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Destination: Charleston, South Carolina
Time of Year: Spring (March, April, May)
Average Temperatures: 58° F to 72° F
Typical Weather: Warm, humid, occasionally chilly
Many visitors who come to Charleston, South Carolina in the spring expect a tropical vacation. Their suitcases are packed with bathing suits, plenty of tank tops, shorts, and sandals. When they arrive and realize it's about 62 degrees and rainy all week... not only are their beach plans ruined, but they're cold and cranky for the entirety of the trip.
Don't let this—or the opposite scenario, packing heavy layers for a warmer spring—happen to you. March, April, and May are some of the most enjoyable months in the Holy City; the suffocating Charleston humidity hasn't quite arrived yet, and the wisteria, jasmine, and azalea blooms come out in full force. You'll want to enjoy it and feel comfortable in what you're wearing.
Spend a day on Sullivan's Island or Folly Beach (just bring a sweatshirt or cover-up). Walk down the South of Broad streets, stopping for photo ops in front of colorful historic homes along the way, in comfortable and cute sneakers. Grab dinner and drinks on King Street in an outfit that feels elegant and put-together but far from out of place.
Below, we've compiled your Charleston packing list—everything you need for a long weekend in the springtime.
What to Wear in Charleston, South Carolina — Spring Packing List
Jeans
Charleston is a casual city. You're good wearing jeans just about anywhere—brunch to beach to breweries.
Shorts
The jeans equivalent for warmer days.
Linen or Cotton Layers
Spring in Charleston requires an art for layering. Neutral or solid-color cotton pieces can be paired with shorts, jeans, or even under a dress in a pinch.
Day-to-Night Dresses
Obviously, you can still bring your sundresses. These can easily be worn with a simple crewneck sweatshirt or sweater for chillier days and nights.
Light Sweater or Sweatshirt
Self-explanatory layers.
Rain Jacket or Umbrella
Preparation is the key to a successful trip.
Bathing Suit
Okay... we did say it wasn't super hot this time of the year, but that isn't to say it might not get up to 80. Bring a suit just in case.
Sneakers
Charleston is as walkable as it is casual. And those cobblestone streets weren't made for heels.
Flat or Heeled Sandals
Day-to-night dresses meet day-to-night shoes.
Crossbody Bag
A solid crossbody is truly the only bag you'll need on this trip.
Straw Hat and Sunglasses
The sun is out—even if the humidity hasn't yet arrived in full force.
