Azaleas, Perfect Patio Weather & Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Savannah in Spring

If you’ve seen a photo of Savannah covered in pink azaleas, oak trees dripping in Spanish moss and people sitting outside under blue skies and thought:

“Yep. That’s when I want to go.”

I don’t blame you.

Spring in Savannah is GORGEOUS.

It’s also busy, unpredictable, occasionally covered in pollen and somehow capable of giving you three different seasons in one weekend. 

After living and working in Savannah for the last decade, and spending countless spring weekends working weddings, corporate events and experiences throughout the city, I can confidently say that spring is one of the best times to experience Savannah.

The city comes alive.

Flowers are blooming. Patios are packed. Wedding season is in full swing. The parks are green. Outdoor events are everywhere. And for a few glorious weeks, you can walk around downtown all afternoon without melting.

But spring in Savannah has a few quirks you should know about before booking your trip.

Here’s what it’s REALLY like.

When Is Spring in Savannah?

Spring technically starts in March, but Savannah doesn’t exactly follow a calendar.

You could get an 80-degree February afternoon.

You could also get a chilly March morning that has you wondering why you packed nothing but sundresses.

That’s Savannah.

March

March is one of Savannah’s busiest and most exciting months.

Temperatures start warming up, flowers begin blooming and everyone suddenly remembers how much they like being outside.

It’s also St. Patrick’s Day season.

And Savannah takes St. Patrick’s Day VERY seriously. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Savannah loves a theme.

If you’re intentionally coming for St. Patrick’s Day, prepare for an experience.

If you’re not intentionally coming for St. Patrick’s Day… check your dates before booking.

Hotel prices, crowds, traffic and the overall downtown experience can look completely different around the celebration.

April

If you asked me to picture quintessential Savannah spring, I’m probably picturing April.

Everything is green.

Azaleas are blooming.

The weather can be absolutely beautiful.

Outdoor dining is in full swing.

And walking through the Historic District feels like you’re inside somebody’s Savannah Pinterest board.

It’s also peak wedding and tourism season, so don’t mistake beautiful weather for secret season.

Everybody else wants to be here too.

May

May is when Savannah starts flirting with summer.

Early May can still be absolutely beautiful.

By later in the month, you’re probably going to start feeling the heat and humidity creeping back in.

You’ll still get gorgeous days, but don’t assume late May will feel like a crisp spring afternoon.

Summer is coming.

And she doesn’t knock.

When Do the Azaleas Bloom in Savannah?

Ahhh, the question everybody wants answered.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature refuses to give us an exact schedule. 

Savannah’s famous azaleas generally bloom during the spring, but the exact timing varies depending on temperatures and weather that year.

Some years they show up early.

Some years they’re later.

Some years you feel like they’re everywhere at once.

If seeing azaleas is the entire reason you’re planning your trip, keep an eye on local conditions as your dates get closer rather than assuming a specific weekend will guarantee peak bloom.

But when you DO catch Savannah covered in them?

Absolutely beautiful.

Where to See Spring Flowers in Savannah

You don’t necessarily need a designated flower-viewing destination.

Savannah’s squares, parks, historic homes and residential streets absolutely come alive during spring.

But there are a few places I’d especially recommend.

Forsyth Park

Obviously.

The combination of the fountain, oak trees, greenery and spring blooms makes Forsyth ridiculously pretty this time of year.

The Historic Squares

Don’t just visit Chippewa Square because you’ve heard of it. Explore.

Some of the smaller, quieter squares are my favorites, especially when everything is blooming.

And yes, I’m going to tell you to visit Columbia Square again.

I’m biased because it’s where I got engaged, but the azaleas here in spring are STUNNING.

Jones Street

Yes, Jones Street is famous.

Yes, you’ve probably already seen it online.

Yes, you should still walk down it.

The historic homes, brick street, oak canopy and spring greenery are beautiful.

Just remember: people actually live here.

Admire the houses without treating someone’s front steps like your personal photo studio.

Bonaventure Cemetery

I know it’s repetitive but spring at Bonaventure is something else.

Oak trees.

Spanish moss.

Azaleas.

Historic monuments.

It is hauntingly beautiful in the best possible way.

Give yourself time here instead of making it a 20-minute photo stop.

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1. Walk Everywhere

Spring is made for exploring Savannah on foot.

Start around Forsyth and wander toward the river.

Go through the squares.

Take the side streets.

Stop when something catches your eye.

Savannah is compact enough that you don’t need a perfectly mapped route.

In fact, I think you miss part of the experience when you plan every turn.

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2. Eat Outside Whenever You Can

THIS is patio season.

There is a very small window in Savannah where eating outside isn’t:

too hot, too humid, too cold, raining, or under attack by mosquitoes.

Spring is that window.

If the weather is beautiful, take advantage of it.

Have brunch outside.

Grab an afternoon drink.

Find somewhere overlooking the river.

Head toward the marsh for dinner.

Savannah and the Lowcountry are best experienced outside.

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3. Get Out on the Water

People forget Savannah is a coastal city.

Spring is a great time to fix that.

Take a boat tour.

Go kayaking.

Book a dolphin cruise.

Head toward Tybee.

Or just find somewhere on the marsh and watch the boats go by.

The Lowcountry looks completely different from the water, and it’s one of my favorite things for visitors to experience.

4. Visit Tybee Island

Spring is SUCH a good time for Tybee.

You may get legitimate beach weather, especially later in the season, without being in the absolute thick of summer crowds.

Walk the beach.

Visit the lighthouse.

Grab seafood.

Stay for sunset.

Or get up ridiculously early and watch the sunrise which is worth it at least once.

5. Explore Savannah’s Gardens

Savannah Botanical Gardens is a great little escape outside downtown.

Spring is obviously a particularly fun time to experience anything involving gardens, flowers and pollinators.

Plus, it gives you an excuse to see a little more of Savannah outside the Historic District.

6. Have a Picnic

Not every activity needs a ticket.

Pick up lunch and take it to Forsyth.

Find a quiet square.

Bring a book.

Sit under an oak tree.

People-watch.

Sometimes the most Savannah thing you can do is absolutely nothing for an hour.

Savannah in Spring Means Wedding Season

If you’re visiting on a spring weekend and feel like there are brides everywhere…

There probably are. 

Spring is one of Savannah’s biggest wedding seasons.

And having worked hundreds of weddings and events here, I completely understand why.

The city basically provides its own décor.

Oak trees, historic buildings, gardens, squares, waterfront views—the backdrop is already there.

But wedding season also means hotels, restaurants, transportation and event spaces can get BUSY.

If you’re coming for a wedding, don’t assume you can wait until two weeks before the trip to make all your plans.

Book your hotel.

Make important dinner reservations.

Then worry about the fun stuff.

Let’s Talk About St. Patrick’s Day

Savannah doesn’t casually celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

We CELEBRATE St. Patrick’s Day.

The parade and surrounding festivities are a huge deal and bring major crowds into the city.

If that’s what you’re coming for, amazing.

Plan ahead.

If crowds aren’t your thing, I’d avoid accidentally booking your peaceful Savannah getaway during the festivities.

And if you’re staying downtown during that period, expect changes to traffic, parking, crowds and restaurant availability.

It’s not a normal Savannah weekend.

That’s the point.

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Let’s Also Talk About Pollen 

Savannah spring is beautiful.

Your car may not be.

There are times during spring when everything seems to acquire a lovely yellow-green coating.

Cars.

Porches.

Outdoor furniture.

Your will to live if you just washed your car yesterday.

It’s part of spring in the South.

Don’t let it scare you away—but if you’re particularly sensitive to seasonal pollen, it’s something worth keeping in mind.

What Should You Wear in Savannah During Spring?

I refuse to give you another 17-item packing list.

Here’s all you need to know:

Check the forecast and bring (you guessed it) layers.

Early spring mornings can be chilly.

Afternoons can be warm.

Later spring starts feeling much more like summer.

And Savannah weather can change quickly.

Bring something light to throw over your outfit at night and—say it with me—

comfortable walking shoes.

I promise I’ll eventually write an article where I don’t mention shoes.

Today is not that day.

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Is Spring Expensive in Savannah?

It can be one of the more expensive times to visit.

Beautiful weather + weddings + festivals + spring break travel + major events = demand.

If you’re traveling during a popular weekend, hotel prices can climb quickly.

Book early if your dates aren’t flexible.

If they ARE flexible, compare a few different weekends before committing.

Sometimes moving your trip by one week can make a surprising difference.

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The Pros & Cons of Visiting Savannah in Spring

The Pros

The city is absolutely beautiful.
Azaleas and spring flowers.
Fantastic walking weather.
Patio season.
Perfect for tours.
Great time for Tybee.
Tons of outdoor activities.
Savannah feels incredibly lively.

The Cons

It’s busy.
Hotels can be expensive.
Popular restaurants fill up.
Weather can be unpredictable.
Pollen. So much pollen. 😂
Late spring can already be hot and humid.
Major event weekends can completely change the feel of downtown.

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Is Spring the Best Time to Visit Savannah?

For a first-time visitor?

It might be.

I love Savannah year-round for different reasons, but spring is when the city really shows off.

If you’ve been dreaming about oak-lined streets, pink azaleas, historic squares, outdoor brunches and long afternoons wandering downtown…

This is your season.

Just don’t expect to have Savannah entirely to yourself.

Everyone else saw those azalea pictures too. 

Book early, leave room in your itinerary to wander and spend as much time outside as the weather allows.

Because there are few things prettier than Savannah on a beautiful spring day.

And I say that as someone who’s had a decade to get tired of looking at it.

I haven’t.