Here's the best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina, plus other important tips to consider before planning a trip
- If you're planning to visit Charleston, it's important to be aware of local advisories.
- From current COVID-19 mandates to weather precautions, here's what to know before you arrive.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Charleston as much as any other city on the mainland of the United States. Advisories and mandates are constantly being reassessed and updated. As of publishing, the latest official update from the city of Charleston is that masks were only necessary inside city offices and buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
Here's a closer look at what you should know regarding these rules and regulations, as of publishing, plus tips on weather and the best time to visit.
COVID-19 rules
If you're arriving in Charleston from an international location, you must follow the US federal process for safe travel. This usually involves uploading vaccine card information to an authorized safe-travel app, but your airline's website or travel agent should know the latest rules. You should print out your test results and have a physical copy of your vaccination card upon arrival just in case you have to present them.
As noted, the only current rule in Charleston regarding the pandemic is that masks are only necessary inside city offices and buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
When to visit
Charleston has a humid, subtropical climate, which means relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. Average high and low temperatures are around 38 to 60-degrees Fahrenheit in January and around 74 to 90-degrees Fahrenheit in August.
Visiting in the summer months means that you should bring and apply sunscreen and make sure to stay hydrated. As for most destinations in the region, the city is vulnerable to hurricanes, and the official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. It's rare that Charleston takes a direct hit from major hurricanes, but check local weather forecasts before you travel so that you can be prepared for anything.
For the best accommodation deals, as well as increased availability, I like to visit in shoulder seasons like spring or fall, when the weather is still pleasant and there are slightly fewer crowds and less competition for properties.
If you're set on a summer trip to Charleston, plan to increase your budget or consider only staying midweek for lower rates.