You've probably seen the pictures. Dripping Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and those massive oak trees that look like they’ve seen a few centuries. It’s dreamy. But if you don't check what is the weather in savannah georgia before you book that flight, your "dreamy" vacation might turn into a very sweaty reality check.
Savannah is beautiful, but she's moody.
I’ve seen tourists show up in July wearing heavy denim, looking like they’re about to melt into the pavement on River Street. Honestly, the humidity here doesn't just sit on you; it embraces you like a wet wool blanket. If you're planning a trip, you need to know that Savannah’s "seasons" are more like suggestions. We have a long, tropical-adjacent summer and a winter that’s usually over by the time you’ve found your scarf.
The Reality of Savannah’s Subtropical Pulse
Basically, we live in a humid subtropical climate. That sounds fancy, but it really just means it's damp. A lot. Today, January 13, 2026, the high is hitting a crisp 60°F with plenty of sun, which is pretty much the gold standard for a Savannah winter day. But don't let the "winter" label fool you. By Thursday, we're looking at a low of 28°F.
That’s Savannah for you. It’ll give you a tan on Tuesday and freeze your pipes on Thursday.
According to data from the Savannah–Hilton Head International Airport, the city averages about 49 inches of rain a year. Most of that falls in a concentrated burst between June and September. If you’re here in August, expect the "2 p.m. special"—a sudden, violent thunderstorm that lasts twenty minutes and leaves the air feeling even thicker than before.
Spring: The Chamber of Commerce Sweet Spot
If you ask any local when the best time to visit is, they’ll say March or April. This is when the city puts on its best outfit. The azaleas are screaming pink, the dogwoods are blooming, and the temperature hovers in that perfect 70°F to 80°F range.
- March: Average high 70°F. This is St. Patrick’s Day madness. It’s the third-largest parade in the world, and the weather is usually spectacular, though a light jacket is a must for the evenings.
- April: Average high 78°F. This is arguably the most beautiful month. The humidity hasn't quite woken up yet, and the pollen—while brutal for your sinuses—is at least manageable with a bit of Claritin.
- May: Average high 85°F. Now we’re getting into "pre-summer." You’ll start to feel that first real weight in the air.
Surviving the "Swampy Hell" of Summer
I’m not trying to scare you, but July and August are intense. Temperatures regularly hit 92°F, but the heat index (what it actually feels like) can easily soar past 105°F. There’s a reason locals disappear to Tybee Island or stay inside until the sun goes down.
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The air is thick.
If you're wondering what is the weather in savannah georgia during the summer, it's basically a convection oven with a humidifier inside. You will sweat. You will need to drink twice as much water as you think. But, there’s a certain charm to it if you lean in. The "resurrection ferns" on the oak trees turn vibrant green after the daily rains, and the evening breezes off the Savannah River offer a momentary reprieve.
One thing people forget: hurricane season. It runs from June 1 to November 30. While Savannah is tucked into a bit of a coastal "niche" that often protects it from direct hits, we still get the outer bands. Wind, rain, and occasional evacuations are part of the deal. If you book a trip in September, get the travel insurance. Just do it.
Fall and Winter: The Secret Seasons
September is still basically summer, just with slightly shorter days. The real shift happens in October. The average high drops to 79°F, and the humidity finally, mercifully, breaks. This is when the ghost tours really start to feel spooky because there's an actual chill in the air.
- October: The driest month. If you hate rain, this is your window.
- November: Highs around 71°F. Perfect for walking the 22 squares without needing a shower afterward.
- December/January: Highs in the low 60s. Snow is a myth here—well, almost. It happens maybe once every decade, and when it does, the whole city loses its mind.
For the most part, winter is just "light jacket weather." You might see a frost on the Spanish moss early in the morning, which is honestly one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see in the South.
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Practical Insights for Your Visit
Don't overpack. If you're coming in the summer, stick to linen and light cotton. Synthetics will make you miserable. If you're coming in the winter, think layers. You might start the day at 35°F and end it at 65°F.
Watch the Dew Point
In the summer, don't just look at the temperature. Look at the dew point. If it’s over 70°F, it’s going to feel oppressive. If it’s near 75°F, you’re in "tropical rainforest" territory.
The Bug Factor
Warm, wet weather means gnats and mosquitoes. We have these tiny things called "no-see-ums" that will eat you alive near the marsh. If you’re heading to Tybee Island or the walking trails at Skidaway Island, bring repellent with DEET.
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Beach vs. City
Tybee Island is usually about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than downtown Savannah thanks to the Atlantic breeze. If the city feels like a furnace, grab an Uber and head toward the coast. The water is warm enough for swimming from late May all the way through September.
Actionable Next Steps
To make the most of your trip based on the current climate trends:
- Check the 10-day forecast exactly 48 hours before you leave. Savannah's weather shifts fast; a "sunny" week can turn into a "tropical depression" week in a matter of days.
- Pack a high-quality, compact umbrella. Don't buy a cheap one at a gift shop; it won't survive a Savannah thunderstorm wind gust.
- Book dining reservations for indoors between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. during summer months. Use the hottest part of the day to enjoy the city's incredible food scene in the A/C.
- Download a local radar app. Since storms here are often hyper-local (it can be pouring in Forsyth Park but bone-dry on River Street), a good radar will tell you exactly when to duck into a bar for a "to-go" cup.
Savannah is worth the humidity, the occasional frost, and the unpredictable rain. Just know what you're walking into so you can spend less time complaining about the heat and more time wondering how they got those cobblestones so perfectly crooked.