South Carolina
When to catch Congaree National Parkat its best
Congaree National Park through the year: synchronous fireflies (local timing: about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June) and fall foliage (usually between the end of October and early November). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.
RIGHT NOW · SEP 30
- Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
- This weekend (NWS)Sat partly sunny then chance showers and thunderstorms, 90°F · Sun showers and thunderstorms likely, 79°F
- Park alerts3 current NPS alerts: Being Prepared for Excessive Heat & Humidity
When are you going?
Fall at Congaree National Park
- USUAL PEAK · FALL FOLIAGECongaree National ParkBetween the end of October and early NovemberSouth Carolina
“between the end of October and early November” · National Park Service ↗
Also good in fall
- Paddling on Cedar Creek
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter at Congaree National Park
Nearby in winter
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFESantee RefugeNovember through February, with the peak in January30 mi
“November through February, with the peak in January” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFESavannah RefugeEspecially in December and January115 mi
“especially in December and January” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Next peak here after winter
“between the end of October and early November” · National Park Service ↗
Spring at Congaree National Park
Good in spring
- Synchronous fireflies (about two weeks)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Nearby in spring
Next peak here after spring
“between the end of October and early November” · National Park Service ↗
Summer at Congaree National Park
- SEASON · SYNCHRONOUS FIREFLIESCongaree National ParkAbout two weeks between mid-May and mid-JuneSouth Carolina
“about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June” · National Park Service ↗
Also good in summer
- Synchronous fireflies (about two weeks)
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Next peak here after summer
“between the end of October and early November” · National Park Service ↗
Where to go at Congaree National Park
- Spring
- Fall
- Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Best spots
Synchronous fireflies
- Firefly TrailThe designated trail for event nights; stay on itNational Park Service ↗
Fall foliage
- Boardwalk Trail2.6 miles, easy, from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center down into the old-growth bottomland forestNational Park Service ↗
- Weston Lake Trail4.5 miles, moderate, with views of Cedar Creek, otters and wading birdsNational Park Service ↗
- Cedar CreekWater levels in autumn are ideal for a paddling tripNational Park Service ↗
Next 7 days at Congaree National Park
- TodaySunny89° / 62°–
- ThuPatchy Fog then Sunny90° / 66°–
- FriMostly Sunny92° / 69°6% rain
- SatPartly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms90° / 67°55% rain
- SunShowers And Thunderstorms Likely79° / 63°74% rain
- MonRain Showers Likely74° / 53°56% rain
- TueMostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers70° / 49°15% rain
Today: sunrise 7:18 a.m., sunset 7:10 p.m., light until 7:35 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 78% lit (our calculation)
Visitor reports, not verified
Been here in the last week? Tell us how the trees looked.
What color were the trees?
Tap the one that looks most like what you saw.
One report per place for each day you saw it, no name or email · How reports work · Terms · Privacy
Nearby, and when they peak
Towns nearby
- Columbia, SC16 mi
- Florence, SC64 mi
- Augusta, GA79 mi
- Charleston, SC84 mi
- Charlotte, NC96 mi
- Myrtle Beach, SC111 mi
Questions people ask
How do I get a pass, and what does it cost?
Passes come by lottery on Recreation.gov, one entry per household, in early April. It's $1 to enter and $24 more if you win, $25 in all. In 2026 there were 145 passes a night, each for one car with up to 8 people; RVs, trailers, big vans and buses aren't admitted.Source: National Park Service, Congaree fireflies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What time is best?
Just after dark, usually between 9 and 10 p.m. In 2026 the gates let pass holders in from 7 to 8:30 p.m.Source: National Park Service, Congaree fireflies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the rules on event nights?
Red lights only, kept low and pointed at the ground; no phones for light, photos or video; no pets (service animals are welcome); stay on the Firefly Trail; don't catch or disturb the fireflies; put insect repellent on before you arrive.Source: National Park Service, Congaree fireflies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does the weather matter?
Yes: thunderstorms are common in firefly season, and rain can slow or stop the flashing for the night.Source: National Park Service, Congaree fireflies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How we know
- Sep 27Park ServiceSynchronous fireflies about two weeks between mid-May and mid-June every yearSource (opens National Park Service, Congaree fireflies in a new tab)
- Sep 27ReferenceFall color peaks end of October to early November; seasons by monthSource (opens National Park Service, Congaree weather and seasons in a new tab)
- National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.