Best Time to Visit Savannah: A Local’s Seasonal Guide

Best Time to Visit Savannah: A Local’s Seasonal Guide

Savannah has charm in every season, but depending on what you're hoping to experience — azaleas in bloom, ghost tours, rooftop cocktails, or quiet walks under mossy oaks — some months may suit you better than others. As year-round locals and hosts, we’ve seen it all and can help you time your trip just right.

🌸 Spring: Blooming & Buzzing (March – May)

Azaleas burst to life all over the city, and heirloom roses climb the fence outside of our A Walk in the Park rental. Jasmine scents the air, and patio weather is at its peak.
Popular events include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Savannah Music Festival, and SCAD’s Sidewalk Chalk Festival.
Our tip: “We get a lot of spring tourists — if you’re hoping to bask in the aroma of jasmine throughout the city, stroll through Forsyth Park to admire the flowers, or enjoy outdoor dining, this is prime time.”

☀️ Summer: Hot, Humid, and Full of Life (June – August)

Expect high humidity and regular afternoon thunderstorms, but you’ll also find fewer crowds and better rates on tours and lodging.
Our tip: “We recommend early morning walks and late-night ghost tours — plus our rentals are fully air-conditioned. This is also the perfect time to spend a day on Tybee Island — toes in sand, cool water breaks, and dolphins always in sight!”

🍂 Fall: Cozy and Cultural (September – November)

Fall brings golden light, mild temperatures, and perfect walking weather — especially for history lovers, foodies, and photographers.
Every weekend feels like a celebration in Forsyth Park, with events like Phil the Park (one of our absolute favorites). It's also peak season for cozy evenings and college football.
Our tip: “Fall is fantastic — still warm enough for beach days at Tybee, but without the summer heat. And if you’re looking to catch a football game, we’ve got a guide to the best sports bars in Savannah →.”

🎄 Winter: Quiet & Magical (December – February)

Holiday lights glow through the historic district, shops open their doors for festive browsing, and there’s far less foot traffic.
It’s an ideal season for romantic getaways, antique shopping, or a different take on the classic Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil experience.
Our tip: “We always decorate our rentals for the holidays — it’s such a charming time to visit, especially for couples. People come by our house just to see the giant bear in the window dressed as Santa. December in Savannah is a hidden gem — the red-bow lanterns, the holiday-decorated horse-drawn carriages walking the streets — truly magical.”

🗓️ So, When Should You Visit?

  • Want flowers, warm days, and coolish nights? Spring.

  • Looking for romance? Try fall or early December.

  • On a budget or want to shop local for gifts? Winter.

  • Prefer fewer bugs and less humidity? Avoid peak summer.

  • Love heat, sunshine, and beach days? Summer is your season.

Our family enjoying sunset views at Peregrin Rooftop Bar in Savannah during a summer evening

Summer evenings are made for rooftop cocktails — this one’s from Peregrin, one of our favorite spots to cool off and catch the sunset.

Spring jasmine in bloom at the entrance to The Garden of Good, one of our Savannah rentals

In spring (April especially), jasmine takes over the stairwell at The Garden of Good — it smells just as heavenly as it looks

Golden fall sunset down a quiet alley near our home in Savannah’s historic district

Fall sunsets in Savannah are our favorite — this one lit up the alley just steps from our home.

Our mom and the Santa bear in the window of our Savannah home during the holidays

Every December, this Santa bear becomes a bit of a neighborhood tradition — guests and passersby always stop to say hello. Ask me to tell you the story about how it came to be a fixture in our house! It’s nearly as tall as my mother!

Written by Kelly McAtee, local host and founder of Be Our Gaston, a boutique vacation rental in Savannah’s Historic District.