When it comes to beautiful US destinations in the fall, Charleston is an absolute gem. The air may feel cool to locals, but travelers from colder climates will find the weather perfect for strolling around. As a northerner from chilly Ohio, I loved the Lowcountry sweater weather.
It may not have the traditional American fall features like colorful foliage, and spiced cider but Charleston is beautiful. Instead of fields full with pumpkins, you find streets bathed in the soft glow of lanterns and smoke billowing from a hearth as if burned within; there is an ever present weight hanging over both city and countryside which carries the back-footsteps story after centuries.
So a few years ago in October I headed out to Charleston for that hint of autumn cool. I also needed pumpkins? The atmosphere of the city was romantic as we walked past old porches with pumpkins out in front and gas lights burning orange.
It creates an atmosphere perfect for appreciating Charleston in the fall. A charming city, but Autumn trip to Bologna. Below I share my top tips to get the most from your fall getaway in Charleston!
The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Fall in Charleston, SC
Interested in what makes Charleston, SC one of the best cities to experience fall? Maybe that is the nice weather, less people and all of those fall/Halloween funfest events in center-city? The city has some haunting attractions as well.
Fall in Charleston: Key Insights
- Daylight Hours: September starts with approximately 12-13 hours of daylight. By the end of November, this decreases to about 10 hours.
- Temperature: Fall weather in Charleston begins quite warm in September, with average highs around 83°F. As the season progresses, temperatures become more comfortable. In October and November, highs average 76°F and 68°F, with lows of 71°F, 61°F, and 53°F, respectively.
- Rainfall: September and October tend to be wetter, with about 4.6″ and 3.4″ of rain, respectively. By November, the rainfall decreases to about 2.3″, making it the driest month of the year.
- Popularity: Fall is a sought-after time to visit Charleston. However, during my October visit, the crowds were quite manageable. As someone who prefers to avoid crowds, I appreciated this!
Major Events:
- Charleston Food & Wine Classic
- MOJA Arts Festival
Fall Weather in Charleston
Warm temperatures are always present at the beginning of September in Charleston, but as autumn progresses it cools off. Tropical storms will produce heavy rain one or two days every week during hurricane season.
On my October trip, daytimes were in the low 70s and nights cooled to mid-50s. The temperatures were perfect to wander around town in jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, but helped make for some great sleepy time. A slight chill in the air allowed for warm activities without feeling chilled.
Nights were magical, turning into the ideal sweater weather. This is the ideal scenario for a leisurely walk in the evening, or even better — walking tour. It is Charleston fall to me because it is the weather I wish we had in Ohio year round, minus changing leaves.
Fall Crowds in Charleston: What to Expect
First week of September sees more traffic, but thereafter it declines as the season progresses into fall. Although Charleston was tourist hot this October as it always is, that didn’t diminish our ability to enjoy!
This was a bit of a struggle for us since there are only so many perches on The Rooftop at The Vendue. We hit the restaurant at prime happy-hour hour so we had to wait a bit but were able to grab two spots at the bar.
Note – weekends here will have a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties. Also, concerts and sporting events may bring large groups of people in unexpectedly. For example, Chris Stapleton was having a concert the night we arrived and there were fans staying with us at our bed & breakfast.
Save on the competitive scene of getting reserve tables with a pre-planned trip. Reserve hotels 5-6 months in advance and check out restaurants 2-3 months before hand. FIG and Husk, two popular spots you must visit during peak growing seasons book up way in advance so reservations matter much.
Fall Foliage in Charleston
Charleston is an evergreen city, so that the foliage never really changes color in the fall. I did see a tree here and there with some brown leaves on the ground but not very often. Just not the traditional fall scenes of someplace like Salem, Massachusetts — Charleston is no New England experience.
Instead, you will get to bask in the city’s many autumn adornments as they go from cute…and spooky. Halloween decorations are placed the outside of many houses in anticipation of Halloween — including large mansions on West Ontario Street with pumpkins, spider webs and skeletons. Oh, and plenty of mums for a spot of autumn color too.
Charleston Ghost Tours & Haunted Attractions
If you’re in Charleston for Halloween, a ghost tour is essential. The top tours blend history with captivating storytelling, making for an engaging experience. These excursions offer a glimpse into the city’s haunted past, enhancing your visit with both eerie tales and historical context.
Fall Eating & Drinking in Charleston
Summer is over, swimsuits are in hibernation and enjoyment of best Charleston restaurants has never been better. Yeah, embrace those biscuits for all they’re worth with your chicken and waffles and pecan pie!
Also later in September is Charleston’s Food & Wine Classic, one of the few times to visit a thick-humid city. Attend cooking demonstrations and panels with celebrity chefs, indulge in wine tastings & gourmet fare, plus one-of-a-kind experiences over three days. This is a great chance to try local delicacies as well as recipes by national chefs.
I enjoy my wine bars and breweries in the fall season. Time to enjoy a hearty cabernet sauvignon or robust coffee stout. In Charleston, you can while away the hours at welcoming wine bars like Bin 152 and Uncork Charleston. However, for craft beer lovers, local brewery like Westbrook Brewing in the neighboring Mt. Pleasant is world-famous for their fantastic barrel-aged stouts and so on.
Other Noteworthy Fall Events
The fall is also a beautiful season for visiting Charleston, SC, during which it is possible to check out such an aspect of this season as well.
Events include the 40th anniversary of the MOJA Arts Festival. Held in late September or early October, the festival highlights artistic traditions from Africa and its diasporas with activities focusing on dance, music, theatre, visual arts to name a few. Most of the occasions are without cost or reasonable, and it is a splendid strategy to move sucked into some Charleston way of life with maybe very little pay off.
Another cherished autumn tradition is the House and Garden Tour organized by the Preservation Society of Charleston. For 48 years each October, private homes in Charleston open their doors to the public. It’s an ideal opportunity for those curious about the hidden charms, histories, and elegance of these historic residences.
Additional fall events to consider in and around Charleston include:
- Boone Hall Fright Nights (tickets available online) – Weekends from September 21st to October 27th
- 28th Annual Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch – Weekends from September 27th to October 27th
- Riverfront Revival – October 11th-12th
- Charleston Mimosa Festival – October 12th, 2024
- AfroSouth Film Festival – November 8th-10th, 2024
What to Pack for a Fall Trip to Charleston
Charleston sees cool nights and usually rainy days in the fall months, plus huge temperature swings between day and night so you need to pack strategically. In Las Vegas layering is key and that can make keeping your luggage light a bit difficult. I will normally try to squeeze everything into a carry-on, since I avoid checked bags when at all possible.
With a carry-on bag only, you can do this trip to Charleston in the fall for a weekend. I was able to accomplish all of this using the same suitcase as my husband. The key is in layering — not stuffing additional “options” into the bag. Which is to say, at the end of the day pack only your essentials.
Packing Essentials for an October Weekend in Charleston
Here’s what I brought for an October weekend in Charleston:
- Pair of Jeans: I wore these on the flight and used them for both my arrival and departure days.
- Button-Down Flannel: Ideal for the cooler evening temperatures on our first night in Charleston. It provided enough warmth, so a jacket wasn’t necessary.
- Linen Tank Top: Versatile with jeans and perfect for layering with a jacket and scarf. It proved useful on our last day when the weather turned pleasantly warm.
- Light Faux-Leather Jacket: This jacket, a leftover from my bachelorette party, seldom gets used in Cleveland due to the colder climate. However, it was just right for the mild Charleston temperatures.
- Black Casual Dress: A comfortable long-sleeve dress suitable for wearing with sneakers, making it perfect for a morning coffee run.
- Lightweight Scarf: Provides both style and warmth during chilly evenings and cool mornings.
- Two Dressy Outfits: I packed an extra dress and a purple outfit for the two elegant dinners we enjoyed during our stay.
- Pair of Sneakers: Essential for exploring Charleston, which is a very walkable city. The cobblestone streets are tough on heels!
- Pair of Dressy Shoes: Necessary for dining out, as Charleston is renowned for its food scene.
- Umbrella: Useful for the rain on our second day, allowing us to continue exploring the city.
Where to Stay During Fall in Charleston, SC
The Historic District is the most convenient place to stay while visiting Charleston. Situated in the heart of town, this spot provides access to all of darling city’s fun fixes. Based on my experience, these are two places I strongly recommend you.
- The Vendue: Known as Charleston’s pioneering art hotel, The Vendue offers distinctive features such as a rotating art gallery and a vibrant rooftop bar. Recently updated rooms are just steps from Waterfront Park and close to popular restaurants like Husk and Poogan’s Porch on Queen Street. I particularly enjoyed the nightly wine service in the art gallery.
- Indigo Inn: Ideally situated just a minute from notable destinations like FIG and the City Market, Indigo Inn boasts a prime location. While the rooms may not be ultra-modern, they are serene and comfortable. A standout feature is the hotel’s beautiful courtyard, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee on a crisp morning.
Final Verdict
So now that you have your fall Charleston vacation itinerary, all you need to do is make sure it’s been properly planted in advance. So, regardless of a bright and warm day or cloudy and cold one you will find both at Charleston – southern romantic charm with autumn cosiness.
