Honestly, most people think Myrtle Beach is a year-round paradise of flip-flops and 80-degree sun. While the Grand Strand is definitely gorgeous, the Myrtle Beach weather extended forecast for January 2026 is currently throwing us a bit of a curveball. If you’re planning a trip right now, you’ve gotta look past the postcard images and check out the actual data. It’s chilly. It’s breezy. And yeah, there’s even a weird little mention of a "frozen mix" in the long-range outlook.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, the current temperature is sitting at 52°F. It’s a cloudy night with a light 5 mph breeze coming from the west. But don't let that 50-degree mark fool you into thinking it's cozy. With 73% humidity, that damp Atlantic air has a way of cutting right through a light sweater.
Basically, the next ten days are going to be a rollercoaster of typical Carolina winter transitions.
Breaking Down the Myrtle Beach Weather Extended Forecast
If you’re heading out the door today, Sunday, January 18, bring an umbrella. We are looking at a high of 48°F with a massive 89% chance of light rain during the day. It’s going to be one of those grey, misty beach days. The real shocker comes tonight—the low is expected to hit 34°F, and there’s a 20% chance we might actually see some snow flurries. Yes, snow at the beach. It doesn't happen often, but the 2026 season is starting off with some teeth.
The Clear Skies Are Coming
The good news? Monday and Tuesday are looking crisp and bright.
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Monday, January 19, will stay at a high of 48°F, but the sun will be out in full force. The humidity drops to 53%, making it a "dry cold" that feels much better for a walk on the boardwalk. Tuesday stays sunny but dips even lower to a high of 46°F. If you’re golfing, those morning tee times are going to be freezing—literally—with overnight lows staying right at that 34°F mark.
A Mid-Week Warmup
By Wednesday, January 21, things start to moderate slightly. We’ll see a high of 50°F under cloudy skies. Thursday gets even better, reaching 56°F. It’s not exactly bikini weather, but it’s perfect for exploring Broadway at the Beach or hitting the shops at Market Common without a heavy parka.
Friday continues that trend with mostly sunny skies and a high of 54°F. It’s that classic "layering" weather that locals know all too well.
Why the Weekend Outlook Matters
If you’re looking for the warmest day in the Myrtle Beach weather extended forecast, Saturday, January 24 is your winner. We’re expecting a high of 63°F. It sounds great, but it comes with a catch: a 40% chance of light rain. The wind is also shifting to the south at 13 mph, which usually brings in that warmer, moisture-heavy air.
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Then, things take a dive again. Sunday, January 25, the high drops back to 43°F with a biting 16 mph north wind. By Monday, January 26, the high struggles to reach 39°F, and we’re back to a 45% chance of rain or even a snow mix overnight as temperatures drop to 28°F.
Myrtle Beach January Averages vs. Reality
Historically, January in Myrtle Beach averages a high of about 57°F and a low of 43°F. This year, we’re running several degrees colder than that historical average. According to data from the National Weather Service and ForecastAdvisor, while 2025 was a relatively predictable year for the Grand Strand, early 2026 is seeing more frequent dips into the 30s.
- Average Rainfall: Usually around 3.4 inches for the month.
- Wind Speeds: Expect an average of 15 mph, but gusts can hit 30+ mph near the water.
- Daylight: You’re getting about 10 hours of light, with sunsets around 5:30 PM.
The reality of a winter beach trip is that it’s about the vibe, not the tan. You get the sound of the waves and the lack of crowds, but you pay for it with a brisk wind that makes your ears tingle.
Packing Secrets for the Grand Strand
Most people overpack summer clothes and then end up buying a $60 "Myrtle Beach" hoodie because they’re freezing. Don't be that person.
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First, forget the flip-flops for anything other than walking to the indoor pool. You need closed-toe shoes and decent socks. Leather or treated sneakers are better than canvas because if they get wet in the 48-degree rain, your day is ruined.
Second, think in three layers. A base t-shirt, a warm fleece or "puffer" vest, and a windproof outer shell. The wind off the Atlantic is the real factor here. A 50-degree day feels like 40 degrees when that 13 mph northwest wind starts kicking up.
Lastly, bring your swimsuit. Seriously. Most resorts, like the Caribbean Resort or those in North Myrtle Beach, have heated indoor pools and hot tubs. There is nothing better than sitting in a 100-degree hot tub while watching the cold rain hit the sliding glass doors.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're watching the Myrtle Beach weather extended forecast for a trip this week, here’s how to handle it:
- Check the Wind, Not Just the Temp: A 50-degree day with 5 mph wind is lovely; a 50-degree day with 20 mph wind is brutal. Use an app like WeatherBug or the National Weather Service site to check gust speeds before planning a boat tour or a long pier walk.
- Book Indoor Attractions for Sunday/Monday: With rain likely today and a "frozen mix" possible on the 26th, keep the Ripley’s Aquarium or the Hollywood Wax Museum in your back pocket for those days.
- Monitor the "Frozen Mix" Updates: While snow rarely sticks in Myrtle Beach, even a dusting can shut down local bridges and overpasses because the city doesn't have a massive fleet of salt trucks. If you're driving in on the 26th, keep an eye on the SC DOT reports.
- Tee Times: If you're here to golf, book your rounds for after 11:00 AM. Frost delays are a real thing in January when overnight lows hit 34°F, and you don't want to be standing in a parking lot waiting for the greens to thaw.
The beach in winter is quiet, soulful, and honestly a bit moody. As long as you respect the forecast and pack a real jacket, it’s a fantastic time to be here.