Honestly, most people look at a January trip to the Grand Strand and expect a total washout or a frozen wasteland. They’re usually wrong. If you’re checking the extended weather forecast for Myrtle Beach SC right now, you’re seeing a classic coastal tug-of-war.
It's currently a crisp 44°F out there. Sunny, sure, but that 10 mph south wind makes it feel more like 39°F. Basically, it’s "heavy coat" weather, not "walk on the beach in a bikini" weather. But the 10-day outlook is where things get interesting.
The 10-Day Rollercoaster: What’s Actually Coming
If you're planning a visit this week, pack layers. Serious ones. Saturday, January 17, is going to tease you with a high of 61°F. You’ll think spring arrived early. Then Sunday hits.
The forecast for Sunday, January 18, calls for a 70% chance of rain with the high dropping back to 47°F. It gets weirder at night—there’s actually a 15% chance of snow as the low hits 33°F. Don’t expect a snowman, but it’s a reminder that South Carolina winters have teeth.
After that little damp spell, the sun returns. Monday through Wednesday (Jan 19-21) looks bright but cold, with highs hovering between 43°F and 51°F. If you’re a golfer, Wednesday is your best bet; the wind dies down to about 6 mph, making those early morning tee times much more bearable.
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The Realities of the Grand Strand Winter
You’ve gotta realize that "average" temperatures are just math, not reality. While the historical average for January is a high of 57°F, we’re currently trending a bit below that. The ocean is sitting at a brisk 53°F near Pier 14.
Unless you’re a local surfer in a 4/3mm hooded wetsuit, stay out of the water. Honestly, even then, it’s a struggle.
| Date | Forecast High | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 17 | 61°F | Cloudy |
| Jan 18 | 47°F | Rain (70%) |
| Jan 20 | 43°F | Sunny/Cold |
| Jan 24 | 59°F | Cloudy/Rain |
Why the Extended Weather Forecast for Myrtle Beach SC Still Matters
Why do people keep coming here in the "off-season"? It’s cheap.
The lowest hotel rates of the year happen right now. You can score a room at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes or a boardwalk resort for a fraction of the July price. You get the views without the 45-minute wait for a table at Sea Captain's House.
But you have to play the weather game. The extended weather forecast for Myrtle Beach SC shows another warm-up toward next weekend (Jan 24-25), with highs climbing back to 59°F. It’s a cycle. Cold, rain, sun, repeat.
What to Actually Pack
Forget the shorts. You’ll look like a tourist who didn't check the app.
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- A windbreaker or medium-weight puffer jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes (sand gets cold!).
- An umbrella for those Sunday showers.
Navigating the Shifts
Looking ahead to February, the Old Farmer’s Almanac and historical data suggest we might see a warmer trend, with averages potentially hitting the low 60s. But for now, the 10-day window is dominated by that 40-50°F range.
If you see a "mostly sunny" day with a 10 mph wind from the North, like the one predicted for January 26, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the number on the screen. Coastal humidity makes the cold "sink" into your bones.
Keep an eye on the wind direction. A southwest wind (like we'll see this Saturday) usually brings that warmer air up, while anything from the North or Northeast (like on Jan 23) means you’ll want an extra shot of espresso in your coffee just to stay warm on the boardwalk.
Your Next Steps
If you're booked for the next 10 days, prioritize indoor attractions for Sunday and Tuesday. Ripley’s Aquarium or the Hollywood Wax Museum are perfect when that 33°F low starts to bite. Check the wind speeds before booking a boat tour—anything over 15 mph in these temperatures makes the deck a very chilly place to be.
Plan your beach walks for the 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM window when the UV index hits its peak of 3. It won't give you a tan, but it’s the only time of day you’ll feel the sun’s actual warmth.