What Should I Pack on a Trip to Charleston?

The flights are booked, the hotel reserved, and your camera is fully charged. Congratulations, you’re coming to Charleston! Now it’s time to pack - but what should you bring?

That’s going to depend heavily on the time of year you visit and what you plan to do! The number one thing we recommend, no matter the season or activities, is comfortable walking shoes! Beyond that, here are some of our packing tips based on the season:

Winter

Charleston sees cool, dry, mild winters, and this is one of our favorite times to visit. It will most likely be too cold to swim at the beach - though it may be warm enough to walk along the shore - so you can skip the swimsuit unless your hotel has a heated pool. For daily activities, we recommend layers - mornings and evenings can be chilly, and a lightweight vest or jacket is a must, but afternoons can see temperatures into the 60s. Breezy days are fairly common this time of year as well, so a light scarf can help keep the chill at bay.

Spring

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Charleston, and with good reason: the weather is warm but not too hot or humid, often sunny, and countless flowers are in bloom. We recommend checking the weather right before your trip, as spring temperatures can vary widely between chilly and hot, nearly beach-worthy. On those wonderful warmer days, a sundress and light jacket, or trousers and t-shirt are ideal. Beware of pollen: if you deal with seasonal allergies, make sure to bring whatever medications will help you be more comfortable. You may also want to bring a light rain jacket and umbrella for those surprise spring showers. 

Summer

Summers in Charleston are famously hot and humid. You’ll want to dress in light, flowing fabrics made of natural materials such as cotton or linen, or even lightweight silk or merino wool to help wick away sweat. Though it sounds counterintuitive to cover up in the heat, it does help to wear your own shade and avoid sunburn. Also counterintuitive may be the thought of bringing a light layer with you - but indoor spaces are aggressively air-conditioned, and it can get chilly! Of course, you’ll also want to bring beach essentials, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella for those summer afternoon downpours. 

Autumn

While Charleston may not get a colorful autumn like other parts of the state, the drop in temperatures and the air of anticipation for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holiday season bring a fresh energy to the city. Make sure to check the weather right before your trip, as the conditions throughout this season can vary widely, from near-summer levels of heat and humidity to a breezy, wintry chill. 

Other things to consider
These are some other items that you may want to consider packing, no matter the time of year:

• External phone battery charger/power bank: you’ll probably be taking photos and videos constantly, and still need power for navigation! Even for locals, this can be a lifesaver.

•  Cash and coins: While the vast majority of businesses in the city accept (and many prefer) cards, it’s helpful to have cash and coins on hand for parking meters and tipping. 

• A polished cocktail outfit: Charleston has a long history of social events throughout the year, and that tradition continues to this day. If you plan to have a date night at a nice restaurant, enjoy a cocktail party, or attend special events on your trip, make sure to bring an elevated outfit to dress up! Some venues require a certain level of dress for entry for both ladies and gentlemen, so make sure to check the dress codes of establishments you plan to visit and pack accordingly. 

• A hat! We might be biased, of course, but a hat is useful at all times of year to keep the sun off your face and add a pop of style to any outfit. 

• General rule of thumb for packing: bring half the stuff and twice the money. When you visit Charleston and see all the fantastic local shops, you’ll see why. 

Join us on a walking tour to discover a fresh perspective of Charleston’s rich history. Check out our specialized tour types, or reach out for a custom experience!

Looking for more ideas to plan your trip? Check out our Charleston Recommendations page for a local’s top picks!