Savannah In The Winter

View from the underside of metal pedestrian bridges connecting the buildings of Factors Walk, Savannah to Bay Street.

If you want to avoid the peak tourist season with its crowds and higher prices, and don’t mind a little colder weather, consider visiting Savannah in wintertime.

Savannah’s winters are generally mild, and the holiday season, in particular, offers many compensations for the cooler days, with dozens of special festive events from Thanksgiving through to New Year’s, plus concerts and Christmas-themed performances, lights displays and seasonal decorations.

January and February are Savannah’s low season, and this is when the best bargains can be obtained on accommodation.

Weather

Winter weather in Savannah is variable, though rarely extremely cold. Snow is a rarity. It can be cool, damp and overcast but there are also often periods when the weather is sunny and unseasonably warm.

Average winter lows are around 38-41°F (4-5°C), across the December to February period, though it will often dip somewhat lower if a cold front is passing through.

Average highs are in the low 60s (16-18°C), with not too much variation between the months. On average, however, January is both the coldest and the wettest month of winter (though still drier than many other months of the year).

Around 3-4 inches of rain fall each month during winter, about the same as in spring and fall and much less than during Savannah’s wet and thundery summers. You could have a dry stay, especially if it is a shorter visit, but plan for rain and bring an umbrella.

→ More about Savannah’s weather in December, January or February

Festivals & Events

Christmas on the River & Lighted Christmas Parade, early December. Annual holiday festival along River Street and Christmas Parade. Free to attend.

Holiday Tour of Homes, mid December. Ticket purchase required. The Holiday Tour of Homes, organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, is a self-guided tour of several historic downtown residences not usually open to the public.

Up the Cup New Year’s Eve Celebration, December 31. Celebrate the New Year with fireworks on River Street, with fireworks at midnight. Free to attend.

Black Heritage Festival, February. Annual black heritage-focused history, performance and arts festival, timed to coincide with Black History Month. Events are held across the city.

Savannah Book Festival, mid February. The Savannah Book Festival has author talks and book signings, held across several Historic District locations.

Mardi Gras Tybee, mid February. This annual Mardi Gras celebration is held over on Tybee Island, with a parade, street party and live entertainment. How to get to Tybee Island