The coastal South Carolina city of Charleston is one of the oldest communities in the United States. It gets 7 million visitors every single year. Many visit during the high summer tourist season, but there are advantages to visiting during the offseason. Mild, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for time with family, outdoor recreation, oyster roasts, shopping, festivals, and exploring historical highlights. Fewer people and cheaper prices are two great reasons to visit the Lowcountry during winter. You might find yourself standing alone on a beautiful beach or thinking about exploring the best historic homes for sale in Charleston, SC.
1. Winter Weather in Charleston
Charleston is a good bet if you’re looking for a mild climate in the middle of winter. Whether you’re from the Midwest, the Northeast, or the nearby Appalachian Mountains, Charleston offers you lots of sunshine and mild winter weather. Walk down a beach, take a scenic bike ride, or even play some tennis and golf in January.
Charleston’s meteorological winter lasts from Dec. 2 until March 2. The average daily high is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures rarely venture over 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day or under 46 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Rain falls regularly, but occasional snow is usually limited to late December and early January. Intrepid individuals might still go surfing in these months!
2. Enjoy Lower Rates
If you’re saving up for one of the Folly Beach homes for sale, then you might want to visit here when it’s most affordable. Lodging and accommodations often have lower rates in the offseason. However, exceptions occur during the December holidays, Valentine’s Day, and certain festivals. Your housing won’t be the only place to save money, as you can find deals on area attractions, dining out, and many activities.
3. Oyster Season
The Lowcountry’s oyster season is a cause for celebration for locals and area visitors. Oyster roasts celebrate succulent seafood. They’re at their best when you gather with family and friends around the table to share the delicacy. You can practice your shucking skills every winter in a place renowned for tasty seafood. South Carolina’s flat coastline is a haven for oysters, and many local eateries serve them up with style. Visit Boone Hall Plantation each January for the Lowcountry Oyster Festival.
4. Less Crowded
Winter in Charleston can be wonderful because there are not as many crowds. You’ll enjoy shorter wait times while exploring the area, shopping, and dining. Beaches are less crowded, and you can enjoy the serene splendor of the ocean without many others around. You might not have the beach to yourself, but you’ll certainly feel like it. History buffs can enjoy more breathing room and a leisurely pace at places such as Fort Sumter and Patriots Point.
5. Celebrate the Holidays in the Holy City
Charleston is nicknamed the Holy City for its many houses of worship and history of religious tolerance, and Christmas is a time of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The holiday spirit is alive and well with a yearly harbor boat parade and the James Island’s Holiday Festival of Lights. Southern hospitality and the architectural charm of one of the country’s few colonial cities come alive throughout December.
6. Better Deals
January and much of February are good times for deals in Charleston. Shop around, and you can find special package deals through many hotels. Your reservations might include area adventures and activities. Finding deals in December is more complicated due to holiday visitors. Still, you can save money by visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.
7. Romance
Charleston is considered by many to be one of the most romantic spots in the entire country. That makes it a wonderful place to spend time with your loved one for Valentine’s Day or a romantic getaway whenever you can.
Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to the region, but the city itself is a wonderful place for couples. Charleston has dozens of romantic restaurants where you and your significant other can share a love of good food, and plenty of hotels cater to couples looking to keep the spark alive or rekindle their love. During the day, take a romantic bike ride on a nearby island, enjoy a harbor boat ride at sunset before seeing the city lights after dusk, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment at a local business.
8. Bountiful Culinary Options
Seafood is big in the Lowcountry, but Charleston’s cuisine scene has much more to it than just food from the ocean. The area’s distinct geography and history have created a scene food enthusiasts love to visit and savor. The city is known for mouthwatering signature menu items steeped in rich tradition and made using fresh ingredients sourced locally. Award-winning chefs come here for the attraction and inspiration that local culinary traditions provide. The burgeoning craft beverage scene means you’ll always have something delightful to wash your food down with.
Charleston Welcomes You in Any Season
Visiting offseason Charleston offers many vacation benefits, ranging from mild weather and smaller crowds to deals that save money. Whether you come as a couple for romance, as a family for holiday celebrations, or with friends for a festival you all love, enjoy the chance to walk under trees draped with Spanish moss in front of centuries-old mansions along cobblestone alleys. Historical heritage sets the stage, but you can enjoy modern art galleries and cutting-edge restaurants. Any time of year is a wonderful time in Charleston, but the offseason has its particular entertainment, value, and unique charm.
