So, you're looking at the weather in Murrells Inlet 10 days out and wondering if you should pack a parka or a swimsuit. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time in the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina" during January, you know the atmosphere here is a bit of a mood ring. One minute you're enjoying a brisk walk on the MarshWalk, and the next, you’re ducking into Dead Dog Saloon to escape a sudden, chilly downpour.
Right now, Murrells Inlet is sitting at 43°F, but with that northwest wind hitting at 11 mph, it actually feels like 37°F. We’ve got light rain coming down and humidity pinned at 93%. It’s a "damp cold," the kind that gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right layers.
The 10-Day Reality Check: Rain, Sun, and… Snow?
If you’re planning your week, don’t get too comfortable with the current gloom. The forecast is jumping around more than a mullet in the creek.
Today, Sunday, January 18, we are looking at a high of 48°F with a 100% chance of rain. But keep your eyes on tonight. As the temperature drops to 31°F, there is actually a 15% chance of snow after the sky clears. It’s rare for us, sure, but the conditions are lining up for a few stray flakes.
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Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is basically the "recovery day." It’ll be sunny with a high of 52°F, which sounds nice until you realize the low is hovering at 30°F. Basically, if you’re heading out to Brookgreen Gardens, you’ll want a heavy coat for the shade and something lighter for the sun.
A Mid-Week Warming Trend
By Thursday, January 22, we hit the "sweet spot" of the week. We’re looking at:
- High: 61°F
- Low: 41°F
- Condition: Partly sunny
- Wind: A very gentle 4 mph from the west
This is that classic Carolina winter weather that makes the North-Easterners jealous. It’s perfect for a round of golf or hitting the trails at Huntington Beach State Park. Just don't let it fool you; the weekend has other plans.
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Why the Weekend Forecast is Actually Tricky
If you’re looking at Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, pack your wool socks. We are looking at a significant shift. Saturday brings a 35% chance of snow during the day, increasing to 40% light snow at night with a high of only 42°F.
Sunday follows up with a 65% chance of snow during the day and snow showers at night. With winds kicking up to 17 mph from the north, that wind chill is going to be brutal. Murrells Inlet isn't exactly built for the white stuff, so if this holds, expect things to get very quiet around the docks.
Breaking Down the Daily Numbers
Honestly, tables are boring. Let’s just look at the flow of the week. After that snowy weekend, Monday and Tuesday (Jan 26-27) stay cold. We’re talking highs of 41°F to 43°F and lows dipping down to 26°F. It’s the kind of weather where you stay inside and eat a big bowl of she-crab soup.
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The humidity is going to stay relatively high throughout—mostly in the 60% to 90% range—which makes the cold feel sharper. The UV index is low (mostly 1s and 2s), so you don’t need to worry much about sunburn, but the wind is the real player here. Those northeast gusts on Saturday and Sunday will make the Inlet feel like a different planet compared to the 61°F high on Thursday.
What to Pack for the Next 10 Days
You've basically got to pack for three different seasons.
- The Rain Gear: Today is a wash. You need a waterproof shell.
- The "False Spring" Layers: For Thursday, think sweaters or light jackets.
- The Winter Survival Kit: For the upcoming weekend, you need gloves, a scarf, and a real-deal winter coat.
The Inlet Advantage: Winter Wildlife
One thing most people get wrong about Murrells Inlet in January is thinking there's nothing to see. Because the water is less disturbed by boat traffic, it's actually a prime time for spotting dolphins. They’re still active, and with the "off-season" quiet, you can actually hear them breathe when they surface.
Huntington Beach State Park is also a birdwatcher’s dream right now. You’ll see species that headed south and decided the Inlet was just fine for the winter. Just watch your step on the causeway; if that 15% snow chance tonight turns into ice, it’ll be slicker than a greased eel.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Watch the Wind: The temperature might say 48°F, but if the wind is coming off the water at 13 mph (like today), subtract 5-10 degrees for your "real feel" comfort level.
- Book the Indoor Spots: If you’re here for the rainy/snowy bits, check out the local galleries or the museum at Brookgreen.
- Check the Tide: High tide combined with heavy rain (100% chance today) can sometimes cause minor flooding on the lower parts of the MarshWalk.
- Dress in "Pods": Don't just bring one big coat. Wear a base layer, a fleece, and then a windbreaker. You’ll be constantly adjusting as you move from the sun to the salt-breeze.
The weather in Murrells Inlet 10 days from now looks like a roller coaster, but that’s just coastal living in January. Whether you get the 61°F sunshine or the 29°F snow showers, the Inlet stays beautiful—just a lot colder than the postcards suggest.