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Hello,
I'll be in the area visiting Ft. Jackson for my soldier's basic training graduation. I'll be in the area for a week in mid/late September. I'm a 20 year old female. Just wonder what to expect, I've never been off the west coast!
I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. So I feel like the climate change alone might be a rather large change. What's the weather like that time of year in Columbia? ANY & ALL tips on the type of clothing I should be packing would be VERY much appreciated!!! Is it very hot & humid still in September?
Also what is there to do that is relatively close to Ft. Jackson? I know there is a water park on base, & a zoo somewhere near by.
Any and all suggestions & tips are welcome. I'm trying to prepare as much as possible for this trip.
Sept can still have avg temps in the 90's; you can check the longterm forecast as you get closer to your actual trip but i'd say shorts will be used more then pants. Makes packing lite much easier! And as this appears to be a record breaking summer for heat, my guess is it will continue well into Sept as well. Funny side note, my wife always carries an extra shirt/light sweater when we go out to eat as while the outside temps can be near 100 seems every store/eaterie has the AC at 60 ( exaggeration but you get the idea ).
The Riverbanks Zoo/Gardens is well worth a walk thru; there is the Congaree National Forest nearby that can give you some different trees along the walking paths that you may not have on the west coast.
Oh, depending on your spare time, if you have the ability to take a day trip, I'd suggest Charleston. Just a couple hr drive, but it would allow you to hit the ocean where the water temps should be much warmer then you may be used to ( plus the history of a city hundreds of yrs old ).
Try some southern cuisine, since i've been here just 2.5 yrs im still learning the best spots so i'd defer to the 'locals' on their suggestions for that.
Most importantly, congrats on their graduation! best wishes for wherever their travels may take them
Hi, Amanda. The intense heat and high humidity have usually broken by then, but some days can still get hot and muggy. You should pack a light jacket or sweater in case of an early blast of autumn air. What kinds of things do you like to do?
It will still be warm (mid-80s), but the humidity should be starting to let up. I'd pack shorts & tees (even the lows will still be high-60s to low-70s).
Lucky for you (well, if it coincides with your visit), Greek Festival runs 15-18 September.
If you browse through some of the threads here you'll find plenty of suggestions for things to do (try the 'enthusiasm and energy' thread), like kayaking, riverside trails, etc.
USC has two homegames the latter half of September and since they're against Navy (17th) & Vandy (24th), it should be pretty easy to find tickets.
to add, I know there is a nice state museum in Columbia, but ( correct me if im wrong ) isnt there a good military museum at the base that may hold some nice historical items/info from SC's past as well? That's been one of the things we've enjoyed the most since moving here, seeing and learning about the state's history not only in the Civil War but also the Revolutionary war as well.
Late September will generally have warm a dry weather although it can start getting cool at night by that time and it can always rain here. I'd bring shorts, but also slightly warmer clothes if you get cool easily at night.
Being from the Willamette Valley myself: yes, expect to be warm. Even days that locals call "dry" are still kind of muggy to a person from the west coast. Bring your summer clothes.
Just to let you know, Soldiers are not allowed off post on Family Day, and most of the BCT companies only allow them off post on graduation day if their spouse or parents sign them out...
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