I keep getting weather questions in my Savannah Facebook group, so I figured it was about time to do a “Savannah weather by month” rundown.
Anytime I’m asked a question multiple times, I know I need to write a post about the topic! That’s how my Best Time of Year to Visit Savannah post came about.
Now, please keep in mind that I’m not an official weatherperson. I typically turn to Jeremy Nelson at WJCL for his eerily accurate forecasts or to Enki Research when I need non-sensationalized hurricane news.
However, I do know enough about what to expect from Savannah’s weather to help a newbie out.
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
If you’re new around here, first of all…allow me to extend a warm welcome!
My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide.
I live in Savannah, and I have fun helping visitors plan their first trip to the city.
Table of Contents (Skip to Any Section)
Savannah Georgia Weather by Month
Just so you know, I’ve written about what to expect weather-wise for each month in Savannah in detail below, but if you prefer to see the information in a quick glance, hopefully this handy infographic will help.
Also, just so you know, I’m not a fan of hot weather.
That means my opinion tends to skew in favor of the cooler months.
I really need to get someone who loves the heat to comment on what’s nice about Savannah during the summertime, since I have a difficult time coming up with any perks!
Ok, let’s move on to the monthly play-by-play of Savannah’s weather.
Savannah Weather in January
Average Low: 40°F
Average High: 61°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 9.3 days | 3.69 inches
Perks:
January is the coldest month of the year in Savannah. However, “cold” is a relative term.
Some days might have highs in the 70s and you’ll see people walking around in shorts, while other days might bring a cold front with biting wind and lows in the 20s.
One thing you probably won’t see is snow. The last major snowfall was in January of 2018 (a whopping two inches).
Drawbacks:
I suppose the biggest drawback is that January weather is very wishy-washy.
If you’re making travel plans months in advance, it’s difficult to know if you’ll end up with a good week of weather or a dreary one.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in January:
Camellias, Japanese magnolias (aka: tulip trees), star magnolias, and redbuds.
The Southern live oaks are green during January, and the Spanish moss is in the trees year-round.
You might spot resurrection fern after a fresh rainfall.
Savannah Weather in February
Average Low: 43°F
Average High: 65°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 7.9 days | 2.79 inches
Perks: The days start getting longer in February, with sunsets happening after 6 pm.
The weather is a mixed bag, with some chilly days and many pleasant ones.
One cool thing about February is that the wide swings in temperature can cause some really foggy days that are incredible for photography (or for enhancing the mood of ghost tours with a spooky atmosphere).
Rainy days are minimal in February.
Drawbacks:
Same as January…it’s difficult to predict if the weather will be nice or not-so-great. Luckily, it often leans more towards the nice side — especially towards the end of the month.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in February:
Camellias, Japanese magnolias (aka: tulip trees), star magnolias, redbuds, and sometimes early-season azaleas.
The Southern live oaks are green during January, and the Spanish moss is in the trees year-round. You might spot resurrection fern after a fresh rainfall.
Savannah Weather in March
Average Low: 49°F
Average High: 71°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 7.4 days | 3.73 inches
Perks:
March is considered chamber of commerce weather.
The temperatures are mild, the humidity levels comfortable, and it rains just often enough to make the flowers look pretty.
Make note that Daylight Savings Time occurs in March, so it starts staying light out much later.
Drawbacks: Sometimes a rare chilly day comes along that might cause you to regret leaving the hotel in short sleeves with no jacket.
The pollen makes an appearance in March, so nearly every surface is covered in a dusting of yellow pollen. You can wipe a car off and an hour later it’ll be yellow again.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in March:
Prime azalea season usually falls in March!
You’ll see seas of pink and white flowers nearly everywhere you look.
The Southern live oaks start losing their leaves in March, but as they drop they’re replaced by new growth. That means there’s never a time when the trees look completely bare.
Dogwoods begin blooming in March and look beautiful throughout the month.
The Spanish moss remains in the trees year-round and you have a good chance of spotting Resurrection fern if it rains.
NOTE: Since March is such a popular month, I’ve written an in-depth post about it here: Savannah Weather in March (Includes Photos!)
Savannah Weather in April
Average Low: 55°F
Average High: 78°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 6.6 days | 3.07 inches
Perks:
April brings another month of chamber of commerce weather.
The temperatures are mild with warm afternoons and cooler evenings. It doesn’t rain very much during April.
Sunsets occur around 8 p.m. throughout the month of April.
Drawbacks:
You’ll still find some pollen hanging around in Savannah in April.
Overall, there isn’t much to complain about this month.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in April:
Azaleas are often still blooming — especially in shadier areas.
Jasmine (aka: star jasmine) may start blooming towards the end of the month.
Dogwoods bloom heavily during April.
Some of the Southern live oaks are still busy shedding leaves and growing new ones this month, but they won’t look bare at any time.
The Spanish moss is in the trees year-round. (I’m just going to keep repeating that for the readers who skip directly to the month they’re interested in.) If you look closely, the Spanish moss gets tiny blooms on it, and this typically occurs during April.
Savannah Weather in May
Average Low: 63°F
Average High: 85°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 6.5 days | 2.98 inches
Perks:
Things start heating up in May, so it’s a nice time of year for those of you who love the heat.
I know the graphic above shows lows in the 60s and highs around 85, but those are based on 30-year averages.
The temps are usually higher, with mornings in the 70s and the hottest part of the day in the 90s. It’s hot and humid during May, but still bearable.
Expect plenty of daylight hours to go exploring — the sunsets take place between 8 – 8:30 p.m.
Drawbacks:
With rising humidity levels, this is the time of year when you need to start being mindful about staying hydrated.
You might need to pack extra clothes so you can change each night before dinner. (Walking around in the heat all day makes for sweaty tourists!)
What’s Blooming in Savannah in May:
May has traditionally been jasmine and Southern magnolias month, which means the city smells heavenly!
Errr…or as nice as Savannah can smell.
The blooms help mask the ever-present scent of weed and the nearby paper mill that waft through many parts of downtown.
In recent years the jasmine has been blooming in mid-to late April, but the blooms are still hanging around in early May. You’ll also find the beautiful purple blooms of agapanthus in many of the squares during the month of May.
The Southern live oaks are green during May, and the ever-present Spanish moss can be found in the trees year-round.
Savannah Weather in June
Average Low: 71°F
Average High: 90°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 10.9 days | 5.95 inches
Perks:
I mean…June is nice if you love the heat, but otherwise I have a hard time finding perks.
The early morning hours aren’t bad.
June brings the summer solstice, so sunsets occur between 8:30 and 9 p.m. and it’s often still light out as late as 9:30 p.m.
Drawbacks:
Savannah is located in a subtropical zone, which means it’s hot and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
The storms are typically short, but you can count on them to occur pretty consistently around 2 or 3 p.m. daily throughout the summer season.
June 1st is technically the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, but it’s rare to have one hit that early (not unheard of, but rare).
What’s Blooming in Savannah in June:
Hydrangeas, hibiscus, agapanthus, mimosa trees, and crepe myrtles bloom during June. Some magnolias still have blooms, as well.
The Southern live oaks are green, and if you haven’t guessed by now, the Spanish moss always on the trees!
You’ll see lots of resurrection fern on the trees during the summertime due to copious amounts of rainfall.
Savannah Weather in July
Average Low: 74°F
Average High: 92°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 11.3 days | 5.60 inches
Perks: The plus side is that Savannah during July a great place to be if you love hot and humid weather.
I don’t, so I leave Savannah every summer around this time. (I can’t take the heat, so I get out of the kitchen!)
The daylight hours are still long during July, so expect it to still be light out at 9 p.m.
Drawbacks:
July is the hottest average month of them all, statistically. (August feels hotter to me, for some reason?)
You can count on afternoon thunderstorms almost daily, and sometimes we’ll get two to three days of downpours at a time.
The city has terrible drainage issues, so streets often flood in a major way (I’m talking rivers with trash cans floating down the street and cars sitting in water to the top of their tires.)
Be careful where you park!
If you’re staying in a home rental be sure to ask the homeowner if the area is prone to flooding. You might need to move your car to higher ground if a significant amount of rain is in the forecast.
What’s Blooming:
Crepe myrtles, mimosa trees and hydrangeas bloom in Savannah during July.
The Southern live oaks are green in the summertime, and the Spanish moss is always dangling from their limbs. There’s a high probability of spotting resurrection fern due to all the rain.
Savannah Weather in August
Average Low: 73°F
Average High: 91°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 12.8 days | 6.56 inches
Perks: August is peak rainy season, but at least the city looks pretty in the rain — and it’s fun to jump in puddles. Otherwise, I struggle finding the good in August.
Not everyone is as averse to the heat as I am, so hopefully you’ll find something to love if August is the only time you can plan a trip!
Drawbacks:
Savannah is located in a subtropical zone, so expect high humidity and afternoon storms.
Sometimes it rains heavily for a few days in a row.
When I say it’s hot during the summertime, I’m not exaggerating!
The air barely moves in Savannah during the summer months, and the humidity can get so high that sweat can’t evaporate to cool your body.
How hot does it feel? Imagine opening the door to your house and stepping directly into Satan’s mouth, and that’s the best way I can describe Savannah’s swamp-like atmosphere during the month of August.
TIP: Always check the “feels like” temps for the day before heading out!
Hurricane season starts ramping up towards the end of the month, so evacuations are a possibility.
I suggest purchasing hurricane travel insurance as a backup during the months of August, September, and October.
What’s Blooming:
Crepe myrtles and hydrangeas bloom during August.
The Southern live oaks are green and the Spanish moss is always hanging around in the trees.
Savannah Weather in September
Average Low: 69°F
Average High: 86°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 9.3 days | 4.58 inches
Perks: The mornings and evenings cool down a wee little bit in September, so that’s nice.
Drawbacks:
If you think summer ends in August, think again!
Summer stretches well into October in Savannah.
September temperatures are commonly in the 90s for most of the day and into the early evening hours.
It’s also a peak month for hurricanes.
In 2016, Hurricane Matthew — a Category 5 storm — caused mandatory evacuations of the city in late September/early October.
In 2019, Hurricane Dorian — also a Category 5 storm — caused another state of emergency during the month of September.
I strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance that covers hurricanes if you’re traveling during September.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in September:
The Southern live oaks are green throughout September, and you’ll find Spanish moss in hanging in the trees.
It’s common to spot resurrection fern in the days following a fresh rainfall.
Savannah Weather in October
Average Low: 59°F
Average High: 79°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 6.8 days | 3.69 inches
Perks:
By the time October rolls around, the afternoons are still warm (the 80s are common), but it’s pleasantly mild in the morning and at night.
October is fairly dry with low humidity levels.
Drawbacks:
Hurricane season technically doesn’t end until November, but it winds down in late October.
However, the beginning of the month still sees a strong possibility of heavy storms.
Hurricane Michael hit the first week in October of 2016, and it was a Category 5 storm.
Hurricane Matthew arrived the second week in October of 2018, and it was also a Category 5 storm.
Not to sound like a broken record, but I suggest purchasing travel insurance if you’re traveling to Savannah in October.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in October:
The Southern live oaks are green throughout October, and you’ll find Spanish moss in hanging in the trees.
Make note that the trees don’t start displaying fall color in Savannah until late November and into December.
Savannah Weather in November
Average Low: 48°F
Average High: 70°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 6.9 days | 2.37 inches
Perks:
November sees the return of chamber of commerce weather, with cooler mornings, pleasantly mild afternoons, and comfortable evenings.
It’s a sunny month with very little humidity.
Rain is rare during November.
Daylight Savings Time ends the first Sunday in November, so the daylight hours are cut considerably beginning this month.
Drawbacks: I can’t think of any.
What’s Blooming in Savannah in November:
The Southern live oaks remain green throughout the month of October, and you’ll find Spanish moss in hanging in the trees year-round.
Some of the trees begin showing fall color this month and the Japanese maples often turn orange or red.
Savannah Weather in December
Average Low: 43°F
Average High: 64°F
Typical Number of Rainy Days: 8.2 days | 2.95 inches
Perks:
The weather during December is often ideal for strolling through the Historic District to see Savannah’s beautiful Christmas decor.
Rainfall chances are few and far between.
Drawbacks:
Some days are chillier than others, but overall December is rather mild.
Occasionally a rare cold front moves through and drops the temperatures for a few days. It’s smart to check the weather before your trip so you’ll know if you need to pack cold weather gear.
Make note that it does tend to get chilly along River Street due to its lower elevation and the breeze blowing in off the water.
What’s Blooming:
The Southern live oaks are green throughout December, and you’ll find Spanish moss swaying in the trees year-round.
Many of the trees in beautiful Forsyth Park turn yellow during the November/December timeframe, so it’s a nice time to stroll through the park.
Related Reading: Savannah Georgia in December: Events and Things To Do
Savannah Travel Guide
If you’ve figured out the best time of year to visit and you’re ready to start planning a trip to Savannah, I’ve created a few resources to help you out.
- Savannah Georgia Vacation Guide: This is the place to start if you don’t know much about Savannah and want a brief overview of the city.
- Savannah First-Timer’s Guide: If you’re the type of traveler who wants all of your information in one handy guide, my ebook is the best way to go. It’s the easiest way to start planning your trip!
When you purchase my ebook, you’ll also gain access my private Facebook group where you can read trip reports and see photos from others who have recently visited.
If you have specific questions about Savannah’s weather, please let me know in the comments below.
Sources:
sunrise-sunset.org – Sunset average times taken from the 15th of the month and rounded to the nearest 5-minute mark
rrsweather.com – Average rainfall amounts
currentresults.com – Average monthly temperatures from a 30-year time span from 1991 – 2021
This is SO helpful! I’m always looking up the weather for a destination based on my availability and love coming across blogs like these. Thank you for putting this together!
We are looking to come for thanksgiving….any suggestions o best place for thanksgiving dinner
This post hasn’t been updated yet (since it’s only mid-summer), but it will give you an idea of some places that were open Thanksgiving day last year: https://savannahfirsttimer.com/restaurants-open-thanksgiving-savannah/