I noticed a three-day bear-market package at the Planter's Inn for $200 a night until the end of February. That would be a cheaper way to stay in a nice hotel, and I'll definitely want to get out of our winter at that point. You'd say the late February weather is warm enough for a Canadian? Shirtsleeves in the day and a light jacket a night? Thanks for your generous help!

jlbartley,
We are trying to make the same decision (feb or march) from MN. Where are you flying into? Believe it or not, I'm finding it impossible to find a direct flight into Charleston. Txs.

When you say "direct" flight, do you mean non-stop? If so, the closest non-stop you're likely to get is to Charlotte, which is still at least a 3 hour drive away. Columbia, SC would be closer, but I doubt there are non-stops available.

For anyone in New England, Delta flies non-stop from Boston to Chareleston.

I would like to suggest if you are coming to Charleston for the flowers/gardens a great read is "Mrs Whaley's Charleston Garden". Makes the whole Charleston experience even more extraordinary.

Scratch the non-stop from Boston to Charleston.

I was just checking flights for myself and Delta doesn't have the non-stop for this route any longer.