If you’re staring at your suitcase trying to figure out if North Myrtle Beach in mid-January requires a parka or a polo shirt, I feel your pain. The Grand Strand is famously fickle this time of year. One minute you're walking the Cherry Grove Pier in a light hoodie, and the next, a northwest wind kicks up and you're questioning every life choice that didn't involve an electric blanket.
Honestly, the 10 day forecast for north myrtle beach right now is a bit of a rollercoaster. We are looking at a classic South Carolina winter stretch where the numbers on the screen don't always tell the whole story.
The Immediate Outlook: Shivering then Sunning
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, is basically the definition of "brisk." We’re topping out at a modest 44°F. That’s actually a few degrees below our typical January average high of 55°F. If you’re heading out for Restaurant Week (which is happening right now through the 18th), definitely grab the heavy coat. Tonight is going to be a bone-chiller with a low of 29°F.
Friday stays pretty crisp—think 47°F and sunny—but Saturday is the real curveball.
We’re expecting a massive jump to 60°F on Saturday, January 17. That is a 13-degree swing in 24 hours. It’s going to feel like a different season entirely, though it comes with some cloud cover. If you’ve been waiting to walk the beach or hit Barefoot Landing without losing feeling in your nose, Saturday is your window.
The Mid-Week Dip and Rain Chances
Don't get too comfortable in that t-shirt. Sunday brings the rain. We’re looking at about a 65% chance of showers and temperatures falling back into the 40s.
Monday, January 19 (MLK Day), clears up beautifully. It'll be sunny with a high of 48°F. It’s perfect "active" weather. If you're planning on checking out the animals at Alligator Adventure or doing some shopping at the Tanger Outlets, the air will be sharp but the sun will be out.
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Tuesday is actually looking like the coldest day in the 10 day forecast for north myrtle beach, struggling to hit 40°F.
- Thursday (Jan 15): 44°F / 29°F (Sunny and windy)
- Friday (Jan 16): 47°F / 29°F (Clear skies)
- Saturday (Jan 17): 60°F / 47°F (The "warm" day)
- Sunday (Jan 18): 47°F / 33°F (Rainy and cooling down)
- Monday (Jan 19): 48°F / 33°F (Post-rain sunshine)
Understanding the North Myrtle Beach 10 Day Forecast Realities
People often see "South Carolina" and think "Tropical." In January? Not quite. The ocean temperature is hovering around 54°F or 55°F. That’s cold enough to make your ankles ache if you try to wade in without a thick wetsuit.
The wind is the real factor. Since North Myrtle is right on the Atlantic, a 15 mph wind off the water makes 45°F feel like 35°F. On the flip side, if the wind stays inland and the sun is out, 55°F can feel surprisingly balmy.
The Late-Week Recovery
As we move into the latter half of the ten-day stretch (January 21–24), things start to moderate again. We’ll see highs climbing back into the 50s on Wednesday and Thursday.
By Friday, January 23, and Saturday, the 24th, we might even see the low 60s again. There is some light rain predicted for that weekend, but it’s looking more like "misting" than a total washout.
Is it actually "Winter" here?
Sorta.
The Farmers' Almanac and local historical data from the National Weather Service in Wilmington suggest that January 2026 is trending slightly cooler than average for the Southeast. We aren't seeing any major "Winter Storm" threats in the immediate 10 day forecast for north myrtle beach, but the night-time lows staying near freezing (29°F to 31°F) mean you still have to worry about frost if you’re a local with sensitive plants.
For visitors, this is "Snowbird Season." The crowds are gone. You can actually get a table at Greg Norman’s Australian Grille without a three-hour wait. The trade-off is just having to layer up.
Actionable Tips for This Forecast
If you're actually going to be on the Grand Strand this week, here is the move:
Pack a "windbreaker" that actually breaks wind. A fleece won't cut it when you're walking near the surf. You need a shell.
Take advantage of the indoor options. Since Sunday is looking wet and Tuesday is looking freezing, save your indoor activities like the Hollywood Wax Museum or the 810 Billiards & Bowling for those days.
Don't trust the sun. It’s deceptive. Just because it looks like a summer day through your hotel window doesn't mean it is. Check the wind speed before you head out. Anything over 10 mph is going to change your outfit choice.
Keep an eye on the Saturday warm-up. If you want to do anything outdoors—golfing, a helicopter tour, or a long beach walk—that is your prime target.
The 10 day forecast for north myrtle beach is basically a test of your layering skills. Stay flexible, keep a jacket in the car, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the off-season.
Check the local marine forecast if you're planning on any fishing trips, as the NWS Wilmington is transitioning to a new AFD format this week which might affect how you see the technical data, but for the average traveler, just sticking to the daily highs and lows will get the job done.