United States, North America
Charleston in September
Heat eases late in the month. Good deals, but storms can disrupt plans.
The straight answer
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Charleston. Heat eases late in the month. Good deals, but storms can disrupt plans.
- Weather
- Hot, highs near 85F (29C), peak hurricane season
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What September is like in Charleston
September is still hot, with highs near 85F (29C), and it sits in the peak of hurricane season. A named storm can close attractions or trigger evacuations. The heat usually eases late in the month. Crowds are light and there are good deals, especially on weekdays.
It suits flexible travelers who want low prices and can change plans if a storm threatens. Families and first-time visitors will do better in October, when the weather is comfortable and the house and garden tours return. Watch the tropical forecast in the week before you go.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Charleston this month.
Quiet beaches
Summer crowds are gone, and the water is still warm for swimming.
Good-value hotels
Rates drop after summer, and downtown rooms are easier to find.
Drayton Hall on a calmer day
The unrestored plantation house and its history of the enslaved community are easier to take in without crowds.
What to pack for September
- Light clothes
- Swimsuit
- A compact umbrella
- A power bank in case of storm outages
Our timing tip
Aim for late September, when the heat usually eases, and keep bookings refundable.
Book Charleston for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CharlestonOpens a hotel search for Charleston in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Charleston?
September is a month of real tradeoffs in Charleston. Heat eases late in the month. Good deals, but storms can disrupt plans.
What is the weather like in Charleston in September?
Hot, highs near 85F (29C), peak hurricane season.
Is Charleston crowded in September?
September is one of the quieter months in Charleston; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Charleston.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in September
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