Things to Do in Columbia

About Columbia

South Carolina's capital pulses with a energy born from centuries of transformation, where Spanish moss-draped streets lead to forward-thinking innovation districts and a dining scene that's rewriting Southern cuisine. This is a city that refuses to be boxed in—simultaneously honoring its complex past while building a creative, progressive future that draws artists, entrepreneurs, and curious travelers from across the globe. Columbia invites you to experience a South that exists beyond the postcard, raw and real and utterly captivating.

Travel Tips

When to Visit

# When to Visit Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages for visitors. Spring (March-May) is arguably the best time to visit, with temperatures climbing from 15-22°C in March to 20-30°C by May, featuring the spectacular Vista Lights celebration in early March and the South Carolina State Fair in mid-October that actually extends into spring festival season; this period sees moderate crowds and mid-range pricing, with the added benefit of azaleas and dogwoods blooming throughout the city's parks and the Riverbanks Zoo becoming particularly stunning. Summer (June-August) brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures consistently reaching 28-35°C and heat indices often exceeding 38°C, coupled with frequent afternoon thunderstorms typical of the subtropical climate; however, this season offers lower hotel rates (except during July 4th weekend), access to the Saluda River for tubing and kayaking, and events like Soda City's summer farmers market every Saturday morning on Main Street, though the oppressive humidity and intense sun make outdoor activities challenging between 11am-4pm. Fall (September-November) rivals spring as an ideal visiting period, with September still warm at 24-31°C but October cooling to a comfortable 16-25°C, featuring the South Carolina State Fair in mid-October (one of the Southeast's largest with specific dates typically October 9-20), Famously Hot New Year (a Second New Year's celebration at year-end), and Indie Grits film festival in late April that bookends the festival season; this period offers pleasant weather for exploring Congaree National Park's champion trees and the historic University of South Carolina Horseshoe, with moderate crowds except during USC Gamecocks home football games which drive up accommodation prices significantly on weekends from September through November. Winter (December-February) sees mild temperatures ranging from 3-14°C, with occasional dips below freezing and rare snow events (typically 2-5cm annually), bringing the lowest hotel rates and minimal crowds outside of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend events in January; while the Columbia Museum of Art and Koger Center for the Arts maintain full programming, outdoor attractions are less appealing, and some restaurants operate on reduced hours, making this ideal only for budget-conscious travelers or those attending specific events like the Colonial Cup steeplechase in Camden (30 minutes away) on Thanksgiving weekend.