Visiting Charleston in January: The Old South Local’s Guide

November 25, 2025

When people think of vacationing in Charleston, most consider the springtime, summer, and fall as the best times to visit. True, there are many benefits to exploring the Holy City during these peak seasons.

However, January is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. January is Charleston's coldest month on paper, but "cold" here usually means mild afternoons and crisp, clear days perfect for sightseeing and without the peak-season crowds (or peak-season prices).

In this practical guide from your friends at Old South Carriage Company, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting in January, straight from the folks who live and work here all winter long. We’ll cover:

What Charleston in January really feels like
Charleston SC weather in January (and what to pack)
The best things to do in January, including seasonal events
Why a horse-drawn carriage tour is the coziest way to see the Historic District in winter

Is January a good time to visit Charleston?

If your mental image of January is shoveling snow and bundling up in a heavy coat, Charleston is going to feel like a delightful surprise. The slower pace and mild weather make visiting Charleston in January a fantastic choice for many travelers.

January in Charleston is especially ideal for:

Budget-minded travelers: You’ll typically see better rates on hotels and flights than in the spring and fall.
Couples and friend trips: Cooler air, fewer lines, and easier restaurant availability create a more relaxed and romantic getaway vibe.
Foodies: Charleston Restaurant Week typically lands in mid-January, offering special prix-fixe menus at some of the city’s top dining spots.
Snow refugees: If you’re escaping a “real winter,” afternoon temperatures in the high 50s will feel like a gift.
People who hate crowds: Sidewalks, museums, and popular photo spots aren’t packed like during the high seasons.

The Pros of Visiting in January

Slower Pace: The Historic District, Rainbow Row, and The Battery are much calmer. This means less jostling on narrow sidewalks, shorter wait times, and an easier time pausing for photos and truly appreciating the historic architecture.
Better Value: You’ll often find more competitive hotel rates, especially midweek, making a downtown stay more accessible.
Mild Winter Vibe: The average high temperatures hover in the upper 50s, giving you plenty of crisp, clear days that are perfect for walking or riding through the Historic District.

The Tradeoffs (So You Can Plan Realistically)

Cooler Evenings: You’ll definitely need a light to mid-weight jacket. Occasional cold snaps can push daytime highs into the 40s, but those usually don’t last long.
Shorter Daylight: With just over 10 hours of daylight, sunset is earlier. We recommend scheduling your big outdoor activities (like a carriage tour!) earlier in the day and enjoying cozy dinners and indoor experiences after dark.
Seasonal Adjustments: A few attractions may run reduced winter hours, but this quieter schedule allows you to see a more authentic, local side of Charleston that many visitors miss.

Charleston SC Weather in January: Temperatures, Rain & What to Pack

Understanding the Charleston, S.C. weather in January is key to packing properly. Our local guides work outside every day, so we know exactly what the weather really feels like.

On average, January days in Charleston bring:

Highs around 57–59°F (13–15°C)
Lows around 43–45°F (6–7°C)
It's one of the drier months, with roughly 1.5–3 inches of total rainfall.

January is technically the coldest month, but we still get many afternoons where it feels pleasantly cool rather than bitterly cold. You’ll often see locals enjoying sidewalk cafés and The Battery on a sunny afternoon.

A Note on Snow: Does it snow in Charleston in January? It’s possible but extremely rare. Many winters pass with no snow at all, so don't count on a white backdrop.

Wind & Humidity: Because Charleston is right on the water, a light breeze off the harbor can make it feel 5–10 degrees cooler on a carriage tour or waterfront walk, so dress prepared for that coastal chill.

What to Wear in Charleston SC in January

The magic word is layers, not heavy winter gear.

Daytime Formula:

Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
A cozy sweater or fleece
A light-to-medium-weight jacket
Comfortable jeans or casual pants
Closed-toe walking shoes

If you’re joining an Old South Carriage Tour, aim for what you'd wear on a brisk fall day. Our carriages are covered, and we operate rain or shine with your comfort in mind, but being snug makes the ride much more enjoyable.

Accessories Worth Packing:

A light scarf (essential for harbor breezes!)
Thin gloves if you run cold
A compact umbrella for the occasional rainy day
Sunglasses—the low winter sun can still be bright

The Best Things to Do in Charleston in January

January is less about rushing and more about savoring the city with fewer people around.

Discover History on a Carriage Tour

We’re biased, but January might be our favorite month to show guests around Charleston. A Historic Charleston Carriage Tour is an easy, comfortable, and cozy way to see 30 blocks and 300+ years of history without worrying about traffic or parking.

Why a carriage tour works especially well in January:

Cooler Temps = More Comfort: The crisp air is energizing and beats the draining heat of summer.
Less Congested: Your Palmetto Guild certified guide can linger on stories and sights that might be rushed in busier seasons.
Better Photos: It’s easier to grab those classic steeple and side-street shots from the carriage without fighting crowds at popular landmarks.

Pro Tip: Book a late-morning or early-afternoon Historic Charleston Carriage Tour for the warmest part of the day, or reserve an evening Haunted Carriage Tour for maximum atmosphere.

Explore Classic Sights

Historic District & Rainbow Row: January is a dream time to wander the narrow streets south of Broad Street. The pastel façades of Rainbow Row feel more intimate without jammed sidewalks.
The Battery & Waterfront Park: Grab a hot coffee and enjoy the views of the harbor and grand mansions—just remember your jacket for the coastal breeze.
Plantations & Gardens: Sites like Middleton Place are still beautiful, but the focus shifts from peak blooms to history, architecture, and the stunning live oaks.

Lean Into Indoor & Rainy-Day Ideas

Use the cooler days to explore Charleston’s incredible interiors:

Historic Homes & Museums: Spend time inside the Aiken-Rhett House, Nathaniel Russell House, the Charleston Museum, or the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
Markets & Galleries: The Charleston City Market and the galleries along Broad and East Bay are perfect for browsing.
Long, Cozy Meals: Quiet January evenings are the perfect time to snag a table at popular spots on King Street and enjoy a Lowcountry classic.

Catch Seasonal Events & Festivals

Exact dates change, but here’s what winter visitors can usually look forward to:

Charleston Restaurant Week: This popular event typically runs in mid-January, offering special prix-fixe menus for you to sample the best of the Holy City’s food scene.
Oyster Season: January is prime time for oyster roasts. Look for events leading up to the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival in early February.
Winter Arts: Check local calendars for winter wine festivals, comedy weeks, and shows at venues like the Charleston Music Hall.

Planning a Trip to Charleston in January

You’ve decided Charleston in January is your kind of winter. Here’s how to plan it so it feels effortless.

Where to Stay

For a first-time visit, we recommend staying in or near the Historic District. The closer you are to the City Market or King Street, the easier it is to walk to sights, restaurants, and your carriage tour departure point. January often means more availability and better rates at boutique hotels and inns downtown.

Parking & Getting Around

Driving in January is easier than in peak season, but parking still requires a plan:

Garages: Use the several parking garages near the City Market and King Street. You can park once and explore on foot.
DASH Shuttle: You can park near the Visitor Center and ride the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) toward the Market and our stable at 14 Anson Street.
Street Parking: Metered street parking is an option, just remember that meters are typically free on Sundays.

Reservations, Bookings & Timing

Though January is outside of peak season, a few things still require planning:

Carriage Tours: Always book your Historic Charleston Carriage Tour in advance, especially for weekends.
Restaurants: Outside of Restaurant Week and Saturday nights, walk-ins are easier, but we still recommend making reservations for any must-try spot.
Attractions: Double-check winter hours for plantations and museums, as some may close earlier.

Conclusion: Experiencing Charleston in January

Charleston in January isn’t about beach days and peak blooms. It’s about something rarer: space, calm, and time to actually feel the soul of the city.

You’ll trade blazing heat and heavy crowds for:

Mild winter temperatures and bright, walkable afternoons
Easier reservations and better travel value
Festivals, oyster roasts, and Restaurant Week
Quiet streets, cozy interiors, and a slower, more local pace

When you’re ready to see 300+ years of history without worrying about maps, traffic, or parking, we’d love to welcome you aboard an Old South Historic Charleston Carriage Tour—your front-row seat to the Holy City in its most underrated season.

From all of us at Old South Carriage Company, we hope we’ll see you in Charleston this January!