The Best & Worst Times to Visit Savannah, Georgia in 2024

Savannah’s stately plantation homes, shady groves of oak trees weeping with Spanish moss, history of paranormal activity, and old architecture inspired by Gothic and Greek silhouettes makes it one of the coolest cities to visit in the South. 

A trip to Savannah is a journey through history, studded with hints of the modern world in the eateries, shops, and galleries that cluster around the city’s famous districts.

Whether you’re coming for spooky ghost tours, exploring plantations and historic squares, enjoying restaurants and food trucks that marry Old South and international flavors, or embracing the city’s unique culture, choosing your travel dates is an important step in trip planning. 

You need to find the best time to visit Savannah, Georgia according to your travel goals. You might be looking for the best overall season for a visit, the cheapest time to go, the least crowded months, or the months to avoid. 

In any case, you’ll find it here. Let’s look at the overall best, cheapest, least busy, and worst time to visit Savannah along with the info you’ll need to pick the right dates: weather, price averages, crowds, events, and things to do. 

Overall Best Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia

The best time to visit Savannah Georgia is between April and May or mid-September to October. Both periods offer a chance to explore historic Savannah without the summer heat, humidity, and rain that can interfere with sightseeing. 

The weather in Savannah is absolutely glorious during these months — highs in the upper 70s and low 80s make it feel warm, but not oppressive without the humidity of the midsummer months. 

• April: 57-76°F; 7 rainy days
• May: 65-83°F; 8-9 rainy days
• September: 70-84°F; 10-11 rainy days
• October: 60-77°F; 6-7 rainy days

The dry season lasts from mid-September to May, so rainfall is limited during these two periods. This is the perfect time to wander the cobblestoned Historic Landmark District to hit museums, rooftop bars, and restaurants on River Street.

Forsyth Park will be alive with weekend farmer’s markets and people this time of year. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride downtown to step back in time and see more of the area from a new perspective!

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Victorian District to see gingerbread houses, luxe gardens in full bloom, and lively parks just begging for a stroll along landscaped footpaths.

This time of year is just right for a trip over to Tybee Island (about 30 minutes from downtown). North Beach is our favorite this time of year for its smaller crowds and ample eateries, the Tybee Island Lighthouse, calm waters, and nearby parks and museums. 

Go on a dolphin cruise that starts in the heart of downtown Savannah, following the river out to the port in search of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, birds, and other wildlife.

Take a paranormal tour of what many consider to be the most haunted city in America. Walking tours through the Historic District, cemeteries, and old homes with hair-raising histories range from 30-minute strolls to 2+ hour jaunts through the haunts. 

If you’re worried the best months will also be the most expensive, you’re in luck — these can be really affordable times to visit. Here’s a look at what we found using Google Hotels and Skyscanner data to find out how much it costs to visit each month:

• April: $203/night; flights from $187
• May: $255/night; flights from $85
• September: $230/night; flights from $125
• October: $246/night; flights from $171

You’ll be able to find the best deals during April (hotels) and May (flights). There’s also a lot going on in Savannah during these milder months leading up to and coming down from the bustling summer: 

• Skidaway Island State Park Spring Festival (mid-Apr) welcomes springtime with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, guided hikes with rangers, kid’s activities, and more
• SCAD Sand Arts Festival (early May) brings artists from SCAD together to sculpt sand creations at SCAD Beach to compete for the most imaginative and skillful works of art
• Art & Soul Music Festival (early May) at City Market is a free festival with live music from local musicians and bands with art demos and workshops scheduled all day
• Savannah Scottish Games & Celtic Festival (early May) is a cultural event that features Scottish games and competitions, dancing, music performances, farming demonstrations, activities, and food
• Tybee Beach Bum Parade (mid-May) is an annual water fight and parade on Butler Avenue in Tybee Island, bringing out locals and tourists alike for a water-logged day of fun, food, music, and celebration
• Tybee Island Pirate Fest (mid-Oct) features an ARRR-ay of fun pirate-themed events, from a parade and live music to pirate performances and food booths in nearby Tybee Island
• SCAD Savannah Film Festival (late Oct) brings talented film students and filmmakers together for days of movie screenings and discussions with a different theme each year

With sunny skies and perfect conditions for exploring the city, sightseeing, dining al fresco, and enjoying a little outdoor recreation without sweltering heat, you can’t beat a trip to Savannah during April, May, September, or October. 

Cheapest Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia

The cheapest time to visit Savannah is May through August. With average hotel prices and airfare considered, these are the most affordable months to travel to the city without breaking the bank. 

If budget is key in planning your trip to Savannah, paying attention to average hotel and flight prices is important. The cheapest months to travel are during the hottest (and wettest) months of the year. 

• May: 65-83°F; 8-9 rainy days
• June: 72-88°F; 12-13 rainy days
• July: 75-90°F; 14-15 rainy days
• August: 74-89°F; 15-16 rainy days

With highs in the mid-to-upper 80s and up to 16 rainy days each month, you can see why it’s usually cheaper to visit during these months. It’s the rainy season in Savannah from June to mid-September. August is the wettest month of the year here. 

Looking at pricing information from Google Hotels and Skyscanner, you can see that hotels aren’t at their lowest (aside from July and August) during these months. But when you factor in airfare, these are the cheapest months to visit Savannah overall. 

• May: $255/night; flights from $85
• June: $263/night; flights from $85
• July: $206/night; flights from $111
• August: $198/night; flights from $147

For a 7-day trip with a round trip flight, you could pay as little as $1,533 (August), $1,553 (July), $1,870 (May), or $1,926 (June) for your weeklong vacation in Savannah. Not bad! 

You’ll appreciate the artistic and bohemian vibes of the Starland District with quirky shops, art galleries, huge murals, and a food truck park that’s perfect for grabbing a quick and delicious bite after browsing antiques and learning about Savannah history.

The Moon River District is a historic haven with the Wormsloe Historic Site and plantation, Pin Point Heritage Museum, and tons of outdoor recreation options on the Moon and Skidaway rivers (like kayaking and hiking at Skidaway Island State Park) on a warm day. 

Hit the Midtown District for its abundant array of antique shops, bakeries (try Mattie Belle’s and Byrd Cookie Co.), tasty gastropubs, and unassuming restaurants serving some of the best pizza and Italian food in the city.

History buffs can witness cannons being fired daily at the 19th-century Old Fort Jackson and learn about Civil War history at the Fort Pulaski National Monument on nearby Cockspur Island. 

This is a good time to check out the SCAD Museum of Art for contemporary art and exhibits that change on a regular basis (so even if you’ve been before, there’s something new to see). SCAD Beach is a faux beach nearby with real sand, cabanas, and a stage for live music.

If you’re looking for annual festivals and events to check out during your budget-friendly trip, you’ll find the SCAD Sand Arts Festival, Art & Soul Music Festival, Savannah Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, and Tybee Beach Bum Parade happening in May.

Also look for the following events if you’ll be heading down in June, July, or August:

• Stonewall Block Party (late Jun) means it’s time for food trucks, live music, games, silent auctions, and art on Bull Street hosted by the First City Pride Center to celebrate and welcome summer with the LGBT community 
• Savannah’s Waterfront Independence Day (Jul 4) brings live music, food, and drinks with guests in a sea of red, white, and blue colors before the fireworks show at 9:30PM on the waterfront
• 4th of July Fireworks (Jul 4) at the Tybee Island Pier is a huge Independence Day celebration with concerts, food, vendor booths, and a parade that culminates with a dazzling fireworks show once the sun sets
• Southeast Hollows Haunt Convention (early Aug) at nearby Georgia State Fairgrounds is a ghostly affair with costume contests, vendor booths, art displays, film screenings, and more

With fun summertime events, warm weather for water activities and beach days, and plenty of places to cool off indoors (like museums, music venues, shops, and restaurants), May through August can be a great time to visit and score some bargains. 

Least Busy Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia

The least busy time to visit Savannah is December through February. This period combines much smaller crowds with low prices, making it a nice off-season time to explore the city and its many historic attractions. 

The great thing about visiting between December and February isn’t just the smaller crowds — it’s also the cooler weather. If you can’t stand to sightsee and explore in the heat and humidity, these are prime months to visit Savannah.

• December: 45-63°F; 6-7 rainy days
• January: 42-61°F; 7-8 rainy days
• February: 45-64°F; 8 rainy days

With balmy highs in the low 60s and overnight lows in the mid-40s, this is a mild and pleasant time of year to experience Savannah without much rainfall to get in the way of your plans for each day. 

While it’s not warm enough to swim at Tybee Island beaches yet (late April/May is when ocean temperatures are warmer), it’s a nice time to walk on the beach or enjoy Savannah’s bustling waterfront as boats and ships come in. 

The weather is perfect for birdwatching and hiking through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge to explore paths in the wilderness. Even if you don’t plan on hiking, migratory birds and alligators can be spotted from the 4-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and scenic trails that wind through the refuge. 

Come listen to live music, tour the Prohibition Museum, and check out the First African American Baptist Church in Ellis Square/City Market over in the northwestern Historic District during the winter months. 

Marvel at the Gothic Revival architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist with twin spires, artistic windows, and breathtaking interior on a self-guided tour.

Another Gothic Revival example to look for is the Temple Mickve Israel synagogue (just a few minutes’ walk away). With fewer tourists and mild weather during these months, it’s the perfect time to walk the city and explore some of the busier areas without crowds.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much it costs to visit Savannah between December and February. They’re not the cheapest months to visit overall, but you can still find great deals on hotels. Here’s what we found in Google Hotels and Skyscanner data:

• December: $200/night; flights from $156
• January: $212/night; flights from $172
• February: $236/night; flights from $173

Savannah isn’t quite as vibrant during the cooler winter months, but that’s part of the appeal if you’re looking for a less-busy time to visit. Here are some of the events you can look forward to between December and February:

• Savannah Christmas Events (mid-Nov-Dec) include the Savannah Christmas Market, December Nights & Holiday Lights at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Colonial Christmas at Wormsloe, and Christmas on the River at Savannah’s Waterfront with a big parade
• Savannah Irish Festival (late Jan) brings Irish heritage to the center stage at Victory North for a 2-day event (last weekend in January) with music, dancing, Irish food, and vendors 
• Savannah Book Festival (early Feb) is a big literary festival around the city with author signings, readings, workshops, and a free family-friendly event that Saturday 

With chances to enjoy the city’s attractions, restaurants, and nearby hiking and walking trails without shouldering past big crowds or melting in the summer heat, winter is not only a less crowded time to visit — it’s one of the best. 

Worst Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia

The worst time to visit Savannah is during March (the busiest, most expensive month) and July-August (the hottest and wettest months). 

While Savannah has amazing history, dining, shopping, and waterfront views to enjoy, it’s harder to appreciate the significance of this Southern city during March or the peak summer months of July and August. 

The weather is really nice in March, but poses a problem during July and August with the hottest, most humid, and wettest conditions of the year:

• March: 51-70°F; 8 rainy days
• July: 75-90°F; 14-15 rainy days
• August: 74-89°F; 15-16 rainy days

While March highs around 70°F and roughly 8 rainy days seems blissful compared to July and August highs in the 90°F range with 15-16 rainy days, March has issues of its own. 

Crowds reach their peak in March, as Spring Break hits and families, college students, and friend groups make their way to the city for a little fun before the summer heat kicks off. 

Big events, like the Savannah Music Festival, happen this month and bring thousands to attend. Hotels book up quickly and you’ll run into long wait times at restaurants and popular attractions. 

July and August are less busy, but you’ve got the hot weather, rainfall, and oppressive humidity to contend with during these months. Savannah sits on the coast of Georgia and it gets uncomfortably stuffy during the late summer months. 

Still, you can brave the heat between rain showers and take a walk down Broughton Street in the Historic Landmark District to browse upscale boutiques and galleries, sample gourmet ice cream, and people-watch on the busiest shopping street in the city. 

Keep an eye out for the cool statues and monuments you’ll see around the city, from the winged lion “guarding” the red brick Cotton Exchange Building on Factors Walk or the World War II “A World Apart” monument on River Street. 

Pricing is another factor that can make some months worse for a visit than others. March is the most expensive month of the year to visit, but you can find deals on hotels and airfare in July and August:

• March: $255/night; flights from $325
• July: $206/night; flights from $111
• August: $198/night; flights from $147

While these aren’t the best months for a visit, you will still find some great events happening in and near Savannah during March, July, and August: 

• Savannah Music Festival (late Mar) is a massive gathering filled with the smooth sounds of classical, jazz, and world music at different venues around the Historic District
• Independence Day Celebrations (Jul 4) at Savannah’s Waterfront and Tybee Island Pier feature concerts, food booths, dancing, and fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July
• Southeast Hollows Haunt Convention (early Aug) is a taste of Halloween a month early at the Georgia State Fairgrounds with costume contests, live music, artwork, film screenings, and more

All things considered, you’re better off waiting until April-May or September-October (some of the best months to visit) to enjoy milder weather and more things to do in Savannah without high prices or huge crowds. 

Savannah by Month: What to Expect

Now that you’re clear on the best time to visit Savannah Georgia, you might want to take a closer look at certain months during the period you’re interested in (overall best, cheapest, or least busy) to see which one is better for your trip. 

January

Part of the least busy season, January sees cool temperatures with highs around 61°F and roughly 7-8 days of rain. Explore a less-crowded River Street, eateries, and historic squares. Check out the Savannah Irish Festival at the end of the month. You’ll pay about $212/night for hotels and $172+ for flights this month. 

February

Still part of the low season, February offers balmy highs around 64°F and minimal rain with cool events like the Savannah Book Festival taking place. This is a nice time for hiking in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge without the heat of summer. You’ll pay about $236/night for your hotel and upwards of $173 for a round trip flight. 

March

As the most expensive month of the year to visit, March’s great weather with highs around 70°F is dimmed a bit while hotels cost around $255/night and flights shoot up to $325+. With just 8 rainy days this month, it’s still a nice time to check out the Savannah Music Festival and tour historic buildings downtown. 

April

April brings warmer weather with highs around 76°F and 7 rainy days. It’s pleasant for sightseeing, hiking, and horse-drawn carriage rides downtown. Hit the Skidaway Island State Park Spring Festival in mid-April to ring in the season. Flights start around $187 round trip and hotels cost about $203/night on average.  

May

With highs just breaking 80°F and 8-9 rainy days, May is a preview of the hot, wet summer (but milder) with tons of events: SCAD Sand Arts Festival, Art & Soul Music Festival, Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, and Tybee Beach Bum Parade. Hotels cost around $255/night, but flights are as low as $85 round trip this month. 

June

June is officially summer, bringing hot temperatures with highs around 88°F and up to 13 rainy days. It’s not as great for sightseeing, but it’s one of the cheapest months to visit with flights starting at $85 and hotels averaging $263/night. Come to the Stonewall Block Party this month for a rainbow of food trucks and fun. 

July

July sees highs around 90°F and 14-15 rainy days with oppressive humidity near 100%. The best uses of your time are indoor attractions or Tybee Island beaches. Check out Independence Day celebrations on the waterfront or Tybee Island Pier. You’ll pay just $206/night on average for a hotel with flights as low as $111.

August

Expect more summer rain, heat, and humidity with highs around 89°F and up to 16 rainy days this month. Hotels are cheap (around $198/night) and flights start at $147 round trip. You’ll want to check out the Southeast Hollows Haunt Convention early this month in nearby Perry. 

September

September is when conditions get mild again with highs around 84°F and 10-11 rainy days. It’s pleasant for strolling downtown and historic home tours or hanging out at Tybee Island North Beach. Hotel prices reflect the better weather (around $230/night on average) with flights starting at $125 this month. 

October

Another month within the best time to visit Savannah Georgia, October holds the fun Tybee Island Pirate Fest, SCAD Savannah Film Festival, and Halloween events at bars around the city. Highs hover in the upper 70s with 6-7 rainy days, but hotels cost about $246/night and flights cost $171 and up. 

November

Visiting Savannah in mild November can be great with highs around 70°F and 5-6 rainy days (similar to March without the crowds or high prices). You’ll about $233/night for your hotel and $173+ for a round trip flight. Holiday events and the Jewish Food Festival begin this month if you’re looking for things to do. 

December

December is lovely but uncrowded in Savannah with Christmas events like themed markets and festivals, city-wide lights and decorations, and parades. With highs around 63°F and 6-7 rainy days, December is mild and dry with cheap hotels (about $200/night) and flights from $156 round trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re getting serious about planning a trip to Savannah, you’ll need all your questions answered. Take a look at the most frequently asked questions below to learn more! 

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Savannah, Georgia?

The best time to visit Savannah Georgia is between April-May and September-October if you want the best weather (warm, dry, and breezy) for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.

May-August is the cheapest time to visit the city with hotels as low as $198/night on average and flights starting at just $85 round trip. To avoid crowds, come between December and February when it’s nice and cool with highs in the low 60s. 

March, the most expensive and busiest month, isn’t a great time to visit, and July and August are the hottest, wettest, and most humid months of the year — avoid all 3 if you want the best Savannah experience. 

With historic sights to see, a lively atmosphere, great food, and beautiful scenery, you’ll fall in love with Savannah from the moment you arrive. Planning to come experience it all during the best, cheapest, or least busy time of year will only sweeten the deal!