Hot air balloon rides in Charleston
A balloon flight over Charleston depends on calm, dry mornings. The most comfortable months are January to May and October–November, with highs around 72°F (22°C) and about 8 rainy days a month.
Photo: Khanrak, CC BY-SA 3.0
Book hot air balloon rides in Charleston
How to pick a good hot air balloon ride
- Flights leave around sunrise, when the air is calmest. Expect a pickup one to two hours before dawn.
- Balloon flights are often cancelled for wind or rain. Book early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
- Time in the air is usually about an hour; the whole outing, with transfers, takes three to four.
- Check basket size. Smaller baskets with 8 to 12 passengers feel very different from 20-person ones.
Charleston month by month
Averages for Charleston Int'l, South Carolina, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 60 (16) | 64 (18) | 70 (21) | 77 (25) | 84 (29) | 89 (31) | 91 (33) | 90 (32) | 85 (30) | 78 (26) | 69 (21) | 63 (17) |
| Low °F (°C) | 39 (4) | 42 (5) | 47 (9) | 55 (13) | 63 (17) | 70 (21) | 74 (23) | 73 (23) | 68 (20) | 58 (14) | 47 (8) | 42 (5) |
| Rainy days | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:36 pm | 6:05 pm | 7:27 pm | 7:49 pm | 8:11 pm | 8:29 pm | 8:29 pm | 8:05 pm | 7:27 pm | 6:47 pm | 5:19 pm | 5:15 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for hot air balloon rides in Charleston?
January to May and October–November. Expect highs around 72°F (22°C) and about 8 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are July and August.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators cancel when wind, rain or low cloud make flying unsafe, and usually offer another date or a refund. July is the rainiest month in Charleston, so leave spare days if you travel then.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides in Charleston?
The link above searches Viator for hot air balloon rides in Charleston. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book.
More things to do in Charleston
Walking toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Boat toursBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Sunset cruisesBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Cooking classesAll year
Food toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Day tripsBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Bike toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Kayak toursBest Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Helicopter toursBest Jan–May, Oct–Nov
Zipline toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Segway toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
Private toursBest Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov
