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Charleston

United States · Coast · USD · 32.776500, -79.931100
Family friendly 6.4/10 · Rank 1276 of 2 709
Best season: March-May, September-November

Best for

Charleston is an ideal place for history, architecture and Southern cuisine lovers. It is recommended for couples, families and cultural travellers. Least suitable for those seeking a quiet secluded holiday.

Best season

March-May, September-November

Daily budget
$270.00 (≈ 22 658 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 890.00 (≈ 158 609 ₽)
Charleston is one of the oldest and most charming cities in the American South, located on the Atlantic coast in South Carolina. Its pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and plantation homes create an atmosphere of the Old South. The city is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine, historic mansions, and hospitality.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
7.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Charleston residents are hospitable and proud Southerners, valuing their history and culinary traditions. The atmosphere in the city is calm and friendly.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich historical heritage
  • Beautiful architecture
  • Excellent Southern cuisine
  • Folly Beach and Isle of Palms beaches
  • Cultural events
  • Friendly atmosphere

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Many tourists
  • Hot humid summer
  • Beaches overcrowded
  • Infrastructure is overloaded
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
11.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
15.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
7.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-August
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
fine white sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Folly Beach / Isle of Palms
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Charleston is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards in summer. Main risks are jellyfish and rare shark sightings.

Sea urchins — details

  • Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchin) — found off Charleston, recorded in museum collections
  • Sea urchins — common on the continental shelf off Charleston, including the Charleston Bump
  • Special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Oculina arbuscula (compact ivory bush coral) — dominant hard coral on live bottoms off Charleston
  • Lophogorgia hebes — dominant soft coral on live bottoms off Charleston
  • Astrangia poculata (northern star coral) — found off Charleston, recorded in museum collections
  • Deep-sea coral reef — a huge deep-sea coral reef discovered off the South Carolina coast in 2018

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are occasionally found off the coast during summer months.

Sharks — details

  • Rare shark sightings off the coast. Caution is advised.
Attractions

Fort Sumter

A historic fortress on an island in Charleston Harbour. The site of the start of the Civil War.

Rainbow Row

A famous row of colourful 18th-century historic houses.

French Quarter

A historic district with galleries, restaurants and cobblestone streets.

Charleston City Market

A historic market with local crafts and souvenirs.

Middleton Place Plantation

A historic plantation with gardens and a museum.

Folly Beach

A popular beach with fine sand and calm water.

Best areas

Historic District

The heart of Charleston with Rainbow Row, the market and restaurants.

French Quarter

An area with galleries, restaurants and historic houses.

Mount Pleasant

A coastal area with restaurants and bay views.

Must-try food

Shrimp and grits

A classic Southern dish: shrimp with cornmeal porridge.

She-crab soup

A thick crab soup with cream and sherry.

Oysters

Fresh oysters from local waters, served on ice.

Barbecue

Slow-smoked meat with mustard-based sauce.

Gullah cuisine

African-American cuisine with rice, beans and seafood.

Where to go next

Summerville

A town with plantations and gardens. 30 minutes away.

Beaufort

A historic town with plantations. 1.5 hours away.

Savannah

A historic city with squares and fountains. 2 hours away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Charleston International Airport (CHS).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-May, September-November
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$562.00
≈ 47 163 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$350.00
≈ 29 372 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$6.50
≈ 545 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$16.00
≈ 1 343 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Charleston: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-May, September-November. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Charleston: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +32.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Charleston: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +7.0°C, during the day — up to +15.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Charleston: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Charleston: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Charleston: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "fine white sand" surface, white sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Folly Beach / Isle of Palms. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Charleston: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Charleston: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish, sharks. Charleston is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards in summer. Main risks are jellyfish and rare shark sightings.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Charleston: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $270.00 (≈ 22 658 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Charleston: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $40.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $200.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $300.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $562.00 per night, an apartment — $180.00 per night, a villa — $350.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Charleston: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $45.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.50, a 0.5L beer — $6.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Charleston: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $12.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Charleston: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Fort Sumter — A historic fortress on an island in Charleston Harbour. The site of the start of the Civil War.; Rainbow Row — A famous row of colourful 18th-century historic houses.; French Quarter — A historic district with galleries, restaurants and cobblestone streets.; Charleston City Market — A historic market with local crafts and souvenirs.; Middleton Place Plantation — A historic plantation with gardens and a museum.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Charleston: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Shrimp and grits — A classic Southern dish: shrimp with cornmeal porridge.; She-crab soup — A thick crab soup with cream and sherry.; Oysters — Fresh oysters from local waters, served on ice.; Barbecue — Slow-smoked meat with mustard-based sauce.; Gullah cuisine — African-American cuisine with rice, beans and seafood.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Charleston: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic District — The heart of Charleston with Rainbow Row, the market and restaurants.; French Quarter — An area with galleries, restaurants and historic houses.; Mount Pleasant — A coastal area with restaurants and bay views.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Charleston: is a visa required?
Visa: required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Charleston: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Charleston International Airport (code CHS). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Charleston: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $270.00 (≈ 22 658 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Charleston: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Charleston: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Charleston: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Summerville — A town with plantations and gardens. 30 minutes away.; Beaufort — A historic town with plantations. 1.5 hours away.; Savannah — A historic city with squares and fountains. 2 hours away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.4/10
Overall rank: 1276 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 853

Best season

March-May, September-November

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: 32.776500, -79.931100