A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Charleston for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Charleston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a fun, party-hard, and energetic beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, nightlife, and live music. See Daytona Beach travel costs.

Charleston

Charleston is a quaint, historic, and classic coastal town. With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Charleston travel costs.

Daytona Beach and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Charleston than Daytona Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Charleston is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Daytona Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Charleston and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Charleston is famous for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. It is also well known for The Waterfront Park.

How is Daytona Beach different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Charleston and Daytona Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charleston. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Charleston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Charleston is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Daytona Beach has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Both Daytona Beach and Charleston offer nice live music venues.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.


Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

Charleston has a few great resort options. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

Charleston is considered a top beach destination. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Charleston can be explored in its historical center. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Daytona Beach does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Charleston is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston More Beautiful?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Charleston attracts visitors from all around. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Daytona Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Charleston is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.


Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Charleston makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Daytona Beach is an amazing beach city to visit for students. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Daytona Beach is a great destination for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Plenty of students visit Charleston. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

Is Daytona Beach or Charleston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.


Is Daytona Beach or Charleston a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Charleston

Charleston is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Charleston is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Both Daytona Beach and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Charleston than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

Families should spend more time in Charleston than Daytona Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Charleston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Charleston than Daytona Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Charleston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Charleston than Daytona Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Charleston.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Charleston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Charleston 2-7

One day in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

With live music and nightlife around the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the picturesque destination of Charleston. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Daytona Beach, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Daytona Beach, a popular beach city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Daytona Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful coastal town of Charleston. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Charleston or Daytona Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Daytona Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Charleston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Daytona Beach $269
    Charleston $212

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $269, while the average daily cost in Charleston is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Daytona Beach and Charleston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Charleston $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Charleston $180
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Charleston

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach or Charleston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Daytona Beach


Hotels in Charleston


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Charleston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Charleston $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $178
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $231

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charleston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Charleston:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $65
  • From Boone Hall Plantation Entry with Transfers: $71
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Cruise Port to Charleston city: $111
  • Private Transfer from Charleston City to Charleston Cruise Port: $111
  • Private Transfer from Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston Port: $119
  • Charleston city to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Folly Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $158
  • Charleston Airport to Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island– Arrival Private Transfer: $158
  • Isle of Palms/Sullivans Island to Charleston Airport –Departure Private Transfer: $158
  • Folly Beach to Charleston Airport (CHS) - Departure Private Transfer: $159
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Charleston city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $183
  • Charleston Airport (CHS) to Kiawah/Seabrook Islands – Arrival Private Transfer: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Prices for flights to both Charleston and Daytona Beach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Daytona Beach $138
    Charleston $100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Daytona Beach.

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Typical Food Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of dining costs in Charleston are as follows:


  • Lunch in downtown Charleston for two
    $21
  • Breakfast
    $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Charleston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Charleston.

  • Hands-on Cooking Class in Charleston: $89
  • Savor the Flavors Upper King Street Food Tour: $95
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $107
  • Charleston's Historic Downtown Food Tour: $109
  • Historic Downtown Food Tour: $109
  • Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $110
  • Downtown Charleston Food Tour: $110
  • Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour: $110
  • Charleston Upper King Street Food Tour: $110
  • Small Group Food Tour – Savor the Flavors: $110
  • Undiscovered Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class: $250

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Charleston $22

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • Dizzy Daytona Beach Amazing Race & Tour: $24
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $35
  • St. Johns River Cruise - Blue Spring State Park : $38
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $49
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $50
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $55
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in Charleston

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Charleston are as follows:


  • Patriots Point (for 2)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Charleston

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Charleston are as follows:

  • Charleston Self-Guided Ghost Tour in 12 Languages: $5.00
  • The French Quarter: GPS Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.99
  • Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.84
  • Self-Guided Ghost Tour: $6.99
  • Charleston's Haunted Ghost Tour - Solo Smart Phone Guided Tour: $7.75
  • Historic Downtown Self-Guided Tour in Charleston: $14
  • Charleston Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Charleston Water Taxi Cruise with Dolphin Sighting: $17
  • Ghost Tour - Charleston Dark History & Ghost Tour With Adam: $20
  • Charleston History Tour-Small Groups Only-History & Alleys: $22
  • Shem Creek Culture Tour: $23
  • The Chucktown Crusade Amazing Race & Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Charleston $36

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Party Bus Dive Bar Bus Crawl l: $40
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $50

Sample the Local Flavors in Charleston

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charleston:

  • Charleston Women and Wine Tour: $25
  • Women and Wine Tour: $25
  • Charleston Bachelorette Pub Crawl: $29
  • Guided Pub Crawl and Haunted History Tour: $30
  • Bay Street Bastards Pub Crawl Shared Tour in Charleston : $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas - Charleston Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl for the Broken-Hearted: $35
  • Speakeasy Sagas Prohibition Pub Crawl: $35
  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $39
  • Historic District Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $40
  • Charleston Brewery District Cruise (Public Tour): $95
  • Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Daytona Beach and Charleston, we can see that Daytona Beach is more expensive. And not only is Charleston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charleston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charleston and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Daytona Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Daytona Beach than you might in Charleston.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Daytona Beach Expensive? and Is Charleston Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach and Charleston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Daytona Beach or Charleston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the summer for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Charleston in the summer. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Charleston fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Charleston. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Charleston 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Daytona Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Charleston for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Daytona Beach in October average around 74°F (23°C), and Charleston averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Charleston 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Charleston. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Charleston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Daytona Beach is generally much warmer than Charleston. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 58°F (14°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Charleston. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Charleston 47°F (9°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Charleston. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charleston this time of year.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Charleston in the spring. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 69°F (21°C) in April, and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Charleston. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Charleston 64°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Charleston and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Charleston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 58°F (14°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 81°F (27°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (15°C) 2.5 inches (63 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 51°F (10°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)