Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather in myrtle beach south carolina today, you might be a little surprised by what’s actually happening out there. Most people think of the Grand Strand as this perpetual summer paradise where the sun never sets and the frozen drinks never melt. But January is a different beast entirely. It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the coast is currently feeling every bit of that winter chill.
Right now, it’s 53°F outside. Not exactly "beach weather" in the traditional sense.
The air is thick with 72% humidity and the sky is draped in a heavy, cloudy blanket. If you step outside, that 9 mph breeze coming from the northwest makes it feel more like 49°F. It’s that damp, coastal cold that sort of gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right layers.
The Real Forecast: Rain, Chill, and Maybe a Flurry?
Here is the deal with the rest of the day. We are looking at a high of 49°F, which means we’ve basically already peaked for the day. It is actually going to get colder as the afternoon wears on. There is a massive 92% chance of light rain during the daylight hours. It’s one of those gray, misty southern days where the ocean and the sky basically turn the same shade of charcoal.
The wind is expected to pick up a bit, too, sustained at around 12 mph from the northwest.
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But here is the kicker that nobody expects in Myrtle Beach: the overnight forecast. As the sun goes down and the sky clears up periodically, the temperature is going to crater to a low of 32°F. And get this—there is actually a 20% chance of snow late tonight. Yeah, snow at the beach. It probably won't stick, given the ground is still relatively warm from the previous weeks, but seeing white flakes over the Atlantic is always a trip.
What to Actually Do Today
Since the weather in myrtle beach south carolina today is basically screaming "stay indoors," you have to pivot. You aren't going to be tanning on a 53°F ocean (which, by the way, is exactly what the water temperature is at Pier 14 right now). If you tried to swim, you’d need a full wetsuit, hood, and gloves just to keep from shivering in five minutes.
Instead, today is the final day for a couple of big local staples:
- SC Restaurant Week: This wraps up today. Places like Hook and Barrel or Crooked Hammock are doing those fixed-price menus. It is basically the best way to eat high-end seafood without the high-end bill.
- The Soup Off: Over at Murrells Inlet, the 17th annual Soup Off is happening at Suck Bang Blow. On a rainy, 49-degree day, a bowl of hot seafood chowder is basically a spiritual experience.
- The Piano Men: If you want to stay dry, the Carolina Opry has a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute tonight. It’s a classic Myrtle Beach vibe.
Why January at The Beach is Actually Underrated
Despite the rain today, there is something kinda peaceful about the Grand Strand when it’s empty. You can actually walk on the Boardwalk without elbowing a tourist. You can find shark teeth and shells much easier after a light rain like we're seeing today because the tide churns everything up and there aren't a thousand kids picking the beach clean by 8:00 AM.
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If you’re staying at one of the resorts like Dunes Village or the Caribbean, today is the day you justify that indoor lazy river.
Actionable Tips for Today
If you are currently in town or planning to head out, here is how to handle the next 24 hours. First, dress in layers. A windbreaker isn't enough; you need something that actually holds heat because that 89% humidity makes the cold feel sharper. Second, grab a reservation for Restaurant Week immediately if you haven't. Since it's the final day, everyone has the same idea to hide from the rain in a booth with a steak.
Finally, keep an eye on your car's tire pressure. That drop from 53°F down to a freezing 32°F tonight is exactly the kind of thing that triggers those annoying dashboard sensors. Stay dry, get some soup in Murrells Inlet, and maybe keep an eye on the window tonight to see if those rare coastal flurries actually show up.