Folly Beach Monthly & Winter Rentals

Folly Beach vacation home under live oaks

Folly Beach is an easy place to settle in for a month or a whole winter. Many beach houses and condos that book by the week in summer are available for monthly stays in the off-season, often at a much lower price, and the island is quiet, walkable and about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Here’s how monthly and winter rentals on Folly work.

Updated September 2026.

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Who rents by the month on Folly

  • Winter visitors and snowbirds trading snow for mild weather and empty beaches.
  • Remote workers who want a month by the ocean with a real kitchen and a desk.
  • Traveling nurses and people relocating to Charleston who need a furnished place while they work or look for a home.
  • Families between homes during a move, renovation or repair.

Best months for a long stay

Late fall through early spring is the sweet spot. From about November through February the summer crowds are gone, parking is easy and many owners offer monthly rates. Winter days are usually mild, though you’ll want a jacket on windy evenings, and the ocean is too cold for most swimmers. March and April warm up quickly and book faster, and summer is mostly weekly rentals at peak prices, so a full month in June, July or August is much harder to find.

What to expect

  • Furnished and ready to live in. Most monthly rentals are vacation homes with a full kitchen, linens and Wi-Fi. Ask about laundry and a workspace if you need them.
  • Utilities. Some owners include everything; others cap electricity or bill it separately in winter. Get it in writing.
  • Cleaning. Longer stays may include a mid-stay clean or none at all, plus a cleaning fee at the end.
  • Deposits and payment. Expect a security deposit and a payment schedule rather than one charge up front.
  • Taxes. South Carolina’s accommodations taxes apply to stays of less than 90 continuous days, so a stay of 90 days or more can cost noticeably less. Ask the owner how taxes are handled for your dates.

Choosing where to stay

  • Near Center Street if you want to walk to coffee, restaurants and the pier. Condos near the pier are a good fit for one or two people.
  • East or west end for quiet streets, long beach walks and a house with a yard. A pet-friendly home makes sense if the dog is coming along.
  • On the beach for winter sunrises from the deck. See oceanfront rentals.

Living on Folly in the off-season

  • Dogs on the beach: from October through April, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach all day. See the dog rules.
  • Things to do: walks out to the Morris Island Lighthouse, fishing from the pier, kayaking the marsh and live music most weekends. More in things to do.
  • Groceries: Bert’s Market on the island for basics, and full supermarkets a few minutes up Folly Road on James Island.
  • Charleston: downtown restaurants, museums and the airport are an easy drive for day trips.
  • Some restaurants keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go. See where to eat.

Tips for booking a monthly rental

  • Search with your full dates so Vrbo shows monthly pricing and long-stay discounts.
  • Message the owner before booking about utilities, Wi-Fi speed, parking and cleaning.
  • Book early for January through March. The best winter homes are often reserved months ahead by returning guests.
  • Read the cancellation policy. Long stays often have stricter terms than a weekend booking.

Common questions

Can you rent a house on Folly Beach for a month?

Yes. Many homes and condos accept monthly stays, especially from fall through early spring. Search Folly Beach monthly rentals on Vrbo with your dates to see what’s open.

Are winter rentals on Folly Beach cheaper?

Usually, yes. Winter is the off-season, and a monthly rate often works out to far less per night than a summer week. Stays of 90 days or more can also avoid South Carolina’s accommodations taxes.

What’s the weather like on Folly Beach in winter?

Generally mild, with plenty of sunny days good for beach walks, biking and fishing. Nights can be chilly and it can be windy on the beach, so pack layers. Check the tide chart before long walks toward the lighthouse.

More options: all Folly Beach vacation rentals, oceanfront, pools, pet-friendly, large groups and condos.