Right now, if you’re standing on the boardwalk at Myrtle Beach, you’re probably reaching for a heavy fleece or a windbreaker rather than your swim trunks.
The temperature at Myrtle Beach is currently 37°F.
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It’s a crisp, clear Friday night, January 16, 2026. Honestly, it feels even chillier than that—the "feels like" temp is sitting right at 32°F. There’s a light 8 mph breeze coming off the southwest, and the humidity is hanging around 72%. It’s basically the definition of a quiet, cold coastal night.
Earlier today, we saw a high of 45°F under sunny skies. But don't let that sun fool you; tonight is going to be a real nose-nipper. The mercury is expected to bottom out at 24°F before the sun starts peeking back up.
What the Averages Don't Tell You
People usually think of South Carolina as this permanent tropical paradise. You’ve probably seen the postcards with palm trees and sun-drenched sand, right?
Well, the reality is a bit more nuanced.
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While Myrtle Beach gets about 215 days of sunshine a year, the winters are surprisingly "real." For instance, right now in mid-January, the average high is usually around 56°F or 57°F. Today’s high of 45°F is actually quite a bit below the norm.
It’s not unheard of for things to get even weirder. Back in 1985, the temperature plummeted to a bone-chilling 4°F. That’s the kind of cold that turns sea spray into ice. On the flip side, some winter afternoons can randomly hit 70°F, giving everyone a temporary "false spring" before the cold front slams back in.
The Water Temperature Dilemma
If you’re thinking about taking a dip, maybe reconsider. The Atlantic is sitting at roughly 53°F right now near Pier 14.
Unless you’re a local "Polar Bear Club" member or you've got a very thick 4/3mm wetsuit, that water is going to feel like needles. Most of us wait until May when the water hits 70°F, or better yet, July when it peaks at a bathtub-warm 82°F.
Season by Season: What to Actually Pack
Honestly, packing for the Grand Strand is a bit of a moving target. If you come in July, you’re basically living in humidity that feels like a warm, wet blanket, with temps hovering near 91°F. It’s hot. Like, "second round of frozen lemonade" hot.
October is the "hidden gem" month. The air cools down to a perfect 77°F, but the water stays warm enough (around 73°F) for one last swim. By November, the sweater weather officially rolls in. You get those deep orange sunsets and highs in the 60s—perfect for golf, but the bikinis are definitely tucked away by then.
Spring is the great awakening. March starts at a breezy 65°F, and by May, you’re hitting a sweet spot of 83°F. It’s the time of year when the azaleas bloom and the humidity hasn't quite reached "suffocating" levels yet.
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Making the Most of Today's Cold Snap
If you’re in town tonight, don't let the 24°F low ruin your plans. The "off-season" is actually when you get the best version of the city’s indoor scene.
- Check out the aquarium: Ripley’s is climate-controlled and significantly less crowded than it is in July.
- Go for a beach walk: Clear nights like tonight are spectacular for stargazing because there’s less moisture in the air to blur the view.
- Score a dinner table: You can actually walk into the best spots in Murrells Inlet without a two-hour wait.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the wind direction tomorrow. Even if the sun is out, a northern wind can make a 50°F day feel like 40°F. If you're heading out for a morning walk on the sand, layer up with a wind-resistant shell and a beanie. The temperatures will start climbing back toward the mid-50s by early next week, so the "deep freeze" won't last forever.