Congaree National Park, South Carolinafall foliage
No reports yet this season for Congaree National Park. It usually peaks Oct 21–Nov 10.
Right now in Congaree National Park · September
- Paddling on Cedar Creek · Sep–Nov
23days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 21–Nov 10
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:21 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Congaree National Park
First frost usually in ~7 weeks
Nov 19Average first fall frost
Mar 13Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Columbia Owens Dwtn Airport station (14.5 mi away, 180 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Congaree National Park through the year
- One of the best times to visitMar–May
- Synchronous fireflies (about two weeks)May–Jun
- Visitor center, boardwalk and front-country trails close at 4:30 p.m. on firefly nightsMay
- Hottest monthsJun–Aug
- Paddling on Cedar CreekNowSep–Nov
Best spots around Congaree National Park
- Boardwalk Trail2.6 miles, easy, from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center down into the old-growth bottomland forest
- Weston Lake Trail4.5 miles, moderate, with views of Cedar Creek, otters and wading birds
- Cedar CreekWater levels in autumn are ideal for a paddling trip
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Congaree weather and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Congaree trail information (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Congaree fireflies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Congaree National Park in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 21–Nov 10. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Congaree National Park right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 23 days (usually Oct 21–Nov 10).
Where are the best spots in Congaree National Park?
Boardwalk Trail: 2.6 miles, easy, from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center down into the old-growth bottomland forest; Weston Lake Trail: 4.5 miles, moderate, with views of Cedar Creek, otters and wading birds; Cedar Creek: water levels in autumn are ideal for a paddling trip.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Congaree National Park?
Visitor center, boardwalk and front-country trails close at 4:30 p.m. on firefly nights (May).
What is Congaree National Park like through the year?
One of the best times to visit (Mar–May), Synchronous fireflies (about two weeks) (May–Jun), Hottest months (Jun–Aug), Paddling on Cedar Creek (Sep–Nov) and Visitor center, boardwalk and front-country trails close at 4:30 p.m. on firefly nights (May).