Planning a trip down south and looking for the best things to do in Charleston in winter? If so, this guide is for you! In this guide, you will learn all you need to know before spending Christmas in Charleston, including what to do during the colder months of the year.
If youʻre booking your trip to Charleston last minute, I have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!
🇺🇸 Top experiences and tours in Charleston:
- Ghosts of Charleston night walking tour (top-rated in the city; great for kids)
- Charleston Harbor history-focused cruise (affordable option; day or evening)
- 2-hour historic walking tour of Charleston (great for first-time travelers)
- Southern food tour of Charleston (the food in Charleston is SUPERB)
🛌 Top places to stay in Charleston:
- Hotel Bennett Charleston (historic hotel downtown on King Street)
- The Iris (5-star apartments located downtown)
- The Charlestonian (Historic District in notable building)
🚗 Visiting Charleston independently? Be sure to book your South Carolina rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
I detail what there is to do in the Southern city, including the best attractions, festivals, and more. While Charleston is fabulous in summer – it is MAGIC in the winter.
Did I miss any of the best things to do during winter in Charleston? Let me know in the comments! I have also included a map at the end to help you locate all of the attractions and landmarks on this guide.
In this post...
Winter Weather in Charleston (Including Snow Info)
Like most other Southern cities, Charleston is not the place where you’d go to experience a true winter. The winter season lasts between December and February, and Charleston is known for its mild winters.
You might see a bit of rain or some flurries in January but don’t expect a lot of snow, if any at all. It rarely snows in Charleston, but you’ll have the highest chance of snow in February.
Here are the average winter temperatures in Charleston, SC:
- Charleston in December: High 61°F, low 46°F
- Charleston in January: High 57°F, low 43°F
- Charleston in February: High 60°F, low 45°F
- Charleston in March: High 66°F, low 51°F
Spring arrives in March and sometimes even earlier. But regardless of when you visit during the winter, the temperatures are never too cold.
Best Things to Do in Charleston in Winter
1. Take a Charleston Harbor History Boat Cruise
Enjoy a chilled-out boat cruise along Charleston Harbor with chances to sightsee everything from Cooper River to the Fort Sumter National Monument.
The journey is entirely narrated by the tour guide and they will elaborate on the history of Charleston from the time of the Civil War to the present day.
You’ll pass antebellum houses and landmarks near the Battery, various Civil War sites throughout the city, and go under the bridges of Cooper River.
There is even a possibility to encounter bottlenose dolphins along the cruise, and of course, pelicans (one species stays in SC all year and the other is there during the winter months).
This will all take place on an 80-foot boat and there are a lot of cruise times available throughout the day, with numerous morning, afternoon, and even sunset cruises.
This boat cruise is family-friendly and is only 1.5 hours long, giving you plenty of time left in your trip to enjoy the other famous sites of Charleston. The boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
>> Click here to check Charleston Harbor cruise rates and availability
2. Get Festive at the Charleston Holiday Market
The local market makes an upgrade from its usual local produce and food vendors to include additional holiday vendors and products prepared by artisans and crafters; there are also fun activities for kids along with live, festive music! It literally turns into its name – the Charleson Holiday Market!
And, let’s be honest, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a good holiday market, even if the ones in the US aren’t quite the same as the ones I experience on the other side of the pond.
This year, the market is at the Convention Center and will be held November 15-17, 2024. You can find out additional details here.
3. See the Holiday Festival of Lights from November-December
Every evening (5:30pm to 10pm) from November 15 to December 31, 2024, the Holiday Festival of Lights takes place at James Island County Park.
There are plenty of events and attractions, like meeting Santa, but the biggest lure is the Christmas lights! Each night has different pricing for vehicles entering, so be sure to check out their website to get tickets and find out the price for your chosen date.
4. Indulge at Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Indulge in delicious comfort food in a family-oriented establishment when you’re visiting Charleston this winter! Rodney Scott’s BBQ ensures everything is 100% handmade and they are famous for their original recipes.
Start your Rodney Scott’s experience with hushpuppies and honey butter or smoked chicken wings. Or consider one of the many options from their Taters & Greens section, such as their house favorite, the Loaded Tater Truck, consisting of sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, scallions, bacon, and your choice of chicken, brisket, whole hog, or pork shoulder on your baked potato.
Their pit-cooked meals are divided into two sections: sandwiches and plates. Their whole hog pork sandwich or plate are both excellent options!
5. Take a Trip to Kiawah Island or Sullivan’s Island
Kiawah Island feels like an untouched and perfectly preserved paradise with various types of scenery like sand dunes, maritime forests, beaches, and marshes.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of the 10 miles of beaches on the island, or partake in recreational water activities along the shoreline, such as kayaking or surfing with Tide Trails. You can also rent a charter boat with Bohicket Marina & Market.
Alternatively (and if getting into the water is not your thing!) you can rent a bike and take it to one of the island’s 30 miles of bike paths.
Near the entrance of Charleston Harbor is Sullivan’s Island, a barrier island running at about 2.5 miles. It also has unspoiled beaches where you can picnic in the sand with gorgeous views. Yes, even during the winter months (just wear a jacket).
Fort Moultrie is a historical site to check out when you’re done enjoying the beach and you can learn of its significance, impact, and how it was utilized in American history.
6. Go Shopping on Historic King Street
One of the most iconic streets in Downtown Charleston is King Street. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and was named after King Charles II of England.
In the old city, the historic street was the main thoroughfare, in which most of the city’s merchants and commercial activities were centralized around port trading at the pier and waterfront.
After the railroad was completed, the commercial atmosphere escalated, quickly transforming the route into the prosperous retail center it is currently.
Today, you will find some of Charleston’s best shopping, restaurants, and bars in this area! It also has a collection of beautiful, historical buildings.
7. Join a Walking Food Tour in Charleston
Take a tour through the charming historic city while sampling local dishes and products from the Lowcountry. Learn about the historical background with your guide as you traverse the streets of Charleston!
Some of the most notable foods you’ll find in the region are collard greens, South Carolina barbecue, beignets, pralines, benne wafers, and stone-ground grits.
Your first stop will be the Charleston City Market, a historical landmark encompassing four blocks of the city. It was Charleston’s original grocery store and has been in operation since the early 1800s. My first trip to Charleston was when I was 11 and this (and the Isle of Palms) are the only things I remember from that trip – it really is a standout place!
Then, spend the rest of the two hours of your tour at the French Quarter, which is home to some of the city’s most famous restaurants.
It is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city with numerous historical churches and homes. Sample your guide’s best picks one by one, and learn about other dining suggestions for the remainder of your trip (this is one of my best tips no matter where you travel). Eating is a no-fail winter activity… always.
>> Click here to check Charleston food tour rates and availability
8. Stroll Along The Battery
Explore the most architecturally and historically significant parts of Charleston at The Battery, which is in the heart of downtown.
This defensive coastline is lined with waterfront antebellum homes, and from the same coast, you can see Fort Sumter and the USS Yorktown in the distance.
The Battery and White Point Garden, often just referred to as “Battery Park” by locals, is full of green spaces, trees, a waterfront walkway, and a gazebo.
Additionally, there is an old flea market, a layered pineapple-shaped fountain facing the waterfront, and Rainbow Row (a collection of historic and colorful buildings) nearby.
The stunning views of the bay can be admired as you walk or bike along, or perhaps you can even sit at any of the spaces in the park to relax, take a snack break, or just socialize with nice views.
9. Spend Your Evening at Historic Bin 152 Wine Bar
The oldest wine bar in Charleston is in the French Quarter in the heart of downtown. Bin 152 has over 200 wines by the bottle to choose from, in addition to 40 various wines by the glass.
There is also a vast assortment of cheeses and charcuterie boards – about 40 different kinds – which are all served with freshly baked house bread a la carte.
From meat boards, neverending wine lists, and a top-notch selection of cheese, to the knowledgeable and helpful staff, Bin 152 is a great place to lounge on your trip.
Bin 152 is open from 2pm to midnight from Monday to Thursday, and Friday to Sunday from 12pm to midnight.
10. Attend Charleston Restaurant Week
Taste just about everything in Charleston at their annual Restaurant Week. From casual dining and comfort food to fine dining with gastronomical and world-renowned dishes, you’ll have the chance to really explore the culinary culture of the city.
New menu items will be featured by participating restaurants participating in Restaurant Week; usually, these items include fan favorites of raved local dishes, and there are often multi-course menus available, as well. There are restaurants from all over the state participating this year – and of all types of cuisine!
This year’s event will be held January 9-19, 2025, and is something to look forward to at the start of the new year.
11. Go to the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston
On February 2, 2025, there is the Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall, which is a social gathering in the city where live music, oyster shucking, oyster eating contests, wine, and beer come together. This year will be special as it’s the event’s 41st anniversary.
It is the largest festival of its kind in the world due to the astounding 80,000 pounds of oysters! And… someone’s got to help eat them!
If you’re visiting Charleston outside of the event but still want to get your hands on some delicious oysters, head to Bowens Island Restaurant in Folly Beach. It is one of my favorite spots for SC oysters.
12. Visit Fort Sumter National Historical Park
On a manmade island stands two forts at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. The island itself is made from thousands of tons of granite, whereas the forts are made entirely from brick.
Fort Sumter National Historic Park is a testimony of the first battle of the American Civil War, where bombardments and fierce battles took place, including the surrender and occupation of the fort by Confederates for numerous years.
It was named after Thomas Sumter, a Revolutionary War General, and was built to develop America’s coastal defense system.
You can take a short ferry ride to the fort and listen in on the park ranger’s narration of the historical significance of the fortified island.
There is a small gift shop on site with souvenirs, and as you tour around the island you will catch sights of several large displays with explanations of the area and the Fort itself.
Working Hours: all week from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (visitor center hours)
Entrance Fee: Standard fee – $10 per person, annual fee – $35 per person
13. Check Out the Charleston Museum
As one of the oldest museums in the United States and one that is highly acclaimed for its impressive collection including natural history, historic artifacts, natural history, and decorative arts, the Charleston Museum shouldn’t be skipped during your trip!
Some permanent exhibits include Charleston Silver, craftsmanship claimed to be some of the South’s finest with collections ranging from the colonial era through the Victorian Age, as well as a showcase on the Native Americans who first inhabited the Lowcountry, as well as the enslaved African-Americans and the colonists who partook in the transformation of the region.
You can also check out the Armory, with collections of historic weapons for military, hunting, and duels that date back to the mid-18th century, the Becoming Americans & City Under Siege exhibit, which explains the role the city played in the American Revolution, from protest to independence, with artifacts and mannequins wearing historical garments, the Bunting Natural History Gallery, and the Historic Textiles Gallery.
Working Hours: from Monday to Saturday – 9 :00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday – 12 AM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: 1 site – $15, 2 sites – $22, 3 sites – $30, child – $6, Youth – $12, free for 2 years old and under
14. Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art
The beautiful Beaux Arts architecture of the Gibbes Museum of Art is just the beginning! It has a fine art collection of over 10,000 American works, primarily focused and connected locally, but also includes works from the South.
One of the main highlights of Gibbe’s Gallery is the Miniatures Collection, which is renowned for being the first-ever miniatures to have been painted in America by notable figures, such as Charles Fraser, whose Book of Records is also available for display. There are also plenty of permanent exhibitions worth visiting inside.
The museum strives to introduce new art forms and thus offers 6 to 8 special exhibitions per year to connect with a broad and diverse audience.
Working Hours: from Monday to Saturday – 10 :00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday – 1 PM to 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices: adult – $12, senior – $10, students – $10, youth – $6, free for 2 years old and under
Things to Do in Charleston in Winter (On a Map!)
Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Charleston in winter, these are some of my top picks in the gorgeous city!
- Hotel Bennett Charleston (historic hotel downtown on King Street)
- The Iris (5-star apartments located downtown)
- The Charlestonian (Historic District in notable building)
Did I miss any of the best things to do in Charleston in winter? Let me know your favorite winter activities in the comments! Thanks!
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- Savannah in winter
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- Day trips from Wilmington NC
- One day in New Orleans
- Weekend in New Orleans
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.