Growing up in Southwest Florida, I hardly noticed seasonal changes. But now that I live in Greenville, SC, it’s a whole different story. Each season brings out a different vibe to the city: Springtime flowers, Summer treats, Fall leaves, and Winter snowflakes. If you are planning to visit Greenville, SC, it’s important to consider the season so that you can plan accordingly. What kinds of activities are recommended for each season? What kinds of festivals will be offered? Check out our locals’ guide to Greenville, SC, based on the seasons below to make the most of your trip. 

Spring (March-May) 

Everything is in full bloom in Spring, so it is the perfect time to take a walk in beautiful places! Just make sure to take allergy medicine beforehand if you need it. 

• Visit a farmers market for fresh produce and flowers. (The TD Saturday Market, Greenville State Farmers Market, and Travelers Rest Farmers Markets are great places to start). 
• Identify local flora and fauna when flowers are in full bloom. (Falls Park on the Reedy River or the SC Botanical Gardens are both great places to check out). 
• Pick your own strawberries at Stewart Farms, Strawberry Hill USA, and Sandy Flat Berry Patch.
• Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail. (The Swamp Rabbit Cafe is a great entry point).  
• Camp out at Paris Mountain, Jones Gap State Park, or Caesar’s Head State Park. 

Festivals: 

Greer Goes Global 

Greek Festival 

Imagine Upstate Steam Fest

Artisphere

Summer (June-August)

Greenville summers are typically hot, hot, hot in the afternoons, so it is a good idea to move outdoor time to the mornings or evenings so as to avoid the midday sun. That said, summers are the perfect excuse for water parks and cold, sweet treats. 

• Visit the Greenville Zoo (early in the day so that the heat is not too intense). 
• Cool off at a Water Park. (Discovery Island Water Park, Otter Creek Waterpark, and 7th Inning Splash Water Park are three relatively inexpensive parks in the Greenville area). 
• Enjoy a sweet treat downtown. (I highly recommend Spill the Beans, the Creme Shack, and/or the Blueberry Frog to cool off after walking in the heat). 
• Visit the Roper Mountain Science Center during their Summer Adventure hours. Additionally, join a Friday Starry Night to star gaze on those warm summer nights. 

Festivals: 

Greenville Jazz Fest

Freedom Blast

Fall (September-November)

Greenville’s Falls are stunning: the leaves all change to a brilliant red, orange, and yellow, and the weather starts to feel crisp and cool. 

• Go apple picking at nearby NC orchards, such as Skytop Orchard, Justus Orchard, Granddad’s Apples, and Stepps Hillcrest Orchard. 
• Find the perfect Jack o Lantern at a pumpkin patch, like The Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch or Thompson Family Farms. 
• Experience the true beauty of an Upstate Fall with a local hike. (I recommend Caesar’s Head, Jones Gap, and Table Rock State Park). 
• Warm up with a sweet treat from Coffee Underground or Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar. 

Festivals: 

Fall for Greenville 

Euphoria Food, Music, and Wine Festival 

Winter (December-February)

In the Winter months, Greenville is all aglow with festive, twinkling lights. Christmastime makes the city feel merry and bright. 

• Warm up from the cold and catch a show at the Peace Center, SC Children’s Theatre, Mauldin Theatre, or Center Stage. 
• Try out your skating moves at Ice on Main. Or, if you’re looking for an inside venue, Skating on the Big Ice is also a popular location. 
• Attend a Swamp Rabbit hockey game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. 
• Shop for unique gifts from pop up shops and holiday markets. 

Festivals: 

Night of Lights 

Poinsettia Christmas Parade

Greenville Holiday Gingerbread Exhibit

What are you hoping to see in Greenville, SC? You may have noticed that some of the above activities are available year round, like a stroll through Falls Park while other activities are season specific. Consider the vibe of your trip and what kind of experience you wish to cultivate: a flowery Spring, spicy Summer, breezy Fall, or magical Winter? The choice is yours! 

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