Fall in Charleston SC: The Ultimate Travel Guide

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Charleston, SC makes a dreamy fall getaway in the US. While Charlestonians may think the air is getting cold, visitors from the north will find the temperatures perfectly comfortable for exploring. Being from chilly Ohio, I welcomed the Lowcountry’s mild sweater weather.

Admittedly, Charleston doesn’t have the quintessential American fall vibes that typically come to mind, like colorful foliage and warm cider. That’s no surprise in a city more known for palmetto trees than pumpkin patches. However, Charleston does offer lantern-lit paths, the toasty smell of chimney smoke, and a haunted history.

A few years back, I took an October trip to Charleston hoping to at least find that hint of crispness in the air. In strolling past old porches lined with pumpkins and gas lamps flickering with orange flames, the romance in the air was undeniable.

All this ambiance makes it easy to enjoy Charleston, SC in the fall. That being said, there are a few unique things to consider when planning an autumn trip to the Holy City. Below, I am sharing my best tips to ensure you have an amazing fall getaway in Charleston!

This article was originally published in 2019, and was last updated in August 2024.

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The Ultimate Fall in Charleston, SC Travel Guide

Are you wondering why Charleston, SC is particularly inviting in the fall? It could be the weather, lack of crowds, and fun events surrounding fall and Halloween that bring the city to life! Plus, this city is totally haunted…

Related: Savannah vs Charleston – Which Coastal Southern City is Better?

Fall in Charleston: A Snapshot

• Hours of Daylight: September starts out with about 12-13 hours of daylight. By the end of November, there is only about 10 hours.
• Temperature: Fall weather in Charleston, SC starts out hot in September with average highs of 83° F. However, the temperatures gradually drop as fall progresses and becomes quite lovely. For example, average highs in October and November are 76°F and 68° F, with lows of 71°F, 61°F, and 53°F, respectively.
• Rainfall: September and October are rather rainy months compared to other times of the year, with about 4.6″ and 3.4″ of rain, respectively. However, November decreases to around 2.3″, and is the driest month of the year.
• Popularity: Fall is a popular time of year to visit Charleston. That being said, during my October visit the crowds were very manageable. And I’m someone who hates crowds!
• Biggest Events:
  • Food & Wine Classic Charleston
  • MOJA Arts Festival

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Fall Weather in Charleston

The weather in Charleston starts out hot in September, but gradually cools down as fall progresses. Due to hurricane season, you may find the occasional tropical storm, which mostly means rain.

During my October trip to Charleston, we generally had weather in the low 70’s, with temps cooling down to the mid 50’s at night. This weather was very comfortable for walking all over town in jeans and a long-sleeve top, and also great for sleeping at night. It had just that slight hint of chill that makes you want to cozy up without being frigid.

The evenings were my favorite, cooling down to the perfect sweater weather. These are ideal conditions for a late stroll or walking tour – especially a haunted one! Basically, Charleston’s fall weather is the type I wish we had in Ohio year-round, except for the lack of colorful foliage.

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Crowdedness Level of a Fall Visit

September may start out a bit busy, but crowds thin as the months pass. There were plenty of visitors to Charleston in October, but nothing that held us back from enjoying any sights.

The only time we had trouble was trying to find seats at The Rooftop at The Vendue. However, that was our fault for coming at peak happy hour, although we did eventually find a couple bar seats.

One thing to note is that weekends tend to see a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties come through. In addition, you never know when a concert or other event will bring a lot of people into town that otherwise wouldn’t have visited. For example, Chris Stapleton was playing on our first night, and several people at our bed and breakfast were in Charleston just for the concert.

To avoid the frustration of competing with large groups for reservations, try to book your trip early. For hotels, make reservations 5-6 months out. For restaurants, start researching them 2-3 months ahead of time. I’m not exaggerating – the most popular times of year book up completely, especially at favorites like FIG and Husk.

Also Read: Super Romantic Things to Do in Charleston, SC

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Fall Foliage in Charleston

Charleston is known to be an “evergreen city”, meaning the leaves don’t really change color. I did see the occasional tree with tiny brown leaves on the ground, but even this sight was rare. Definitely do not visit expecting to see traditional fall scenery such as that of places like Salem, Massachusetts, because that just isn’t Charleston.

Instead, appreciate the rampant fall décor throughout the city, which ranges from adorable to spooky. Many residents get their stately homes Halloween-ready with the likes of pumpkins, spider webs, and skeletons. Oh, and you’ll see mums galore.

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Charleston Ghost Tours & Haunted Attractions

If you are visiting Charleston during Halloween, a haunted tour is a must. The best tours, like this one, will incorporate a bit of history and story-telling.

For something a bit more debaucherous, consider doing this haunted bar crawl. Not only will you hear scary stories of Charleston’s past, but you will also engage in conversation and revelry over drinks and appetizers.

Finally, for those really seeking a thrill, Charleston is hosting its first haunted house in 26 years. Join Holy City Halloween at the Woolfe Street Play House (once a slaughterhouse!) every Wednesday through Sunday from September 27th through November 2nd. Arrive between 5pm-7pm for lighthearted family-friendly Halloween fun, while fear-seekers should arrive at 7:30pm for a more spine-tingling experience.

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Fall Eating & Drinking in the Holy City

Summer is over and so are swimsuits; thus, there is no reason not to enjoy Charleston’s amazing food scene to the fullest. Eat all the biscuits, chicken & waffles, and pecan pie that you want!

Not only that, but fall is when Charleston’s Food & Wine Classic comes to town. Over three days in late September, you can watch demos and panels by celebrity chefs, taste wine and gourmet dishes, and attend exclusive events. It’s a great way to taste local ingredients prepared by locally and nationally acclaimed chefs.

I personally always find fall to be the perfect season to visit wine bars and breweries for a bold cabernet sauvignon or a coffee stout. Charleston is filled with lovely wine bars like Bin 152 or Uncork Charleston to hang out in for a couple hours, or check out a local brewery for a pint. Westbrook Brewing, just outside Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, is among the best for delicious barrel aged stouts.

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Other Unique Fall Events

When visiting Charleston, SC in the fall, it’s worthwhile to check out events that are unique to this time of year.

For example, the 40-year-old MOJA Arts Festival rolls around late September/early October each year. This festival features a variety of events showcasing African-American and Caribbean artistic contributions through dance, visual arts, theatre, and more. Most events are free or very low cost, so it’s a fun way to get to know another longstanding part of Charleston’s culture without breaking the bank.

Another fall tradition is taking a House and Garden Tour of a private residence with the Preservation Society of Charleston. Each October, for 48 years running, many of Charleston’s private homes open up for public tours. This is the perfect event for anyone who’s ever felt nosy about the secrets, spirits, and splendor hiding inside these elegant historic residences.

Here are some more fall events in and around Charleston to check out:

• Boone Hall Fright Nights (purchase tickets online here) – weekends September 21st through October 27th
• 28th Annual Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch – weekends September 27th through October 27th
• Riverfront Revival – October 11th-12th
• Charleston Mimosa Festival – October 12th, 2024
• AfroSouth Film Festival – November 8-10, 2024

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What to Pack for a Fall Trip to Charleston

Thanks to the fluctuations in temperatures between day and night during fall in Charleston, SC and the constant chance of rain, you’ll need to pack wisely. These conditions require wearing layers, making it trickier to keep luggage light. I’m someone who hates checking bags, so I do whatever it takes to fit everything into a carry-on.

If you are someone like me who prefers to pack carry-on only, know that this is totally doable for a weekend trip to Charleston in fall. I was able to make this work, even sharing just one suitcase with my husband. The key is to bring layers, but little to no “options” for things to wear. Basically, only bring what you will actually use.

Here is what I packed for an October weekend in Charleston:

• Pair of jeans: I wore these on the plane coming and going, and used them for my arrival day and last day outfit.
• Button-down flannel: For our first chilly night in Charleston. My flannel shirt kept me warm enough, and I did not need a jacket.
• Linen tank top: Great with jeans, and perfect for layering with a jacket and scarf. This was handy on our last day, which ended up being quite warm.
• Light faux-leather jacket: This cute leather jacket that I bought for my bachelorette party years ago rarely gets worn because it doesn’t keep me very warm here in Cleveland. However, it was the perfect weight for slightly chilly Charleston temps!
• Black casual dress: Comfortable long sleeve dress that can be worn acceptably with sneakers. Perfect for a morning walk for coffee!
• Light weight scarf: Keeps you stylish and warm during those chilly nights and brisk mornings.
• 2 dressy outfits: We had two nice dinners during our trip, so I brought one additional dress, and the purple outfit you see above.
• Pair of sneakers: You’ll want comfortable sneakers for exploring, as Charleston is a very walkable town. Plus, those cobblestones can be brutal in heels!
• Pair of dressy shoes: Needed for nice dinners, which you’ll most likely have at least one of in this foodie town.
• Umbrella: Even though it rained on our second day, we were still able to wander all over town with our umbrella.

How to Fit All This Into a Carry-On:

You may be wondering how I fit all this into a carry-on I shared with my husband. First off, I wore my jeans, flannel shirt, jacket, and sneakers on the plane trip to Charleston. Then I shoved my scarf and dress shoes into my personal item, which was just a big purple bag.

We rolled everything else as tightly as possible before packed it into the suitcase. Some people really like packing cubes too, but I’ve found rolling up my clothes already helps me fit so much more than folding would.

Where to Stay During Fall in Charleston, SC

Stay in Charleston’s Historic District for the easiest walkability to the city’s best sights and eateries. Here are my tried and true Charleston stays:

• The Vendue: Touted as Charleston’s first art hotel, with unique perks like a rotating gallery and lively rooftop bar. With newly renovated rooms, the hotel’s location is steps away from the Waterfront Park and eateries like Husk and Poogan’s Porch on Queen Street. I loved the nightly wine pour in the art gallery.
• Indigo Inn: This hotel couldn’t be any more well-located and is about a minute from popular spots like FIG and the City Market. Though the rooms aren’t super modern, they are quiet and comfortable. My favorite perk was the Indigo’s gorgeous courtyard, where it is pleasant to sit outside with complimentary coffee on a brisk morning.

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Now you are all set for a fall visit to Charleston, SC. Whether you get a sunny warm day or a chilly rainy day, the Holy City delivers on cozy fall feels and romantic ambiance.