United States, North America

Charleston in November

Early November is excellent. Oyster season starts and holiday lights at James Island County Park open late in the month.

GoodMild, highs near 69F (21C)

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

The straight answer

November is a good month to visit Charleston. Early November is excellent. Oyster season starts and holiday lights at James Island County Park open late in the month.

Weather: Mild, highs near 69F (21C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What November is like in Charleston

November is mild, with highs near 69F (21C) and cool evenings. Early November is excellent, with comfortable days, lighter crowds and fair prices. Oyster season starts, and the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park opens in mid to late November. Hurricane season ends on November 30.

It suits couples, food lovers and families who want spring-like walking weather at lower prices. It is too cool for the beach. Some garden and plantation sites keep limited hours around Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday of November, so check before you go.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Charleston this month.

Oyster season returns

Oysters come back on menus and oyster roasts start up, a Lowcountry fall tradition.

Holiday Festival of Lights

The drive-through lights show at James Island County Park opens in mid to late November. Great with kids.

Gardens in fall

Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation are calm and pleasant in the cooler air.

What to pack for November

A light jacket and a sweater
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for cool mornings
A nice outfit for dinner

Our timing tip

Go in the first half of November for the best weather, and check holiday hours before Thanksgiving visits.

Book Charleston for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Charleston
Opens a hotel search for Charleston in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Holiday Festival of Lights

Mid November through early January

A drive-through lights show at James Island County Park. Great with kids.

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 November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Charleston?

November is a good month to visit Charleston. Early November is excellent. Oyster season starts and holiday lights at James Island County Park open late in the month.

What is the weather like in Charleston in November?

Mild, highs near 69F (21C).

Is Charleston crowded in November?

Crowds in Charleston are moderate in November; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Charleston in November?

Holiday Festival of Lights (mid november through early january).