You’re planning a trip to the Grand Strand. You’ve probably seen the postcard photos—endless sunshine, sparkling blue water, and families eating ice cream on the boardwalk. But if you think Myrtle Beach is a year-round tropical paradise where you can wear a bikini in January, you're in for a cold, windy shock.
Weather in Myrtle Beach monthly is a bit of a rollercoaster. It isn't just "hot" or "cold." It’s a humid subtropical climate that can swing from a frosty 30 degrees in the dead of winter to a sweltering 95 degrees with 90% humidity in the middle of July. I’ve seen people show up in February with nothing but shorts and flip-flops, only to spend their entire vacation buying overpriced hoodies because the Atlantic breeze was cutting right through them.
If you want to actually enjoy your trip, you have to understand the nuances of the seasons here. It’s about more than just checking a forecast; it’s about knowing when the ocean is actually swimmable and when the "rainy season" is just a 20-minute afternoon blow-over.
The Winter Reality (December, January, February)
Winter in Myrtle Beach is... quiet. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite times to be there if you don't care about swimming. January is officially the coldest month. You’re looking at average highs around 56°F and lows that dip to 37°F.
Some days are crisp and gorgeous. Others are gray, damp, and move-into-your-bones cold. The ocean temperature? Forget about it. It drops to the low 50s. Unless you’re a local "Polar Bear" club member or wearing a thick wetsuit, you aren't going in.
February starts to tease you. The highs creep up to about 60°F. It’s "snowbird" season, where travelers from Canada and the North fill up the oceanfront condos because 60 degrees feels like a heatwave to them. You can still get a great deal on a hotel, but don't expect to tan.
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Spring Break and the "False Summer" (March, April, May)
March is when the city wakes up. Highs hit the mid-60s. The humidity is still low, which makes it perfect for golfers. In fact, March and April are the "Super Bowl" of golf in Myrtle Beach.
April is the sweet spot. I tell everyone this: if you want the best weather in Myrtle Beach monthly, April is a top contender. The highs are around 75°F. The air is dry. The azaleas are blooming at Brookgreen Gardens. The only catch is the water. The Atlantic is slow to warm up. Even when the air is 80 degrees in late April, the water might still be a chilly 64°F.
By May, you’ve reached the "False Summer." Highs hit 83°F. The humidity starts to climb. You can finally jump in the ocean without your heart stopping—the water hits about 69°F or 70°F. It's the best time to visit before the massive school-holiday crowds arrive and the "Can't-Breathe" humidity sets in.
The Dog Days of Summer (June, July, August)
June is when the heat gets serious. Highs are 88°F, but it feels hotter because the humidity is starting to settle in like a heavy wet blanket.
July is the beast.
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It is the hottest month. The average high is 91°F, but with the heat index, you’re looking at 100°F+ regularly. This is also when the afternoon thunderstorms start. Almost every single day in July and August, around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, the sky will turn black. It’ll pour for 30 minutes. Then, the sun comes back out, and the humidity gets even worse because all that rain is evaporating off the hot asphalt.
August is basically July's twin, just with more tropical tension. It’s the wettest month of the year. It’s also the start of the "real" hurricane threat. While the official season starts in June, the peak for South Carolina is usually late August through September.
Why August feels different
- Water Temp: This is when the ocean feels like bathwater (83°F).
- Crowds: They are at their absolute peak until the last week of the month.
- Sun Intensity: You will burn in 15 minutes without SPF 50. Seriously.
The Local’s Secret: Fall (September, October, November)
Ask any local what the best month is, and 9 out of 10 will say October. But let's talk about September first.
September is a gamble. The weather is spectacular—highs of 85°F and the ocean is still 80°F. It’s basically summer without the crowds. However, it is the peak of hurricane season. You have to watch the Tropics. A storm 500 miles away can create massive rip currents even if it never hits land.
October is perfection. The "Big Humidity" finally breaks. Highs drop to a comfortable 77°F. The sky is a deeper blue than you see in the summer. You can still swim early in the month, but by Halloween, you’re mostly just walking the beach in a light sweater.
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November is for the "budget travelers." Highs fall to 69°F. It’s dry. It’s crisp. It’s great for the Boardwalk and shopping at The Market Common, but the beach is strictly for walking and watching the sunrise.
Precipitation and the Hurricane Factor
Myrtle Beach gets about 47 inches of rain a year. Most of that falls in the summer. If you see a "60% chance of rain" on a July forecast, don't cancel your plans. In the South, that usually means a localized cell that hits one block and misses the next.
Hurricanes are the only real deal-breaker.
We don't get hit every year. Not even close. But when a storm like Hugo (1989) or Florence (2018) comes through, the city shuts down. If you’re booking a trip between August and October, buy the travel insurance. It’s worth the $50 just for the peace of mind.
Actionable Weather Tips for Your Trip
To make the most of the weather in Myrtle Beach monthly, you need to pack for the specific reality of the coast, not just the "average" temperature.
- Spring/Fall visitors: Bring a windbreaker. Even if it's 70 degrees, the wind coming off the ocean can make it feel 10 degrees colder.
- Summer visitors: Plan your outdoor activities (mini-golf, shopping) for the morning. By 2:00 PM, the heat is punishing, and by 4:00 PM, it might be raining.
- Winter visitors: Book a hotel with an enclosed heated pool. Many "heated" pools are outdoors and are useless if the air temperature is 45 degrees.
- Water Lovers: If you want to swim in the ocean comfortably, don't book before Memorial Day or after the first week of October.
The weather in Myrtle Beach monthly defines the vibe of the city. Pick the month that matches your tolerance for heat and crowds, and you'll have a much better time than the person who showed up in January expecting a tropical tan.
Check the National Hurricane Center (NHC) updates if you're traveling in September. Use a reliable local radar app rather than a generic "10-day forecast" which often overstates rain chances in the summer. Dress in layers if you're visiting anytime between November and March. Match your expectations to the thermometer, and the Grand Strand won't disappoint.