Savannah Georgia St. Patrick's Day Info Print E-mail

Experience a St. Patrick's Day like no other in Savannah Georgia.  Savannah goes totally green on March 17th as the city celebrates St. Patrick of Ireland with one of the largest parades in the USA.

History

Savannah also has one of the oldest and longest running parades in the USA. Started in 1813, the parade has been held every year except for six interruptions that were mostly during wartime (two of them being in The American Civil War and one during World War I). Only Boston, New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Buffalo, New York have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day longer. Boston’s parade dates all the way back to 1737, and although Savannah had already been established a few years before, it would be at least another 75 years before the roots of today’s celebration began.

Hotel & Accommodations

Many guests book their hotel reservations in Savannah up to a year in advance for St. Patrick's Day. The best place to stay is in a hotel or bed and breakfast in the downtown Historic District, near the parade route, but most downtown hotels require a three or four night minimum.

Parade Info

The St. Patrick's Day Parade begins on Abercorn Street at 10am.   Learn about the St. Patrick's Day Parade route, the best place to view the parade and more.

Weather

The weather in Savannah Georgia on St. Patrick's Day varies widely. Forecasts starting about a week in advance are usually accurate. It could be as warm as the upper 70s or as cold as the mid 40s for afternoon highs on March 17th in Savannah.

Parking

Parking is always a challenge in downtown Savannah and even more so on March 17th and the days leading up to the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Learn more about St. Patrick's Day Parking in Savannah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the parade always held on March 17th?

Almost always.   The parade is always on "St. Patrick's Day" which is March 17th.   The only exceptions are if the 17th falls on a Sunday in which case the parade is generally held on Saturday (the 16th).  The parade is organized by the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and they have the final determination of the date.   If the 17th falls during a special religious time, the date may also be changed.   The general rule is the parade is almost always on March 17th.   But double check before you make your Savannah hotel reservations at a local hotel or bed and breakfast! 

Is the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah Georgia really the 2nd largest in the USA? 

Yes, according to the Official Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee web site.  The Chicago Tribune also ran a story in 2009 giving Savannah the title of "Nation's 2nd largest parade" after New York.  

But of course, there are different ways of measuring the size of a parade.   Number of spectators, number of parade units, etc.   There's likely many different ways of measuring this.  However, it's been a boast made by the Savannah organizers for a couple of decades now without much response from other cities.  Also, many cities actually have their parade on the weekend before the 17th and only actually have a parade on March 17th if its on a weekend.    New York and Savannah both always have their parades on March 17th.   By some unit of measure, its almost certain that Savannah really does indeed have the 2nd largest celebration in the United States.   It's certainly the city with the biggest parade and turnout in proportion to the normal population of the city. 

Where is a good place for families to watch the parade in Savannah and enjoy the celebration?

Anywhere along the parade route with a few exceptions.   Generally anywhere at the beginning of the parade route.  If you and your family are going to walk around after the parade, avoid River Street.  This is the site of the wildest celebration and probably isn't a good atmosphere for small children.