Are you thinking about visiting Columbia, South Carolina? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Columbia worth visiting?
Columbia is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. We first visited Columbia in throughout childhood and have driven through many times in recent years. During our time here, we fell in love with its low key restaurants and friendly atmosphere. Columbia is the capital city of the state of South Carolina. The city has some trendy shopping areas as well as some interesting museums. Most people don't spend much time visiting Columbia, but there are a number of ways to pass a day or two.
Columbia, SC
Reasons to Visit Columbia
Museums
As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.
Nightlife
You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.
Shopping
You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.
Authenticity
Columbia has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Columbia worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Columbia is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 34°C (93°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Columbia, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is off the main tourist route, and in the shoulder season it's fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Columbia
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| September | 24°C (75°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Columbia worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Columbia. This destination is off the main tourist route, and in the shoulder season it's fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in Columbia
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| November | 13°C (56°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Columbia worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Columbia. This destination is off the main tourist route, and in the low season you'll feel like you have it all to yourself.
The weather in Columbia can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the nightlife scene.
Winter Weather in Columbia
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| March | 13°C (56°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Columbia worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Columbia, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is off the main tourist route, and in the shoulder season it's fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Columbia
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| June | 26°C (78°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Columbia
Food: Columbia doesn't top the list for most foodies. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.
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, Columbia might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Columbia here or see if Columbia is expensive here.
Related
What is Columbia most famous for?
Columbia is most famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people. The city is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as suburban, friendly, and welcoming.
What is the most famous sight in Columbia?
The most popular sight in Columbia is Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Columbia on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and other attractions here.
How touristy is Columbia? Is it a popular city to visit?
Columbia is not a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Soda City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Columbia: $12
How long should I spend in Columbia?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Columbia is one to two days. Since Columbia has activities such as nightlife, shopping, and museums, most people visit for up to two 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 Columbia? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Columbia?.
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.