Everyone knows that one of the best parts about living in South Carolina is its summers. The beaches are a popular spot, the backyards become the party spots, and the lakes become the cool-off spots. We all come together and enjoy the dog days of summer by hanging out by the pool or watching fireworks. Regardless of where you are in the state or how you choose to celebrate and enjoy summer, these are all features of a palmetto summer that we share.

1. The Heat

The heat in South Carolina is intense and sadly it only gets worse as the summer progresses. June is hot but bearable, however, late July and August are almost pure torture.

2. Dangers Of Walking Barefoot

Due to the heat, walking to the mailbox, around on the back deck, or letting your dogs outside are dangerous ventures if you are barefoot. The ground will blister the bottoms of your feet and make you walk tip toe the rest of the day.

3. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are probably the worst part about summer and they multiply and wreak havoc across the state. These silent, sneaky creatures love standing water and thrive on feasting on the people they come near. After playing outside all day or enjoying laying by the pool, you will notice mosquito bites all over your body that you did not even know you had. But through countless mosquito attacks, we have learned that citronella candles and vanilla bean lotion or perfume can help keep the pests away.

4. Watermelon

The essential summer snack. From seed spitting contests to cute pictures with the rinds, every picnic party has watermelon treats. Some even say that sprinkling salt on the melons makes them taste even sweeter.

5. Sweet Tea

Nothing quenches your thirst on a hot, sweltering day better than a cool glass of sweet tea. Lemonade works too, but comes in a close second to sweet tea. Not to mention sweet tea is our state hospitality beverage!

6. Driving With The Windows Down

The first day that the temperature hits 70 degrees, most of us begin driving with our windows down. After what we consider the harsh, cold, bitter winter, we can finally feel the warm sun and the nice, lazy breeze against our skin. This carefree joy continues into the summer as we feel the cool wind gracing our sweaty necks and flushed faces after a fun day in the sun.

7. Lightning Bugs

Everyone loves the fascinating, intriguing little creatures that light up the sky at dusk. Catching and releasing the bugs is a key part to a South Carolina summer.

8. The Greenhouse Effect

Sitting against the scalding leather seats of your car after it has been sitting in a lot all day is one of the most painful summer experiences. Even once you get used to the heat of the seats, the car is still a sweatbox until the air conditioner kicks into gear. You can feel the sweat dripping down your legs, back, and chest while you impatiently wait for the air conditioner to cool you.

9. Summer Storms

During the summer, thunderstorms pop up all of a sudden. The rolling thunder and the ominous clouds are the first signs that a summer storm is about to happen. Then, the sheets of rain come pouring down, cooling off the day. Once the storm has blown over, the steam rises off the roads and the humidity is even stronger than before. Usually heat lightning follows the storm and is almost soothing to watch from your porch as you relax from the fun day.