Shaded by the American Sycamore trees that stretch over the paved pathways, visitors in Savannah will find that this is one of the most idyllic cities in the country to go for a stroll. While the well-manicured parks and Southern hospitality are certainly a draw in Savannah, travelers will find that there are endless things to do in the city.
Knowing the best time to visit Savannah will help you plan the trip that is right for you.
Enjoying Springtime in Savannah
- Pros: Near-perfect weather each day, plenty of festivals and events to enjoy
- Cons: Crowds tend to be higher during this season
Thanks to its balmy weather, cool breezes and endless sunshine, many people consider spring to be the top season for visiting Savannah. The magnolias are in bloom, the Spanish moss is dangling from above and the city truly comes into its own throughout the months of March, April and May.
As a result, spring is also the peak travel season in Savannah, so you can expect higher crowds as you tour the city's top attractions and explore the parks that have made Savannah famous. While you may be navigating the city's beauty alongside many others from around the country and across the globe, you will still find that this is an idyllic season to explore Savannah.
Some of the top things to do in Savannah during the spring include:
- Visiting Forsyth Park and relaxing in the shade of the oak trees. There's truly no better way to spend a peaceful afternoon in Savannah, soaking up the atmosphere of the park and watching the locals live their lives in the city. Bring your favorite book along and carve out your own slice of paradise in this urban park.
- Enjoying a riverboat cruise. The iconic red-and-white riverboats that paddle up and down the Savannah River are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Checking out the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Considered to be one of the most festive events in Savannah throughout the year, the wild and crazy St. Patrick's Day Parade is a favorite springtime event in Savannah.
When everything is in bloom in Savannah, your heart will blossom with love for this historic and charming Southern city. In fact, many people who plan a first trip to Savannah in the springtime find that it quickly becomes an annual tradition to come back to the city during this lively time of year.
Visiting Savannah in the Summer
- Pros: Beach season begins in earnest and there are lots of waterfront activities to enjoy
- Cons: The heat in the summer can be oppressive, driving many locals indoors for the summer
Given its location along Georgia's warm and sultry coast, Savannah has long been a favorite summer vacation destination. If you don't mind the heat and humidity, you will find that the city is rife with potential throughout the months of June, July and August.
As you begin to search Savannah when to visit, you will find that summertime in Savannah is quite popular. The tourist crowds will be high and the temperatures will be even higher, with the average daily high reaching into the 90s most days.
If you are planning a summer vacation to Savannah, these are the activities and attractions that you should check out:
- Hit the beach. When the temperatures climb sky high and it feels impossible to breathe because of the humidity, then the best place to be in Savannah is on the beach on Tybee Island. With soft white sand and cool waves crashing into the shore, there's no better place to relax and refresh yourself then on the beach in Savannah.
- Watch the Savannah Bananas in action. For nearly a decade, the Savannah Bananas baseball team has been delighting the city's local fans and treasured visitors with fun-filled experiences at the ballpark. Wearing their iconic banana yellow uniforms, the Savannah Bananas bring a sense of silliness and lighthearted charm to America's favorite pastime, making this a must-do summertime activity in Savannah.
- Cool off with an ice cream — but make sure to eat it before it melts. Savannah's historic downtown is home to several classic ice cream parlors, including Leopold's Ice Cream. If you are spending the day at the beach on Tybee Island, then the best place to get ice cream in Savannah is the Tybee Sugar Shack.
While it may seem counter-intuitive to head indoors during the summer, many people find that this sultry season is one of the best times to explore the museums and historical attractions that are located throughout the city. No matter how you choose to spend your summer vacation in Savannah, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime — and will keep you coming back for more in the years to come.
Experiencing a Savannah in the Fall
- Pros: Mild weather, low crowds and many exciting spooky season events to enjoy
- Cons: Many of the top attractions are open seasonally and may have limited fall hours
As the intensity of the summer heat starts to ebb away and the summer tourist crowds retreat home for another school year, those with freedom and flexibility find that fall is the best time to visit Savannah. Mild temperatures and endless sunshine define this season and the light crowds make it easier to enjoy the city's parks and outdoor activities.
While some of the most iconic attractions in Savannah may have limited operating hours during the fall and winter months, there are still plenty of things to do and places to explore when you visit Savannah in the months of September, October or November.
These are some of the best things to do in Savannah in autumn:
- Attend one of the famous fall events that take place each year in Savannah. Organizers in the city take advantage of the cooler weather in order to plan some of the city's most iconic events, such as the Savannah Jazz Festival or the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.
- Indulge in the excitement of the spooky season and take a Savannah ghost tour. The history of the city and its storied past lends itself to some incredible ghost stories, with many tour guides claiming that there are ghouls and ghosts around nearly every corner of the city. Haunted tours in Savannah will take visitors throughout the city's downtown area to some of the spots that are allegedly occupied by spirits from another realm.
- Meander through the city's squares and take in the sights — all while knowing you basically have the place to yourself. With the summer crowds dwindling with each passing day, the squares of Savannah are easier to explore. Fall is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll throughout the city in order to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the architecture.
Whether you are in search of a romantic weekend getaway or you simply want to visit Savannah during a time when it's less hot and crowded, you may find that the top season for visiting Savannah is autumn.
Exploring Savannah in the Winter
- Pros: Mild winter weather, low crowds and a quiet atmosphere
- Cons: Some of the most popular tourist attractions may be closed during the winter
Those who prefer to enjoy moderate temperatures all winter long — and don't need a blanket of white snow on the ground to enjoy the winter — will love coming to Savannah during the months of December, January and February.
From festive holiday gatherings to unique activities and events, you will find that these are some of the best things to do during the winter in Savannah:
- Tour the historic homes that have been part of the city's fabric for centuries. Some of the most well-known historic homes in Savannah include the Owens-Thomas House and the Davenport House Museum.
- Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which defines the city's skyline and is known as one of the most gorgeous churches in the city. While you can certainly admire the cathedral from the outside, one of the best ways to experience its beauty and grandeur is to pay a small fee to go inside and experience the wonder from within.
- Walk along River Street and enjoy the quiet atmosphere that exists throughout the winter months. Restaurants, boutiques and cafés line the street, which offers some of the most picturesque views in Savannah.
Savannah may not be a winter wonderland filled with snowmen and frosty air, but it is magical in its own right. A wintertime trip to Savannah means low crowds, mild weather and plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy.
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