Folly Beach by season

Winter

December – February

The quietest stretch on the island, when the beach belongs mostly to walkers and birds.

Air

Daytime highs sit around 58–61°F from December through February, with overnight lows in the mid to high 40s. Milder than most people expect, but the wind off the water makes it feel colder than the number.

Water

The ocean runs roughly 50–55°F. This is not swimming weather — winter is for walking the beach, not getting in it.

Worth knowing

The Turtle Bay community pool is closed; it opens approximately April through October.

Spring

March – May

Warming water, longer light, and the island coming back to life ahead of summer.

Air

Highs climb from around 66°F in March to 78°F by May, with lows from the mid 50s to high 60s. The most comfortable stretch of the year to be outdoors.

Water

The sea lags well behind the air: about 60°F in March, high 60s in April, and mid 70s by May. Warm afternoons in March still mean cold water, so real swimming generally starts in May.

Wildlife

Loggerhead sea turtle nesting season begins on May 1 and runs through October 31 in South Carolina.

Summer

June – August

Peak season — warmest water, longest days, and the busiest the island gets.

Air

Highs of 84–86°F with lows in the mid to high 70s. The humidity is what makes it feel hotter than the reading suggests.

Water

The ocean reaches 82–86°F, peaking in July. Warm enough to stay in for as long as you like.

Wildlife

Sea turtle nesting season is underway; South Carolina asks beachgoers to keep lights off the beach at night and fill in holes before leaving.

Worth knowing

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late summer.

Fall

September – November

Warm water without the summer crowds — a favourite window for repeat visitors.

Air

September still runs about 82°F, easing to 76°F in October and 67°F in November. Evenings cool off noticeably from October onward.

Water

The ocean holds heat long after the air cools: near 79°F through September, low 70s in October, and mid 60s by November. Comfortable swimming usually lasts into mid-October, well past when most visitors assume the season has ended.

Wildlife

Sea turtle nesting season runs through October 31, and late-season nests may still be hatching.

Worth knowing

Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30.

Dates that don't move

Three dates shape a Folly Beach trip more than the weather forecast does.

Sea turtle nesting

May 1 through October 31 in South Carolina. During the season, keep artificial light off the beach at night, fill in holes before leaving, and leave nests and markers undisturbed.

Atlantic hurricane season

June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late summer. Travel insurance is worth a thought for trips in that window.

Community pool

The Turtle Bay community pool is steps from the unit and is open approximately April through October.

What stays the same

A few things at 16 Turtle Bay do not vary with the calendar. The community fishing dock on the Folly River is accessible year-round, both decks look out over the water in every season, and the 10-minute walk to the sand is the same in January as it is in July — the beach is simply quieter.