You’ve seen the postcards. Those glossy shots of people tanning in July heat with a frozen drink in hand. But honestly, walking onto the sand in mid-January feels like discovering a totally different planet. It's quiet. Kinda hauntingly beautiful, actually.
Basically, if you're looking at the Myrtle Beach weather for weekend plans right now, specifically for Sunday, January 18, 2026, you aren't packing a bikini. You’re packing a hoodie. Maybe two.
The Cold Hard Numbers for Sunday
Right now, the vibe is strictly "off-season chic." We’re looking at a high of 49°F today. That’s the peak. If you’re planning to hit the Boardwalk, just know the low is hitting 32°F tonight.
Yeah, freezing. Literally.
The morning is bringing some light rain with a 95% chance of precipitation. It’s not a tropical monsoon, but it’s enough to make the piers look like a scene from a moody indie movie. By the time the sun goes down, things should clear up into a clear with periodic clouds situation.
- Current Temp: 52°F (as of early morning)
- Feels Like: 48°F
- Wind: Coming from the northwest at 10-12 mph
- Humidity: Heavy at 89%
If you were thinking about a quick dip, maybe don't. The Atlantic is sitting at a brisk 51°F to 56°F this month. Unless you have a 6/5 mm full suit with boots and a hood, the ocean is basically a giant ice bath right now.
Why People Actually Like This
It sounds counterintuitive, right? Cold beach? Rain?
But here’s the thing—the Grand Strand is actually manageable in January. You can walk into basically any restaurant on the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet and get a table. No two-hour wait. No sweat dripping down your back while you wait for a po' boy.
If you’re here this weekend, today is the day for the indoor stuff. Since the rain is hanging around during the day, places like Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach are the move. You can hit the Dangerous Reef glide path and watch sharks swim over your head while you stay perfectly dry.
What to Do When the Rain Hits
Since we're looking at a 95% rain chance today, don't just sit in your hotel room staring at the wall.
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- The SkyWheel: It’s actually temperature-controlled. You get that massive view of the coastline without the northwest wind whipping your hair into a bird's nest.
- The Carolina Opry: Tonight (Sunday) they've got the Piano Men tribute show. It’s Elton John and Billy Joel music. Perfect "escape the cold" vibes.
- Barefoot Landing: If the rain lets up, the Crooked Hammock Brewery is doing Sunday Brunch until 2:00 PM. Yoga in the Yard was scheduled for 9:00 AM, but with 49 degrees and light rain, that’s probably a "no" for most of us.
Pro Tips for Packing
Layering is your best friend. Seriously.
The humidity here makes the cold feel "heavy." It gets into your bones. A light windbreaker isn't going to cut it when that 12 mph northwest wind starts blowing off the water. Bring a real coat for the evening when it drops to 32°F.
And hey, if your resort has an indoor pool, bring the swimsuit for that. Most of the big spots like Dunes Village or Hotel BLUE have massive indoor water parks. It’s the only way you’re getting in the water today without getting hypothermia.
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The Actionable Bottom Line
Check the radar before you head out to the MLK Parade route or any outdoor markets. With the rain chance so high during the daytime hours, move your outdoor "beach walking" to the evening when the sky clears up, even if it's colder. The stars over the ocean when the air is this crisp? Honestly, it’s worth the shivers.
Keep an eye on the wind direction; that northwest breeze means the buildings on Ocean Blvd will actually provide a bit of a windbreak if you stay on the street side rather than the surf side.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book your indoor attraction tickets (like Ripley's or WonderWorks) online now to skip any lines that form when everyone else realizes it’s raining.
- Make a dinner reservation for a spot with a fireplace or heavy indoor heating—think The Melting Pot or one of the steakhouses along Hwy 17.
- Pack a scarf. It sounds overkill for South Carolina, but at 32°F on the coast, you'll thank me.