The Best Time to Visit Greenville

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a small-town vibe with big-city amenities: a thriving craft beer scene, picturesque parks, and a walkable downtown dotted with boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and museums. And while the city's weather is moderate year-round, the best time to visit Greenville is in the fall, when the summer heat and humidity fade, popular attractions such as the Greenville County Museum of Art are less crowded, festivals like Fall for Greenville and Euphoria are in full swing, and the season's brilliant foliage blankets the city. For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is also an ideal time to visit to enjoy hiking, golfing, cycling, boating, and climbing in the area's many parks and recreational areas.

The Weather in Greenville

Located in northwestern South Carolina, Greenville has a humid subtropical climate: be prepared for hot and sticky summers, chilly but tolerable winters, and moderate and sunny springs and falls. In the summer, temperatures can soar to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows hovering in the upper 60s degrees Fahrenheit at night. The average low is slightly above freezing in the winter, with high temperatures ranging from 50 to 55 Fahrenheit. The city averages 51 inches of rain per year, and December is the wettest month, with an average of four inches of rain. Snow accumulation is rare, at an inch or less per year.

With mild temperatures, cool evenings, and leaves at their peak, fall is the best time to visit Greenville. It's also the height of Greenville's festival season, which celebrates everything from the visual arts to the city's dynamic culinary scene.

Peak Season in Greenville

Summer is the peak season in Greenville. Hotel rates are at their highest, and museums and other attractions can get crowded. Temperatures soar into the upper 80s and low 90s Fahrenheit during the day, although evening temperatures dip into the upper 60s. While humid, the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures like kayaking and hiking at Paris Mountain State Park or Table Rock State Park. Or beat the heat by touring indoor attractions like the Greenville County Museum of Art or The Children's Museum of the Upstate.

Winter in Greenville

Winter is off-season in Greenville, with crowds dissipating after the December holidays and remaining sparse through early spring. Expect cheaper hotel rates, fewer tourists, and relatively mild temperatures. Highs are generally in the mid-50s Fahrenheit, and lows hover just above freezing. If you plan to do a lot of walking, hiking, or camping, pack layers and a warm jacket.

Events to Check out:

• Ice on Main: From mid-November through the end of January, skate at an open-air ice rink in the heart of downtown. Reservations are suggested, and the $10 admission fee includes skate rental.
• Festival of Trees: Get into the holiday spirit with seasonal, ornate tree displays in the lobbies of several downtown hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Downtown and the Courtyard Greenville.

Spring in Greenville

With cool mornings, high temperatures in the 60s and 70s, low humidity, and fewer crowds than summer, spring is an ideal time to visit Greenville. Flowers are in full bloom in the city's parks and historic neighborhoods, and the weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, zip-lining, and cycling. Spring is also the start of festival season, including Artisphere, the Greenville Greek Festival, and the EURO Auto Festival.

Events to check out:

• Artisphere: One of the Southeast's largest arts events, this downtown festival draws nearly 10,000 visitors each May and features the curated work of nearly 1,000 painters, printers, sculptors, furniture makers, and other local and regional artists and artisans. The event also includes children's activities and food and drink from local vendors.
• Greenville Greek Festival: From vendors selling traditional foods such as baklava and gyros to live music and dance performances, this free, three-day celebration each May is one of the city's most popular events. It's sponsored by the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and the event is held in and around the church's downtown campus.

Summer in Greenville

Summer is peak season in the city, with several outdoor events and festivals and large crowds for museums and other attractions. The season is hot and humid, with high temperatures in the high 80s and lows in the upper 60s Fahrenheit, so pack sunscreen and lightweight clothing for outdoor events. It's also an ideal time for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and other outdoor activities in the area's many parks and trails. Hotel rates are at their highest during this season, and it's best to book tickets for attractions in advance or go early to beat the crowds.

Events to check out:

• TD Saturday Market: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from May through October on Main Street, the TD Saturday Market is part farmers market, part artists' market. Shop for everything from seasonal produce and meat to fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps, custom furniture, and fresh-baked pastries and bread. and artisanal cheeses. The market regularly hosts live music, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, and seasonal events.

Fall in Greenville

Fall is a magical time in Greenville: summer crowds disperse, the humidity fades, and fall foliage is on full display in the mountain foothills and city parks. September in the city can still feel like summer, with high temperatures averaging around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but the nights are cooler, with temperatures dipping to the low 60s. In October and November, high temperatures range from the low 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, while low temperatures range from the low 40s and to mid 50s F. While hotel rates are lower during this season, campsites and cabin rentals in state parks are often booked weeks in advance, so plan ahead during peak leaf season (generally mid to late October).

Events to check out:

• Fall for Greenville: The Upstate's largest food and music festival, this three-day October event has something for everyone: food samples and chef demonstrations from nearly 50 local restaurants, music from 75 bands on six sound stages, and drinks from over 50 local wine and beer vendors. Held on Main Street in downtown, Fall for Greenville also has a large children's area with games, crafts, and rides to keep the little ones entertained.
• Euphoria Food Festival: From cooking demonstrations and wine and spirits tastings to intimate guest chef dinners and live music performances, this four-day September festival is one of the city's can't-miss culinary events. Tickets start at $90 for a single-day "Feast by the Field" tasting pass.