United States, North America

Charleston in February

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes over the city one weekend. Camellias bloom in the gardens.

Quiet valueMild, highs near 62F (17C)

A courtyard on Rainbow Row, Charleston — CharlestonPhoto: John Hoey from Framingham, MA, United States, CC BY 2.0

The straight answer

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Charleston. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes over the city one weekend. Camellias bloom in the gardens.

Weather: Mild, highs near 62F (17C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What February is like in Charleston

February is mild, with highs near 62F (17C) and cool nights. Camellias bloom in the gardens, and the city starts to wake up after winter. Crowds are still light and prices low, except on the weekend of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, which takes over downtown in mid February.

It suits garden lovers, history fans and budget travelers who want comfortable walking weather. It is not beach season yet. If you want the full spring bloom, come in late March or April, and book early since those months fill up. Weekdays are especially quiet and cheap.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Charleston this month.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Wildlife art, dog shows and demonstrations fill downtown one weekend in mid February.

Camellias in bloom

The gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place show off their camellias in late winter.

Fort Sumter without the crowds

The ferry is easy to book, and the fort is calm on a winter weekday.

What to pack for February

A light jacket and a sweater
Comfortable walking shoes
A compact umbrella
A warm layer for the ferry ride

Our timing tip

Check the Wildlife Exposition weekend before booking, since downtown hotels fill up for it.

Book Charleston for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Charleston
Opens a hotel search for Charleston in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Charleston
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Charleston
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Charleston for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

A weekend in mid February

Wildlife art, dog shows, and demonstrations across downtown.

Things to do in Charleston

Full guide

Fort Sumter

Reach it only by the official ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Book ahead in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The historic district, Battery, and Rainbow Row

Walk early in the morning in summer. The side streets south of Broad are the quietest.

Tickets and tours →

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

One of the oldest public gardens in the US. Azaleas peak in late March and April.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Drayton Hall

A rare unrestored 18th century plantation house, with strong interpretation of the enslaved community.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Patriots Point

The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and a Fort Sumter ferry stop in Mount Pleasant. Great with kids.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Middleton Place

Formal terraced gardens along the Ashley River, with a working stableyard. Best in spring.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit Fort Sumter on the first ferry of the day, and do the historic district walk before 10am.
Stay in North Central or on the upper peninsula instead of the South of Broad core. Rates are lower and you are a short ride away.
Book Wine + Food and Spoleto hotels months ahead; a weekday trip between the two in April offers the same blooms with lighter crowds.
Weekdays at the beaches are dramatically calmer than weekends in summer.

Know before you go

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking from mid August into October. Named storms can close attractions and trigger evacuations.
Many plantation and garden sites have limited hours on major holidays; check before Thanksgiving and Christmas visits.
King tides and heavy rain can flood low-lying downtown streets for hours. Check local alerts during storms.
Beach lifeguard coverage and some beach-town businesses reduce hours outside the summer season.

Charleston in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Charleston?

February is a quiet, good-value month to visit Charleston. The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes over the city one weekend. Camellias bloom in the gardens.

What is the weather like in Charleston in February?

Mild, highs near 62F (17C).

Is Charleston crowded in February?

February is one of the quieter months in Charleston; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Charleston in February?

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (a weekend in mid february).