You’re checking the north myrtle beach sc weather forecast because you want to know if you can actually get in the water or if you’ll be stuck inside a pancake house watching the rain. Most people just look at the little sun icon on their phone and think they’re set. Honestly, that’s a mistake. Coastal weather here is a different beast entirely. It’s finicky, localized, and it’s basically governed by the Atlantic Ocean’s mood swings.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you're standing on Main Street right now, it’s a crisp 52°F with bright, clear skies. Typical January stuff. But looking ahead at the 10-day outlook, things get a bit more "Carolina winter."
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The Immediate 10-Day Reality
Right now, the high for today is topping out around 54°F. Tonight, though, the temperature is going to tank. We’re looking at a low of 29°F. Yes, it actually freezes here. Don’t expect to be in shorts at the Cherry Grove Pier tomorrow morning.
Speaking of tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, looks kind of gloomy. There’s a 35% chance of light rain during the day with a high of 53°F. It’s the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones. By Thursday and Friday, the sun comes back out, but the thermometer doesn't care. Highs will only be in the mid-40s, and the overnight lows are hitting 24°F.
Wait for the weekend if you can. Saturday, January 17, is the "sweet spot" of the current forecast. We’re expecting a high of 58°F under partly sunny skies. It’s not tropical, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the mid-winter freeze happening elsewhere in the country.
Monthly Averages vs. Reality
If you’re planning a trip later in the year, don't just trust the "average high" of 56°F for January. The "average" is a lie born from extremes. You might get a random 70-degree day followed by a morning where there's literally frost on the sand.
- January & February: Coldest months. Highs in the mid-50s, lows in the upper-30s.
- March & April: The "reawakening." March starts at 65°F, but by April, you’re hitting a much more comfortable 72°F.
- May: This is the local’s favorite. Highs are around 78°F, humidity is low, and the crowds haven't arrived.
- June, July, August: Hot. Really hot. Expect 85°F to 88°F consistently.
- September: Still summer, basically. Highs stay in the 80s, but the water is still warm.
Why the Ocean Temperature Changes Everything
The north myrtle beach sc weather forecast is only half the story. The other half is the water. In January and February, the Atlantic is a brutal 48°F to 50°F. You aren't swimming in that without a serious wetsuit and maybe some questionable life choices.
The water takes a long time to wake up. Even in May, when the air is a beautiful 78°F, the ocean is often still hovering around 70°F. It’s refreshing, sure, but it'll still give you a bit of a shock when it hits your waist.
By July and August, the ocean is basically a bathtub. It peaks at around 82°F to 84°F. This is the prime time for kids to stay in the water for six hours straight without turning blue, but it also fuels the late-summer humidity that makes the air feel like a warm, wet blanket.
The Hurricane Season Misconception
A lot of people freak out about hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. They think a storm is lurking behind every cloud. In reality, the "peak" for South Carolina usually hits from late August through October.
If you’re visiting in June or July, your biggest threat isn't a hurricane. It’s the afternoon thunderstorm. These things are clockwork. Around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, the sky turns charcoal, the wind picks up, and it pours for twenty minutes. Then, the sun comes back out, and it feels twice as humid as before. Pro tip: Don't pack up your beach gear when you see the first dark cloud. Just wait it out under a covered porch for a bit.
Packing for the Grand Strand
Basically, your suitcase depends entirely on the month. If you’re coming this week in January, you need a heavy coat and layers. If you’re coming in October, you need a light jacket for the evenings but swimsuits for the afternoons.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Heavy sweaters, a windproof jacket for the beach (the wind off the water is sharp), and closed-toe shoes.
- Spring/Fall: Hoodies and shorts. The "coastal uniform."
- Summer: Lightweight linen or tech fabrics. Cotton gets heavy when you're sweating.
Actionable Weather Strategies
Stop checking the weather three weeks out. It's useless. Coastal systems move fast. Instead, check the radar the morning of your plans. If the forecast says "100% chance of rain," look at the hourly breakdown. Often, that means it’s going to rain at 8:00 AM and be gorgeous by noon.
If you’re looking for the absolute best weather for a vacation, target the last week of May or the first two weeks of October. In May, the water is just warm enough, the air is perfect, and the spring pollen has finally settled. In October, the "summer sizzle" is gone, but the ocean is still holding onto that summer heat, making for the best swimming conditions of the year.
Monitor the UV index too. Even on a "cool" 60-degree day in March, the Carolina sun is stronger than you think. People get some of their worst sunburns this time of year because they don't feel the heat and forget the sunscreen. Don't be that person at the seafood buffet looking like a boiled lobster.
Check the tide charts alongside the weather. A "sunny day" at high tide means very little beach space in certain parts of North Myrtle Beach, especially near the older sea walls. Plan your "beach day" for a receding tide to get the best sand. Look at local news sites like WMBF or WPDE for the most localized beach-specific updates rather than a generic national weather app.