Best Times of Year to Paddle Board

Depending on the climate, paddle boarding can be a year round hobby. However, there are better months to paddle board compared to others, especially in Charleston, SC. Here are the best times of year to paddle board in Charleston.

April

April is a great month for paddle boarding. The average high is 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 59 degrees. The average water temperature is 66 degrees and it rains on average of five days in April. This all adds up to a comfortable time on the water, without dealing with excessive heat and excessive rainfall. The water temperature may be a bit too cool to enjoy for long periods of time, but it is not too cold to take an occasional dip in.

April is also prime season for bird watching. Many neotropical songbirds will begin their travel northward, passing over South Carolina in April. Also, it is prime time for nesting for many birds along the coast including the least tern. These birds typically nest on shelly beach flats. If you are looking to really enjoy all that mother nature has to offer aboard a paddle board, then April is a great month to do just that.

May

May is still a relatively milder month to enjoy paddle boarding without scorching temperatures. The earlier in May the better. The average temperature May 1st is 77 degrees Fahrenheit and increases to 84 degrees by May 31st. The average water temperature in May is 73 degrees. May is a good time to enjoy paddle boarding, but still enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.

The average low temperature in May is 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a great time to take advantage of one of our sunset paddle boarding tours. You can enjoy cooler nightly temperatures, without it being too cold, while taking in the beautiful Charleston sunset. This is a great opportunity, as well, to potentially see dolphins at play.

September

If you are wanting to take advantage of a paddle boarding tour without the crowds, then September is a great time to paddle board. While early September can be a bit hot, the temperature cools off throughout the month. The average high September 1st is 86 degrees Fahrenheit and drops to 80 degrees by September 30th.

The waterways are quiet as boaters begin to call it quits for the season, allowing for a more peaceful paddle boarding experience. The average water temperature is 81 degrees, making it still a bit warm, but not too warm to not be refreshing during a hotter afternoon paddle boarding session.

October

October isn’t the last month of the year you can paddle board in Charleston, SC, but it may be the last month you can do so without having to wear a wetsuit or pack on the layers. October is actually a prime month for paddle boarding due to the mild, yet enjoyable temperatures. The average high temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 62 degrees. it also only rains on average of four days, compared to seven in September.

October is also a great time to take advantage of the fall foliage that you can see along some of the South Carolina coastline. You may also catch a deer siting and even midday dolphin siting.

With the right gear paddle boarding can be a year-round activity in Charleston, SC; however for the inexperienced paddle boarder, take advantage of the milder Spring and Fall months to fully enjoy all the Charleston waterways have to offer aboard a paddle board.