Skip to main content
Florence

Florence travel guide

City in South Carolina, United States

Best time to visitApril and October
Nearest airportFLO · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population39,899

About Florence

Florence is a city in and the county seat of Florence County, South Carolina, United States. It lies at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95 and is the eastern terminus of the former. It is the primary city within the Florence metropolitan area. The area forms the core of the historical Pee Dee region of South Carolina, which includes the eight counties of northeastern South Carolina, along with sections of southeastern North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 39,899, making it the 10th-most-populous city in the state.

Places to visit in Florence

  1. Florence County Museum

    Museum

    A downtown museum covering the art, history and natural history of the Pee Dee region, including a gallery devoted to local artist William H. Johnson.

  2. Downtown Florence

    Neighborhood

    A revitalized historic downtown along Dargan and Evans streets with locally owned restaurants, shops, murals and performing arts venues, easily explored on foot in an afternoon or evening.

  3. Lynches River County Park

    Park

    A riverside park with an elevated canopy walk through the treetops, an environmental discovery center, wooded trails and paddling on the blackwater Lynches River. Allow a few hours.

  4. Woods Bay State Park

    Woods Bay State Park

    Nature · 21 mi from centre

    A preserved Carolina bay, a type of shallow oval wetland, with a boardwalk through cypress-tupelo swamp where alligators, turtles and wading birds are often seen.

Where to stay in Florence

Popular hotels in Florence, out of 84 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Florence

Best time to visit Florence

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florence is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 35° – 53° 9
Feb 41° – 62° 7
Mar 48° – 70° 10
Apr 56° – 78° 6
May 64° – 83° 13
Jun 71° – 90° 10
Jul 74° – 91° 17
Aug 71° – 85° 13
Sep 66° – 83° 9
Oct 55° – 73° 4
Nov 48° – 68° 6
Dec 38° – 56° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Florence weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 71° 45° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 73° 49° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 72° 48° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 71° 50° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 74° 49° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 76° 50° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Florence

These are the airports closest to central Florence. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FLO Florence Regional Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Florence

Florence travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Florence?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Florence is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Florence?

July is usually the warmest month in Florence, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 175 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Florence?

Florence Regional Airport (FLO) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Florence.

What time zone is Florence in?

Florence uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Florence?

Top sights in Florence include Florence County Museum, Downtown Florence, Lynches River County Park and Woods Bay State Park. A downtown museum covering the art, history and natural history of the Pee Dee region, including a gallery devoted to local artist William H. Johnson.

Where should I stay in Florence?

Popular areas for hotels in Florence include Florence. Well-reviewed options include Park Inn by Radisson Florence SOUTH CAROLINA and Hotel Florence, Tapestry Collection By Hilton.

How many hotels can I book in Florence?

Destina Holidays currently lists 84 properties in and around Florence, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.