I think people think they should only visit Charleston in the spring and summer. It’s a warm destination and has tons of palm trees and pastel colored homes. Don’t get me wrong, this is a GREAT time to visit Charleston. You can visit one of the nearby beaches, paddle board or kayak. And you should most definitely do my absolute favorite thing in Charleston, ride a bike! But if you’ve never thought to visit Charleston in the winter, I think you need to reconsider. It’s one of my favorite times to visit my beloved southern city. And let me tell you why.
3 Reasons To Visit Charleston In The Winter
Charleston Does Holiday Decor Right
If you thought all the charming pastel rows of homes are cute, wait until you see them decked for the halls. I think we stopped more often than not to snap photos of the pretty wreaths, garlands and bows. Charleston really knows how to do holiday decor right and it doesn’t disappoint!
The Weather Is Kind Of Glorious
Visiting Charleston in the warmer months can actually be a touch miserable. It’s the south you guys, so it’s hot and humid! Sure it’s guaranteed great weather and time at the beach. But just walking up and down King Street to shop and grab food and result in an immense amount of sweat that you’re just not used to. Winter in Charleston can be a little chilly, but every time I have ever visited, it’s always been that perfect balance of cool but sunny. You can get away with a light jacket, and sometimes just a sweater. Rarely will you ever need a real heavy coat in this town which is great!
Get Your Christmas Shopping Done
Charleston is home to so many incredibly creative people. Every boutique on King Street is perfectly curated to reflect the city. From The Skinny Dip which also has an adorable coffee shop and a bar upstairs (get the frosé it’s delicious!) to Beckett Boutique with beautiful clothing and artwork. It’s as if every store in Charleston is required to support their favorite artists and artisans but they simply do it out of the incredible community this city has. King Street will definitely help you knock out your holiday shopping whether you want to find something unique from the city itself or something from your favorite everyday stores like Anthropologie or Madewell. You’ll definitely get your holiday shopping done with a trip to Charleston.
You can also check out my entire Charleston guide here. I just updated it after this past stay with new restaurants, champagne bars and a brand new hotel that just opened!
What To Pack For A Winter Trip To Charleston
This city is still a walking city even in the winter. So be sure to pack your comfiest sneakers or booties to explore in. I usually bring light layers that I can easily swap out from day to night. The days can be warm especially in the sun, but the nights can be cool, so options and layers are key. Charleston is definitely a casual city so there’s no need to bring anything fancy. Unless you’re booking a fancy dinner, you can get away with jeans just about anywhere.
Photos by Julie Livingston Photography
