South Carolina is rich in history, dating back to the foundation of the United States. The state combines beautiful beaches and modern life while retaining its tradition of southern hospitality and great food.The Palmetto State is in two parts. The “low country” has miles of beaches and resorts along the South Carolina coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The “upstate” has small mountains and rivers and is more rural. The state capital, Columbia, sits between the border of the country in South Carolina’s two regions and is one of the best destinations for visitors exploring the Palmetto state.
The destination guide
South Carolina
State in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall8/10
- Best forCouples, Budget travelers
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
South Carolina splits into two worlds: low-country beaches and upstate mountains, with Columbia holding it all together.
Travel guides for South Carolina
Itineraries & day trips (1)
Things to do (10)
Where to stay (1)
Food & drink (2)
More guides featuring South Carolina (12)
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zoneEastern Time (ET)
Languages
- English
Setting
- Atlantic coast
- Low country marshes
- Subtropical beaches
- Piedmont foothills
Population5.5M5,479,000 residents
VisaDocuments: For domestic U.S. air travel, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid passport
How South Carolina scores
8/10OverallExcellent
Weather9/10
Value for money7/10
Food & cuisine9/10
Culture & arts6/10
Cultural experience8/10
Nature & outdoors4/10
Adventure4/10
Nightlife5/10
Shopping3/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance7/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall74/100Moderate rating
Women travellers75/100
LGBTQ+ travellers68/100
Theft70/100
Medical care75/100
Physical harm72/100
Political freedom75/100
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: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.
- January: 3.5 to 12.9 degrees Celsius, 101.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- February: 6.4 to 16.8 degrees Celsius, 81 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- March: 8.8 to 20.1 degrees Celsius, 88.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- April: 12.3 to 24.2 degrees Celsius, 101 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 17.1 to 27.9 degrees Celsius, 104.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 20.9 to 31.1 degrees Celsius, 88.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- July: 23.2 to 32.9 degrees Celsius, 113.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 22.2 to 31.4 degrees Celsius, 127 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- September: 19.3 to 29.2 degrees Celsius, 110.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 13.9 to 24.2 degrees Celsius, 67.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 8 to 18.5 degrees Celsius, 66.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- December: 5 to 14.3 degrees Celsius, 120.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cool to mild, some rain January in South Carolina: midwinter is less balanced for beach and outdoor-heavy trips. Crowds: January in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cool to mild, some rain February in South Carolina: winter or summer can work with crowd, heat, humidity, or holiday planning. Crowds: February in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Mild to warm, some rain March in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: March in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Mild to warm, some rain April in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: April in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Warm to hot, some rain May in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: May in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Warm to hot, some rain June in South Carolina: winter or summer can work with crowd, heat, humidity, or holiday planning. Crowds: June in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, some rain July in South Carolina: winter or summer can work with crowd, heat, humidity, or holiday planning. Crowds: July in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Warm to hot, some rain August in South Carolina: winter or summer can work with crowd, heat, humidity, or holiday planning. Crowds: August in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Warm to hot, some rain September in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: September in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, occasional rain October in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: October in South Carolina is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- November
- Cool to mild, occasional rain November in South Carolina: Charleston, beaches, gardens, Lowcountry food, parks, historic towns, and mild weather are strongest in spring or fall. Crowds: November in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- December
- Cool to mild, some rain December in South Carolina: winter or summer can work with crowd, heat, humidity, or holiday planning. Crowds: December in South Carolina is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- March
- February
- January
- April
Off-peak
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
Best time to visit
March through May and September-November for mild weather. Summer is hot and humid but ideal for Myrtle Beach. Charleston is charming year-round but especially in spring for garden tours.
Season by season
Spring (March-May):
Weather: 20-25°C, blooming
Highlights: Azaleas/Festivals
Best For: Charleston
Summer (June-Aug):
Weather: 30°C+, humid
Highlights: Beaches
Best For: Myrtle Beach
Fall (Sept-Nov):
Weather: 20-25°C, dry
Highlights: Harvest
Best For: Golf/Touring
Winter (Dec-Feb):
Weather: 10-15°C, mild
Highlights: Quiet
Best For: Budget
Crowds
South Carolina is busiest in summer (June–August) on the coast (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head) and during spring festivals/college football season; quietest in late fall and winter (November–February) except holiday periods—overall coastal areas get very crowded in summer, inland moderate year-round.
Getting there and around
Getting there
Fly into Charleston International (CHS) or Myrtle Beach (MYR) for the coast, or Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) for the Upstate. I-26, I-95, and I-85 connect major cities. Amtrak’s Silver Service runs through the state.
Top experiences in South Carolina
Historic Downtown Charleston
One of America’s most charming cities. Rainbow Row (pastel Georgian houses), the Pineapple Fountain, King Street shopping, and world-class Southern cuisine. Walking tours reveal layers of history from Colonial to Civil War eras.
Myrtle Beach
The Grand Strand. A 60-mile stretch of beach, the SkyWheel, Brookgreen Gardens, and Ripley’s Aquarium. It is the quintessential American family beach vacation. The boardwalk is lively.
Boone Hall Plantation
The most photographed plantation in America. An avenue of live oaks stretches for 3/4 of a mile. Used in ‘The Notebook’. Tours cover the history, gardens, and Gullah culture.
Hilton Head Island
A barrier island known for its pristine beaches and world-class golf (Harbour Town). The Harbour Town Lighthouse is the icon. Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers nature trails. Cycling-friendly.
Fort Sumter
Where the American Civil War began (April 12, 1861). Accessible only by ferry from Charleston harbor. The fort is a powerful monument. A must for history enthusiasts.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in South Carolina
Hand-picked from the operators our guides already send readers to. Prices and availability are live on the partner site.
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Tours and tickets in South Carolina on Viator (opens Viator in a new tab)
Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in South Carolina.
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Experiences in South Carolina on GetYourGuide (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)
Everything GetYourGuide sells in South Carolina, with the cancellation terms on each listing.
Where to stayBooking.com
Stays in South Carolina (opens Booking.com in a new tab)
Live rates and availability for South Carolina on Booking.com; filter by neighbourhood once you know where your days start.
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Where to stay
Wentworth Mansion (Charleston)
149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
A 19th-century mansion turned luxury hotel. Crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and a rooftop cupola with city views. Butler service included. It epitomizes antebellum elegance.
The Spectator Hotel (Charleston)
67 State St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
A boutique hotel with a 1920s vibe in the heart of downtown Charleston. Personalized service, a complimentary cocktail hour, and a speakeasy-style bar. Intimate and stylish.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
23 Ocean Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA
A beachfront resort on Hilton Head Island. Multiple pools, direct beach access, and an oceanfront spa. A solid family-friendly option with resort-style amenities.
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
- City – Charleston
- Beach – Myrtle Beach
- History – Fort Sumter
- Plantation – Boone Hall
- Island – Hilton Head
- Food – Shrimp & Grits
- Golf – Harbour Town
- Culture – Gullah
Best activities
- Walk historic Charleston. Visit Rainbow Row. Tour Boone Hall Plantation. Relax on Myrtle Beach. Take the ferry to Fort Sumter. Bike around Hilton Head. Eat Lowcountry cuisine (shrimp and grits, she-crab soup).
Photography tips
- Golden Hour: Sunset from The Battery in Charleston. Sunrise on Driftwood Beach (Jekyll Island nearby).
- Iconic Shots:
- Rainbow Row from across the street.
- The oak-lined avenue at Boone Hall.
- Harbour Town Lighthouse.
- The Pineapple Fountain.
- Fort Sumter from the ferry.
- Technique: Use a wide-angle for the Boone Hall oaks to capture the canopy. Charleston streets require an early morning start to avoid crowds.
Timing
- Peak Season (March-May, June-Aug):
- Spring for Charleston; Summer for beaches
- Shoulder Season (Sept-Nov):
- Best weather, fewer crowds
- Low Season (Dec-Feb):
- Mild, quiet, deals
Keeping it authentic
- South Carolina is the crossroads of Old South and New South. The Gullah/Geechee culture on the coast is a direct link to West African heritage. Charleston's food scene is internationally acclaimed. The state's history is complex and layered.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
South Carolina’s cultural heritage is deeply interwoven with the early colonial history of the United States, the legacy of African American resilience, and distinctive architectural traditions. As one of the original thirteen colonies, it was a focal point of both Revolutionary and Civil War events, with sites like Charleston’s Fort Sumter marking the first shots of the Civil War. The state’s Gullah Geechee culture—descendants of enslaved Africans—preserves unique language, cuisine, and crafts along the coastal Lowcountry. Architecturally, South Carolina boasts preserved antebellum mansions, historic churches, and plantation complexes that reflect both the wealth generated by enslaved labor and the complexities of its past. Though South Carolina has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is home to many National Historic Landmarks that serve as vital records of the American South’s evolving cultural landscape.
Travel Style
Activities
