Tucked along the tidal creeks and marshes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Beaufort blends historic charm with a lifestyle that revolves around the water. It’s a destination where boating, fishing, and waterfront festivals are part of everyday life, and the time of year you choose to visit can shape the entire experience. Spring is one of the most inviting seasons, with crisp mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons that make it easy to spend long days exploring the rivers and inlets. The change in temperature also sparks a new rhythm on the water, as inshore fishing rebounds and offshore species begin to appear again. Fall stands out even more for anglers, when redfish and trout gather in large schools throughout the marshes, providing some of the most reliable action of the year. Beyond fishing, Beaufort’s calendar is filled with boat shows, water festivals, and tournaments that keep the waterfront lively. While every season has something to offer, visitors looking for the best mix of weather, events, and water activities will find spring and fall the most rewarding times to plan a trip.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Beaufort, SC?

The best time to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, is March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild, humidity is lower, and outdoor activities like boating and fishing are at their peak.

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Spring in Beaufort (March–May)

Weather and Conditions

Spring in Beaufort is one of the most comfortable times of year to be outdoors. Average daytime highs climb from the mid-60s in March to the low-to-mid 80s by May, while mornings remain crisp enough to call for a light jacket on the water. The season also transforms the Lowcountry marshes, with the brown grasses of winter turning to vibrant green, bringing the landscape and the ecosystem back to life. Longer days make it easy to spend extended time on the water, though spring is also the windiest season in Beaufort. That breeze can leave rivers and sounds a little choppier than usual, something boaters should keep in mind when planning longer trips.

Fishing and Boating

Warming waters trigger a surge of activity for anglers in Beaufort. Inshore, baitfish return to the creeks and inlets, followed closely by redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Light tackle is popular here, as most fishing takes place in shallow water where casting accuracy matters. Live bait like shrimp, finger mullet, and small crabs are highly productive, while artificial lures that imitate them such as soft plastics are also very effect. Popular techniques like topwater walking baits, popping cork rigs, Carolina rigs can deliver steady action in the mornings and afternnons. More advanced anglers may enjoy sight-fishing for redfish along oyster beds and tidal flats, a uniquely Lowcountry challenge. Offshore, spring brings reliable runs of cobia, king mackerel, and grouper. Most productive waters lie 10 to 40 miles offshore, so expect long runs to the fishing grounds, and be prepared for the windy, often choppy conditions that characterize the season.

Events and Festivals

Unlike summer, spring in Beaufort doesn’t feature many water-based festivals or fishing tournaments, but the season serves as a prelude to the busy summer calendar. For most visitors, the real attraction is the fishing itself, along with enjoying Beaufort’s waterways as they come alive again after the quieter winter months.

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Fall in Beaufort (September–November)

Weather and Conditions

Fall in Beaufort stays warmer than in many parts of the country, thanks to its southern coastal setting. September often feels summery, with hot afternoons balanced by cooler mornings that hint at the season ahead. By October and November, the days have grown shorter and temperatures ease into more comfortable ranges, making time on the water especially enjoyable. Early mornings may call for a light jacket or long sleeves, but by midday, shorts and a T-shirt are usually enough. Average highs drop from the mid-80s in September into the low 70s by November, while humidity and rainfall ease compared to summer. Visitors should keep in mind that fall also coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs through November. While direct impacts are not common every year, the possibility of storms and occasional heavy rainfall is something travelers should factor into their plans.

Fishing and Boating

Many anglers consider October and November the very best months of the year to fish Beaufort’s waters. Inshore, redfish and speckled trout gather into large schools, pushing deep into the creeks and inlets to feed heavily before winter. These schools are often found along oyster beds and grassy shorelines, making them accessible for light-tackle anglers. Live shrimp or mud minnows fished under a popping cork are highly effective, though artificial lures that mimic these baits can also produce steady action. The sheer numbers of fish available this time of year make fall ideal for anglers looking for both quality and quantity. Offshore opportunities continue as well, though most visiting anglers focus on the excellent inshore bite that defines the season.

Events and Festivals

Fall also brings one of Beaufort’s signature celebrations: the Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Held each October on the downtown waterfront, the event features fresh-caught shrimp prepared in every imaginable style, along with live music and family activities. It draws visitors to the waterfront and celebrates the seafood and maritime culture that define Beaufort. Combined with prime fishing conditions, it adds another reason why fall is one of the most rewarding times to visit.

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Other Times of Year in Beaufort

Summer (June–August)

Summer in Beaufort is the busiest season, both on and off the water. Daytime highs often reach the into the 90s, and humidity is at its peak. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and late summer also overlaps with the height of hurricane season. For anglers, inshore fishing slows down for many species, but it’s prime time for tarpon, with fish often found rolling in deeper channels and inlets. Offshore, summer delivers some of the most active fishing of the year, with opportunities for mahi, wahoo, and sailfish in addition to king mackerel and grouper. Expect crowded boat ramps and waterways, as summer is also peak tourist season. The biggest highlight is the Beaufort Water Festival each July, which brings boat races, fishing tournaments, concerts, and parades to the downtown waterfront. It’s a lively time to visit, but one that comes with heavier crowds and busier conditions on the water.

Winter (December–February)

Winter is the quietest time of year in Beaufort. Daytime highs typically range from the upper 50s to mid-60s, with cooler nights that can dip into the 40s. It’s mild compared to much of the country, but still a noticeable cool-down from Beaufort’s warmer seasons. Events are few during this stretch, and activity on the water slows down as well. Inshore anglers can still target redfish and speckled trout, though they are less plentiful and more difficult to entice in colder water. For visitors looking for a peaceful getaway, winter offers smaller crowds and calm waterfront scenery, but it lacks the vibrant mix of festivals, fishing, and boating opportunities that make spring and fall the best times to visit.

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Planning Your Trip to Beaufort

Beaufort’s year-round appeal comes from its blend of coastal scenery, rich history, and a culture centered around the water. But when it comes to choosing the best time to visit, spring and fall stand apart. These seasons bring comfortable weather, lively fishing, and an active calendar of festivals that showcase the town’s waterfront character. Summer delivers excitement with its busy boating season and the Beaufort Water Festival, though heat, humidity, and crowds are part of the trade-off. Winter offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, but with fewer events and slower fishing. For most travelers — especially those looking to spend time on the water — March through May and September through November offer the most rewarding Beaufort experience.

👉 Looking to plan your own Lowcountry getaway? Browse Beaufort accommodations and local experiences to start building your trip.

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