Best Time to Visit Columbia, SC: Seasons and Events

Columbia’s average temperatures range from 47°F in January to 81.4°F in July, while normal monthly precipitation ranges from 2.76 to 5.35 inches.

January and December share the lowest average temperature in the monthly table, at 47°F. February averages 48.5°F, March 55.2°F and April 63.5°F. Temperatures rise through May, which averages 71.7°F, and reach 79.5°F in June.

July averages 81.4°F, followed by 80.0°F in August and 75.9°F in September. The average falls to 64.8°F in October and 53.9°F in November. The National Weather Service table gives these monthly averages for Columbia Airport but does not identify its normal period.

Rainfall normals offer another way to compare months. January through April range from 2.83 to 3.57 inches, while May has 3.49 inches. June, July and August are wetter, at 4.97, 5.35 and 4.65 inches. September records 3.91 inches, October 3.13, November 2.76 and December 3.70; the annual normal is 45.24 inches. The precipitation figures use the 1991–2020 normal period.

Spring and fall bring lower average temperatures than summer, making them useful seasons to consider for outdoor plans around Columbia.

In spring, the monthly average rises from 55.2°F in March to 63.5°F in April and 71.7°F in May. Rainfall normals are 3.57 inches in March, 2.83 in April and 3.49 in May.

If you’re planning a visit to Congaree National Park, its trails and landscapes provide an outdoor excursion beyond the city; the park is generally open all day, every day, year-round. For the drive, the National Park Service directs visitors from Interstate 77 Exit 5 onto SC Highway 48 East, also called Bluff Road, and then toward the park entrance.

Fall temperatures ease from an average of 75.9°F in September to 64.8°F in October and 53.9°F in November. Normal rainfall is 3.91 inches in September, 3.13 in October and 2.76 in November.

You can pair a park outing with city plans, keeping in mind that weather or park operations can temporarily affect access. A day trip to Congaree National Park from Columbia gives more detail on planning that excursion.

Summer is Columbia’s warmest and wettest stretch in the monthly averages, so you may want to balance outdoor plans with indoor attractions.

Average temperatures are 79.5°F in June, 81.4°F in July and 80.0°F in August. Those months also have the highest rainfall normals: 4.97 inches in June, 5.35 in July and 4.65 in August. For a change of pace from outdoor sightseeing, the South Carolina State Museum offers an indoor stop in Columbia.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is another option, with separate addresses for its zoo in Columbia and its Botanical Garden in West Columbia.

Its published gates-open hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from February through October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November through January; it closes on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. General admission is $27.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 2–12. Online military and senior admission is $25.95.

Winter brings Columbia’s lowest monthly average temperatures, while December’s rainfall normal is 3.70 inches.

January and December each average 47°F, and February averages 48.5°F. Their precipitation normals are 3.49 inches in January, 3.39 in February and 3.70 in December. These figures can help you compare winter months with the warmer parts of the year when choosing dates.

Soda City Market is a recurring Saturday event on Main Street, rather than a one-off holiday date. Its official site says the market averages about 200 vendors each week and more than 400 unique vendors over the year.

If you’re choosing a Saturday, you can build the market into a city day; a guide to fairs, markets and annual festivals in Columbia covers other recurring events.

Columbia has regular events to consider, but you should confirm individual schedules before setting travel dates.

The South Carolina State Fair has been part of state traditions since 1869. Its schedule may change because of inclement weather or at fair management’s discretion, so check the official site before you go. For other recurring options, Soda City Market runs weekly on Saturdays, while its vendors vary from week to week.

Congaree National Park is generally open year-round, but temporary closures can occur because of weather or park operations. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hazardous weather or resource-management work can also affect its hours. Check the National Park Service and the relevant event or attraction operator for current schedules before you go.

What is the warmest month in Columbia?

July has the highest average temperature in the Columbia Airport monthly table, at 81.4°F. Its normal precipitation is also the highest of the year, at 5.35 inches.

What is Columbia like in December?

December averages 47°F, and its 1991–2020 normal precipitation is 3.70 inches. Soda City Market’s weekly Saturday schedule provides a recurring event to consider.

Is Congaree National Park open all year?

The park is generally open 24 hours a day, every day, year-round. Weather or park operations can cause temporary closures.

When is Soda City Market held?

Soda City Market takes place every Saturday on Columbia’s Main Street. Its official site reports an average of about 200 vendors each week.