Visiting Charleston In Every Season
One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is when the best time to visit Charleston is. The great thing about the Lowcountry is that there is something special about visiting during any season, and here’s why!
Welcome back to the blog, adventurers! We hope these spring days are getting you outside and on your way to your next adventure! For all of our parent readers, don’t forget about our spring break camps coming up, kids’ after-school kayaking, kids’ fossil adventure, and kids’ Bulls Island adventures! Make sure to keep checking in with our social media pages to stay up to date on all upcoming events and fun expeditions on the horizon! For all of our other adventures, don’t forget to plan your next SUP, kayaking, boat tour, beach drops, and more on our website! We can’t wait to discover with you in this beautiful Lowcountry we call home!
We hear it a lot in comments and passing by conversations, “When is the best time to visit Charleston?” and the answer really is anytime! There is something very special to be found here in the Lowcountry and on every one of our expeditions all year round! That is the first perk we’ll be talking about today! Charleston, the Lowcountry, the Ace Basin, and every location we explore holds something magical all year round. No one trip is alike from one to the next when you go on expeditions with us throughout the year. You will see different wildlife and plant life in every season, you will smell different smells, experience different sunsets and sunrises, and find new things around every corner. The Lowcountry is open to enjoy all year round and so is Coastal Expeditions! Still not convinced? Here is a peek into the Lowcountry and what you can look forward to in every season. Whenever you’re getting the itch to come and visit us, it’s time to pack your bags and head on down!
Welcome to South Carolina’s oldest city! Charleston is steeped in rich history, filled with beautiful and historical architecture, packed full of amazing culinary experiences, places to shop, beautiful beaches, and plenty of nature to enjoy while hiking, biking, walking, SUPing, kayaking, and boating! Thanks to the many churches that dot the skyline, Charleston earned its nickname “the holy city”, but we like to credit its amazing views and natural elements with that name too. There is nothing like being at a beach drop or in the ACE Basin when the sun rises. There is something for everyone; for those wanting to get lost in history, lost in a good book on the beach, or to find themselves on Bulls Island with a handful of shark teeth, there is no one right away to enjoy the Lowcountry, and it is always waiting for your arrival.
-
Spring In The Lowcountry
Known as one of the most popular times to visit Charleston, spring is in full bloom from March until May. The flowers will be in full bloom both in the trees and in the flowers and plants you will come across and find in the Lowcountry. It’s also a great time to visit for those who aren’t fans of the summer heat in Charleston, you will still have perfectly warm weather to enjoy both on and off the water. It also a good season to visit because hurricane season hasn’t arrived yet, so no big storms will be getting in the way of traveling or raining out your visit. The magnolias and azalea trees will be in full bloom during the spring, and you will start to see sleepy wintry Charleston wake up. It is also a very popular season for weddings, festivals, and concerts. Some of the most famous are Spoleto and The Charleston Food and Wine Festival! This is also the perfect time to enjoy rooftop bars, smell jasmine while walking through downtown and be apart of the city’s pulse. For Coastal Expeditions, beautiful weather like this will lead to beautiful bright sunrise tours on SUP or kayak, you might see some beautiful chicks hatching in their nests, other baby animals, and flowers in full bloom while on an expedition with us!
-
Summertime In The Lowcountry
Summer in the Lowcountry is like no other! It becomes the perfect beach town regardless if you’re staying right on the beach or downtown, you can always catch a whiff of that salt air. It’s also perfect for everyone who loves the heat! You will not be without sunny days and the beaches will be calling for you. Summer is the perfect time to spend an afternoon on a SUP and a kayak, getting a few splashes here and there, and spotting dolphins while out on the water! It’s also the perfect time to get deep into the woods of the Francis Marion National Forest under the cool shade of the giant trees you’ll find there, or take a marsh walk in Awendaw or through the Wildlife Reserve in the Ace Basin to catch a cool breeze. You might even see a few stunning native birds full-grown from their hatchling days just that past spring! There is also always something going on, an outdoor event, events in the parks, and there is always something to do just waiting to be enjoyed! Another perk? While the beaches might have their shores full, traffic isn’t as bad as other seasons! The College of Charleston is quiet, and most tourists are found close to the water. So you’ll have less stress to worry about when driving downtown, to a local park, or your Coastal Expedition adventure of choice!
-
Fall in the Lowcountry
The humidity breaks, and there is a peace that returns to the city! Next to spring, fall is the second most popular time for tourists to explore the Lowcountry. The great thing is that you still have the same opportunities to enjoy and see just as much of the beaches, wildlife, and the great outdoors as you do in the summer, but is just a bit cooler. School is back at the College of Charleston, but so are all schools, limiting the number of tourists and boats on the water. This can lead to seeing more wildlife on land and the water. There are more shark teeth to find with less pedestrian traffic on the beaches, and the wildlife will get a little braver with few people around. Plus, as many northern birds begin their migratory flight down south, many will stop and stay for the winter right here in the ACE Basin. Or they will at least stay long enough to be enjoyed by bird watchers. Patios and outdoor seating at all the popular and local restaurants and bar hot spots will be calling you, and you’ll begin to see the slightest change in coloring throughout the Lowcountry’s foliage. While it’s beginning to cool down up north, temperatures hold on here, and you can enjoy all of your favorite fall activities like pumpkin picking and corn mazes, but in almost summer-like weather!
-
Winter in the Lowcountry
This is a season that is often very underappreciated in the Lowcountry. Charleston becomes a town dedicated to the locals and can become chilly, especially close to the water. However, you will hardly ever see the temperature drop below freezing. You’ll need a jacket, but you won’t be seeing snow anytime soon! All of our expeditions and tours are still available during this time. While the Lowcountry slows down in the winter, it never shuts down. Also remember, as we’ve mentioned in our last two blogs talking about the Ace Basin and the birds you can find here in the Lowcountry, wintertime is an amazing season to see many different species of birds that are just here for the winter months. It’s an amazing season for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. This is also a perfect time to grab reservations for those hard to get into restaurants and hotels or beachfront rentals. The holidays here from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s are very magical.
The Lowcountry and Charleston are four-season destinations, ready to be enjoyed when you wish. Every season might not be for everyone, but there is something for everyone in every season. Just like the Lowcountry, we offer all of our expeditions year-round, and we are ready to explore and discover with our adventurers when they’re ready to join us! The Lowcountry is perfect in every season, so come and experience each season for yourself! We look forward to seeing you soon! Until then, get outside and enjoy the Lowcountry as much as you can!
Explore. Chat. Visit. And come on back, y’all.
@coastalexpeditions
St. Phillips Island & Beaufort Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our St. Phillips Island & Beaufort tours.
Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.
Isle of Palms Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Isle of Palms tours.