May 5

Five things to love about one of the Lowcountry's finest months:

-- Weather: The average high for the month is in the high 70s to low 80s. 'Nuff said.

-- Graduations: The Lowcountry begins its trot through spring commencements tonight when Trident Technical College students cross the stage at the North Charleston Coliseum. Charleston Southern University and The Citadel follow suit Saturday, with The Citadel's Graduate College commencement Sunday. Commencement for graduate students at the College of Charleston is May 9, with the undergraduate ceremony May 10, the same day as the Charleston School of Law commencement. The Medical University of South Carolina puts the coda on the season May 16.

-- Swimming: May is the first month of the year with average harbor temperatures above 70 degrees. They'll top 75 degrees by midmonth, which is more than civilized.

-- Festivals: North Charleston's art festival begins today, followed next weekend by the Greek Festival and the weekend after that by the Charleston Maritime Festival. Then ...

-- Spoleto/Piccolo: Charleston's signature sibling arts festivals begin May 23, drawing worldwide attention to the Lowcountry. Love it or hate it, Spoleto is an annual highlight.