United States, North America
Charleston in March
Charleston Wine + Food early in the month, then azaleas late. Spring break crowds begin.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Charleston. Charleston Wine + Food early in the month, then azaleas late. Spring break crowds begin.
- Weather
- Warming, highs near 69F (21C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Charleston
March is when Charleston warms up. Highs are near 69F (21C), gardens start to bloom and the azaleas usually arrive late in the month. Charleston Wine + Food fills the city early in March, the Festival of Houses and Gardens opens private homes from mid March, and spring break crowds begin. Prices rise quickly.
It suits food lovers, garden fans and anyone who wants spring before the peak of April. Book early for the festival weekends. If you want lighter crowds with the same blooms, try a weekday in April, between Wine + Food and Spoleto.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Charleston this month.
Charleston Wine + Food
The city's big culinary festival in early March. Tickets and hotels sell out, so plan ahead.
Festival of Houses and Gardens
The Historic Charleston Foundation opens private historic homes and gardens for tours from mid March.
Azaleas start to bloom
Azaleas at Magnolia Plantation usually begin to peak in late March, depending on the winter.
What to pack for March
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket
- Sunglasses
Our timing tip
Book Wine + Food tickets and a hotel as soon as dates are announced, since both sell out early.
Book Charleston for March.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CharlestonOpens a hotel search for Charleston in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in CharlestonWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in CharlestonTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Charleston for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Charleston Wine + Food
Early March
The city's big culinary festival. Tickets and hotels sell out.
Festival of Houses and Gardens
Mid March through mid April
Tours of private historic homes and gardens run by the Historic Charleston Foundation.
Things to do in Charleston
Fort Sumter
Reach it only by the official ferry from Liberty Square or Patriots Point. Book ahead in spring.
The historic district, Battery, and Rainbow Row
Walk early in the morning in summer. The side streets south of Broad are the quietest.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
One of the oldest public gardens in the US. Azaleas peak in late March and April.
Drayton Hall
A rare unrestored 18th century plantation house, with strong interpretation of the enslaved community.
Patriots Point
The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and a Fort Sumter ferry stop in Mount Pleasant. Great with kids.
Middleton Place
Formal terraced gardens along the Ashley River, with a working stableyard. Best in spring.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Charleston?
March is a good month to visit Charleston. Charleston Wine + Food early in the month, then azaleas late. Spring break crowds begin.
What is the weather like in Charleston in March?
Warming, highs near 69F (21C).
Is Charleston crowded in March?
Crowds in Charleston are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Charleston in March?
Charleston Wine + Food (early march); Festival of Houses and Gardens (mid march through mid april).
Keep planning Charleston.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
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