Savannah, known for its charming historic district and picturesque squares, is a city steeped in history and Southern hospitality. With its cobblestone streets, lush oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and vibrant arts scene, Savannah offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic homes, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the city’s rich heritage.
The destination guide
Savannah
City in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall9/10
- Best forFamilies, Couples, Budget travelers
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
Savannah’s 22 squares aren’t decorative — they’re the city’s living rooms. Sit in one long enough and the whole place makes sense.
Travel guides for Savannah
Things to do (1)
Destination stories (1)
More guides featuring Savannah (16)
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zoneNew YorkAmerica/New_York
Languages
- English
Setting
- Coastal lowlands
- Historic urban center
- Spanish moss draped squares
- River marshlands
Population42,00042,000 residents
VisaDuration: Up to 90 days for international visa-exempt visitors under the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). · Documents: Valid passport and approved ESTA for foreign travelers. For domestic US air travel, a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or valid passport is required at TSA screening checkpoints.
How Savannah scores
9/10OverallExcellent
Weather8/10
Value for money8/10
Safety7/10
Food & cuisine9/10
Culture & arts8/10
Cultural experience9/10
History10/10
Nature & outdoors7/10
Adventure4/10
Nightlife7/10
Shopping7/10
Family friendly8/10
Romance9/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall84/100High rating
Women travellers82/100
LGBTQ+ travellers78/100
Theft80/100
Medical care80/100
Physical harm86/100
Political freedom80/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December.
- January: 7.1 to 15.7 degrees Celsius, 21 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- February: 8.6 to 17.2 degrees Celsius, 12.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- March: 11.6 to 21.1 degrees Celsius, 10.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- April: 15.6 to 23.2 degrees Celsius, 61.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 18.4 to 26.4 degrees Celsius, 29.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- June: 22.9 to 31.4 degrees Celsius, 21 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- July: 24.7 to 31.3 degrees Celsius, 51.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- August: 24.4 to 30.6 degrees Celsius, 47.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- September: 22.5 to 28.6 degrees Celsius, 23 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- October: 17.8 to 25.9 degrees Celsius, 26.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 11.2 to 19.3 degrees Celsius, 49.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- December: 9.5 to 17.3 degrees Celsius, 31.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cool weather, mostly dry Cool and quiet, great for exploring without sweating. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including historic tours, beach visits, and cultural site exploration. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- February
- Cool weather, mostly dry Mild winter temperatures, early spring blooms start. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including beach visits, nature trails, and cultural site exploration. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- March
- Warm and pleasant, mostly dry Peak azalea blooming, huge St. Patrick's Day festival. Crowds: March marks the peak tourist season in Savannah, with excellent weather conditions for a variety of activities such as historical tours, beach outings, and nature walks. Hotel rates and crowd levels are at their highest, with increased demand for accommodations. Despite the warm temperatures, UV levels are manageable, encouraging outdoor exploration. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and historical tours; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- April
- Warm and pleasant, some rain Perfect spring weather, best time to walk the squares. Crowds: April marks the peak tourist season in Savannah, with excellent weather conditions for a variety of activities including beach outings, historical tours, and nature walks. Hotel rates and crowd levels are at their highest, with prices reflecting the increased demand. Despite the warm temperatures, UV levels remain high, necessitating the use of sunscreen and protective clothing. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- May
- Warm and pleasant, some rain Getting warm and humid, but still pleasant. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including beach visits, cultural site exploration, and city walking tours. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite warmer temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- June
- Hot and sunny, mostly dry Very hot and humid, summer thunderstorms. Crowds: June marks peak tourist season in Savannah, with excellent weather conditions for a variety of outdoor activities such as beachcombing, kayaking, and exploring historic sites. The city experiences moderate humidity, but temperatures remain comfortable, making it an attractive time for visitors. Accommodation prices and tourist crowds are at their highest, so early booking is recommended. Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms, which are rare but can occur during this period. Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime activities; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses; Swimwear for beach outings; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic districts; Sunscreen with high SPF
- July
- Hot and sunny, some rain Peak heat and humidity, best for Tybee Island beach days. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for beach activities, outdoor festivals, and cultural tours. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite warmer temperatures. Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing for sun protection; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes for exploring; Light rain jacket for occasional showers; Sunglasses for bright sunlight; Light, breathable fabrics for comfort
- August
- Hot and sunny, some rain Oppressively hot and humid, peak hurricane risk. Crowds: Savannah's peak tourist season occurs during the summer months, with temperatures reaching their warmest between July and September. This period is ideal for beach outings, river cruises, and exploring historic sites. However, it's also the busiest time, leading to higher hotel rates and crowded attractions. Despite the heat, the city's charm remains undiminished, offering a unique blend of Southern hospitality and rich history. Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime comfort; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic districts; Swimwear for beach visits; Light scarf or shawl for cooler evenings
- September
- Hot and sunny, mostly dry Still hot and humid with lingering hurricane threat. Crowds: September marks the peak tourist season in Savannah, with excellent weather conditions for outdoor activities such as beach visits, historical tours, and nature walks. Hotel rates and crowd levels are at their highest, with high UV levels persisting despite slightly cooler temperatures. Ideal timing for exploring local festivals and enjoying Southern hospitality. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Light, breathable clothing for cultural sites; Light rain jacket for occasional showers
- October
- Warm and pleasant, some rain Excellent fall weather, perfect for ghost tours. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including beach visits, cultural site exploration, and city walking tours. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- November
- Warm and pleasant, some rain Crisp and cool fall weather. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including hiking, beach visits, and cultural site exploration. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Modest clothing for cultural sites and mosques; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- December
- Cool weather, some rain Mild winter days, beautifully decorated for holidays. Crowds: December marks peak tourist season in Savannah, with excellent weather conditions for outdoor activities such as historic tours, river cruises, and beach visits. Hotel rates and crowd levels are high, with prices reflecting the increased demand. Despite cooler temperatures, UV levels remain high, necessitating sunscreen use. Visitors should plan for occasional rain showers, which are part of the charm of this Southern city. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration; Broad-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces; Waterproof jacket for rain showers; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
Peak season
- March
- February
- January
- April
Off-peak
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
About
Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, sits on the Savannah River near the Atlantic coast, a graceful Southern city famed for its oak-lined squares draped in Spanish moss. Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe as Georgia’s first city and original colonial capital, it was laid out on a distinctive grid of squares, 22 of which survive today. Its sprawling Historic District—one of the largest in the United States and a National Historic Landmark—wraps around manicured parks, antebellum mansions, and church steeples, anchored by Forsyth Park and its celebrated 1858 fountain. Home to about 147,000 residents, Savannah pairs genteel charm with a lively dining and arts scene, while cobblestoned River Street bustles along the waterfront. Visitors stroll beneath the moss-hung oaks, tour historic homes and the atmospheric Bonaventure Cemetery, and join one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Romantic, walkable, and steeped in history, Savannah is one of the South’s most beloved getaways.
Neighbourhoods
Historic District, Forsyth Park Area, Starland District, Victorian District, Tybee Island
Best time to visit
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)
Season by season
Spring (Mar-May) is peak season with blooming flowers. Summer is hot and humid. Fall (Sep-Nov) offers pleasant weather and festivals. Winter is mild and quieter.
Crowds
Savannah, Georgia, is busiest March–May (azalea/flower season and pleasant weather) and around St. Patrick’s Day (huge local crowds); quietest in summer (July–August) due to heat and in late fall/winter excluding holiday weekends, overall city center can be very busy during spring festivals.
Getting there and around
Getting there
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is 12 miles west of downtown. Amtrak and Greyhound also serve the city.
Getting around
The Historic District is extremely walkable. The DOT (Downtown Transportation) provides free shuttle and ferry services. Uber/Lyft and taxis are readily available.
Top experiences in Savannah
Forsyth Park
A large city park in the historic district, famous for its fountain, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and fragrant gardens.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
A stunning French Gothic cathedral with breathtaking stained glass and intricate murals.
River Street
A cobblestone street along the Savannah River filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Using the setting for ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’, this cemetery is known for its hauntingly beautiful sculptures and Southern gothic atmosphere.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Bonaventure Cemetery, made famous by ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,’ is a hauntingly beautiful Southern Gothic landscape located on a scenic bluff of the Wilmington River. Elaborate Victorian sculptures and mausoleums rest beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and Spanish moss, creating an atmosphere of melancholy romance. It is the final resting place of notable figures like lyricist Johnny Mercer and poet Conrad Aiken.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Savannah
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Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in Savannah.
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Where to stay
Perry Lane Hotel
256 E Perry St, Savannah, GA 31401
A Luxury Collection Hotel offering elegant rooms, a rooftop bar, and exceptional service in the heart of the historic district.
JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District
700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Located in a converted power plant on the riverfront, this hotel features unique architecture, geode exhibits, and multiple dining options.
The Alida Hotel
400 W River St, Savannah, GA 31401
A boutique hotel on River Street with modern design, a pool deck, and easy access to the waterfront.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Explore the Historic District's squares, walk through Forsyth Park, visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and stroll along River Street.
Best activities
- Take a trolley tour to get oriented, join a spooky ghost tour at night, stroll down Jones Street (often called the prettiest street in America), visit the Telfair Museums, and take a day trip to Tybee Island for the beach.
Local experiences
- Shop at the Forsyth Park Farmers' Market on Saturdays. Enjoy Savannah's open container law by sipping a cocktail from a plastic 'to-go' cup while walking through the squares. Visit the SCAD Museum of Art to see contemporary works from the world-renowned art school.
Practical tips
- Free DOT Shuttle & Savannah Belles Ferry: Ride the free DOT (Downtown Express) shuttle bus circling 24 stops throughout the Historic District, and the free Savannah Belles Ferry crossing the Savannah River to Hutchinson Island.
- Historic Squares & Forsyth Park: Stroll through Savannah's 22 historic oak-shaded public squares and visit the iconic 1858 cast-iron fountain at Forsyth Park.
- Dining Reservations: Renowned Lowcountry dining venues (The Olde Pink House, The Grey, Husk Savannah) book out weeks in advance; reserve dinner tables well ahead of your trip.
- Historic Architecture Tours: Take guided walking or architectural tours through the Victorian District, Mercer-Williams House, and Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
Photography tips
- Capture the iconic oak tunnel at Wormsloe Historic Site (early morning is best). The fountain in Forsyth Park is a must-shoot. For cobblestone textures and river views, head to historic River Street. Jones Street offers quintessential southern charm with its brick homes and high stoops.
Timing
- Spend at least 2 full days exploring the Historic District and squares. Add a third day if you plan to visit Tybee Island or multiple museums. Ghost tours typically last 90 minutes. A walking tour of the squares can take 2-3 hours.
Keeping it authentic
- Savannah's Historic District is a living community, not a museum. Respect residents' privacy when admiring homes. For an authentic experience, visit the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about Gullah Geechee culture, or attend a service at the First African Baptist Church, one of the oldest Black churches in North America.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah is America’s first planned city, famous for its grid of squares. It survived the Civil War physically intact, preserving unmatched antebellum architecture. The city is also a hub for Gullah Geechee history and heritage.
Local customs & etiquette
Savannah allows open containers of alcohol within the Historic District (in 16oz plastic cups). Southern politeness (‘Ma’am’, ‘Sir’) is common. The pace is relaxed.
Safety notes
As of 2026, Savannah’s Historic District is a safe, pedestrian-friendly destination policed by the Savannah Police Department and tourism ambassadorship patrols.
Key Municipal Ordinances, Cobblestone & Weather Realities:
• Historic District Open Container Ordinance: The City of Savannah permits drinking alcoholic beverages in public streets exclusively within the Historic District (River Street south to Jones Street, MLK Jr. Blvd east to East Broad Street). Drinks must be held in a single plastic cup of 16 ounces or less; glass containers and cans are strictly prohibited on sidewalks and squares.
• River Street & Factor’s Walk Slip Hazards: The 200-year-old ballast stone ramps and steep cobblestone staircases (“Stone Stairs of Death”) connecting Bay Street down to River Street are very steep and slick when wet; wear supportive flat footwear.
• Summer Heat & Sand Gnats: Summer temperatures paired with coastal Georgia humidity produce heat index values above 105°F (40°C). Biting midges (sand gnats) emerge along tidal marshes at dusk; carry insect repellent.
• Emergency: Dial 911 for Police, Fire, and Chatham County Emergency Services.
Travel Style
Activities
