What’s Fall Like in Myrtle Beach? Weather, Packing, Activities & More!
Fall in Myrtle Beach feels like summer decided to stay a little longer—with warm beach days, beautiful coastal weather, and a whole new lineup of festivals and seasonal fun.
September still brings plenty of sunshine and warm ocean water, while October and November ease into comfortable afternoons and cooler evenings.
Whether you’re planning beach time, outdoor adventures, dinner by the water, or a weekend filled with fall events, there are so many ways to enjoy The Beach this season.
Here’s what the weather is typically like, what you’ll want to pack, and a few activities to add to your itinerary.
What's the weather like in Myrtle Beach in the fall?
It’s important to establish when fall is in Myrtle Beach. Here, we consider it to be from the start of September until the end of November (some people even go as far as the second half of August, or “Aug-tober”...)
The weather can range quite a bit. September is usually still warm outside with temperatures in the low 80s. You can walk around in shorts and a tank top with no problem, but make sure you have a sweater on hand if you go inside a grocery store.
The weather shifts a little bit in October, typically cooling down to the mid-70s. This is arguably one of the top months to visit The Beach. A light sweater, a pair of shorts, and a nice pair of boots can go a long way.
November is when it really starts to get chilly (not for the Northerners, though), with daytime temperatures in the high 60s. I typically need a jacket for this time of year, and walks on the beach are nice, but during the day when the sun is shining. It makes for a nice combo.
Can you still swim in the ocean?
Of course! Actually, September is the best time to go to the beach if you want to get in the water.
The UV rays typically aren’t as high, but the temperature feels like it’s June. And the water is still warm from the summertime heat. That means you can experience summertime weather without the extreme rays, and you have the more comfortable experience of an open beach.
Come October and November, it’s less common to see people swimming. These months make for perfect walks on the sand and other beach activities such as fishing or playing sports, but the temperatures drop, and so does the water.
How should I pack for Fall in Myrtle Beach?
Now this is tricky. Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer to this. Myrtle Beach in the fall does this funny thing where it’s chilly in the morning to the point of needing a sweater, but come 2 p.m., you’re sweating from what you have on. That’s why layers are going to be your best friend when packing.
If you’re coming in early fall, I’d recommend shorts and a T-shirt for everyday wear. I’d also pack a light sweater for those early mornings or late nights, especially if you’ll be staying by the water. It’s usually around 10 degrees cooler by the ocean than it is 20 minutes inland. This will give you the flexibility to dress warmer if needed, with the ability to always forgo it when it’s too hot.
If you opt to come during the later part of fall, definitely pack a sweater and/or jacket. Jeans would be good, or any sort of long pants to keep yourself covered. And, in this case, I would bring a pair of shorts as a backup just in case it does tend to be one of those unusually warmer days in November (I don’t put anything past the weather here!)
Two extra tidbits:
- I never travel without a bathing suit, because even if you travel to Myrtle Beach in the fall, your accommodation might have an inside pool or water park to utilize.
- This is the perspective of somebody who was raised in the south… Some of you visiting from the north may choose to pack a little lighter.
Should I be concerned about hurricanes?
Hurricane season on the Atlantic starts June 1st and runs through November 30th. Just because this is the season for hurricanes, doesn’t mean we are going to be hit by one.
It’s hard to predict months in advance whether or not a hurricane will develop, but it’s not something to worry about when planning your trip to The Beach. Since we live in a hurricane-prone area, the city has strong actions in place for how to navigate a storm should one head towards our area. Also, because we are aware of the potential for storms, many hotels offer refunds or rebooking options should it come to that.
Check out Visit Myrtle Beach’s Hurricane Information article to read about available resources in the event of a hurricane.
Do attractions stay open after Labor Day?
Yes! Most of Myrtle Beach’s major attractions, shopping areas and entertainment complexes remain open throughout the fall, but their schedules may change as the season progresses.
Fall hours usually change in stages. During September and October, many places remain open daily but close an hour or two earlier on weekdays. Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing, for example, generally keep retail stores open until around 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In November, some stores may close around 7 p.m., especially during the week.
The Market Common follows a similar fall schedule, with town center hours generally running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Restaurants, theaters, nightlife venues and individual attractions may stay open later than the surrounding stores.
You’ll also notice fewer nightly entertainment events after Labor Day. Weekly fireworks displays and strolling entertainment (at the Boardwalk, Broadway, etc.) generally wind down for the season, but you'll still find tons of live music, shows and entertainment around the area.
A few seasonal attractions — such as Myrtle Waves Water Park and Family Kingdom Amusement Park — may also operate only on certain days before closing later in September or early October.
There is still plenty to enjoy throughout the day and evening. Just check the individual attraction’s calendar before visiting, particularly on weekdays and later in the fall into the holiday season.
What are the best things to do in the fall?
There are too many things to even list that happen in the fall. Since the weather is cooling down, all the local festivals and events are in full swing.
Everything kicks off with Labor Day weekend events across the Grand Strand, followed by the Aynor Harvest Hoe Down offering small town vibes and outside art and craft festivals at Market Common and Huntington Beach State Park.
Then, October sneaks around the corner with spooky fun. Visit Conway, the Grand Strand’s very own Halloweentown. They hold events all month long from ghost walks to coffin races in addition to the entire city undergoing a makeover.
Or, opt to participate in an Oktoberfest celebration at Barefoot Landing, where you’re transported to Bavaria through warm pretzels, a pilsner, and family fun.
When November rolls around, participate in one of the Grand Strand’s various turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning before a day of feasting. Numerous restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals so you and your family can travel to The Beach while still feeling the holiday spirit. Many fall-flavored festivals happen during this time as well, where you can browse around trying food from local restaurants or fall-inspired dishes like pumpkin pie.
There are also Myrtle Beach’s everyday activities, some that are nicer in the off-season such as taking a stroll up the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. You can sit on the outdoor deck of Wicked Tuna and enjoy brisk ocean air while eating your favorite sushi roll.
Or take a trail walk at Myrtle Beach or Huntington Beach State Park.
The golf amenities are great to utilize at this time like PopStroke at Broadway at the Beach or Topgolf. You can also check out our entertainment venues when the evenings get too cold: Alabama Theatre, The Carolina Opry, Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, The Asher Theatre, and so many more.
Is fall a good time to visit Myrtle Beach?
All in all, yes! You beat the crowds, can comfortably spend time outside, and if you come early enough, you can still take that dip in the ocean! We’lll see you this fall.