Savannah in July or August...or skip.

Question

We are thinking of doing a family trip to Savannah, but unfortunately, mid July or mid August are the only times we can go, and I know it's not the best time. I really wanted to visit Savannah, from what I read and heard, I think it would be a perfect destination for our group, except for the heat and humidity. I'm going with my husband, two kids, and my elderly parents. We live in Virginia, so we're used to a certain level of humidity in the Summers here, while my parents are used to the hot and humid, they don't love it at all. We plan on staying in the historic district and walk around in the area (maybe a trolley tour). My questions are:

- Our group has someone as young as 5 and as old as 76, would the heat be too much?

- Does going in late July vs mid August make any difference?

- Does August rain more?

- Are the mosquitos situation bad?

- Should we just skip and find another destination (so far I can't find somewhere that matches Savannah but cooler, in other words, I can't find a "Savannah of the North")?

Thank you all for your input, I appreciate it!

Answer

Visiting Savannah in July or August can be challenging due to the high heat and humidity typical of coastal Georgia in midsummer. However, it is possible to enjoy the city with proper planning and expectations. Here’s a detailed overview to help you decide whether to go and how to manage the conditions for your multi-generational family group.

Heat and Humidity

Average highs in July and August are around 89–92°F (32–33°C), with humidity often making it feel hotter.
Walking around the Historic District during the day can be quite uncomfortable, particularly for elderly parents and young children. Heat exhaustion is a risk if you overdo outdoor activities.
Early morning and late afternoon/evening walks are more comfortable. Midday should be spent in air-conditioned attractions, restaurants, or breaks in your hotel.

Late July vs Mid August

There is minimal difference between late July and mid August in terms of temperature—they are both peak summer months.
August may feel slightly more humid, and temperatures can be marginally higher, but the difference is generally negligible for planning purposes.

Rain

Both months are part of Savannah’s summer rainy season, which typically includes brief, heavy afternoon thunderstorms.
July and August have similar rainfall averages, around 5–6 inches per month, often in short, intense bursts rather than all-day rain.
Plan indoor activities or flexible sightseeing during the early afternoon to avoid heavy showers.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are common in the summer, especially in shaded areas, parks, and near water.
Using insect repellent, wearing light long sleeves in the evening, and choosing accommodations with screened porches or air-conditioning will minimize issues.

Is it worth going?

If experiencing Savannah’s charm is a priority, summer is still manageable with proper planning: schedule outdoor walks early or late in the day, use trolleys or air-conditioned transportation, and take breaks indoors.
If your group includes people sensitive to heat and humidity, consider shorter outdoor excursions and plan more indoor or shaded activities.
There isn’t a true “Savannah of the North” with the same architecture and charm but cooler summer weather; alternatives will generally feel very different.

Tips for Traveling in Summer

Book accommodations in the Historic District so you can return to your room to cool down frequently.
Use Savannah’s hop-on, hop-off trolley for sightseeing to minimize walking in the heat.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection (hats, sunscreen).
Consider scheduling a couple of indoor activities like museums, the Savannah History Museum, or riverboat tours during peak heat hours.
Plan for flexible mealtimes to avoid walking outside at the hottest part of the day.

In conclusion, Savannah in July or August can be very hot and humid, but with early/late walking, indoor breaks, and mosquito precautions, it is still a viable destination for your family. If your group is highly sensitive to heat, it may be worth considering a fall or spring trip, but summer travel is certainly doable with thoughtful planning.

Savannah in July or August...or skip.

More Savannah Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions