Are you thinking about visiting Charlotte, North Carolina? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Charlotte worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. We first visited Charlotte in at a young age and then lived there for most of my childhood. During our time here, we fell in love with its residential atmosphere and welcoming personality. Charlotte is a large city in North Carolina. It has grown a lot over the past few decades and the Uptown area has gained popularity as a trendy and interesting place to visit. There are museums around town as well as Carowinds and the National Whitewater Center.
Charlotte, North Carolona
Reasons to Visit Charlotte
Museums
The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Food
The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.
Nightlife
Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.
Shopping
Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.
Authenticity
Charlotte has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Charlotte worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Charlotte, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
The weather in Charlotte is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (81°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (91°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Charlotte
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| August | 27°C (80°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| September | 24°C (74°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Charlotte worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Charlotte. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Charlotte
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| December | 8°C (46°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Charlotte worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Charlotte can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Charlotte is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Charlotte
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 6°C (42°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
Is Charlotte worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Charlotte. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Charlotte
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| June | 25°C (78°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Charlotte
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Charlotte might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Charlotte here or see if Charlotte is expensive here.
Related
What is Charlotte most famous for?
Charlotte is most famous for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as up-and-coming, growing, and evolving.
What is the most famous sight in Charlotte?
The most popular sight in Charlotte is the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Charlotte on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other attractions here.
How touristy is Charlotte? Is it a popular city to visit?
Charlotte is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Picnic Experience in the Queen City: $249
- Big Bite Brew Tour in Charlotte's LoSo District: $150
- Instagram Photography Tour through Uptown Charlotte: $150
- It's Electric - Favorite Things E-bike Tour: $59
- 2.5 Hour Black History Van Tour-Perseverance, Power, and Progress: $59
- Private Efoil Adventure on Lake Norman, Lake Wylie or MIL with CharlotteEfoil: $180
- The Escape Game Concord: 60-Minute Adventures at Concord Mills: $39
- UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour in Charlotte: $15
How long should I spend in Charlotte?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Charlotte is one to three days. Since Charlotte has activities such as shopping, museums, and dining, most people visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Charlotte? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Charlotte?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.