What's the weather like? Myrtle Beach Winter Temperatures, Tips, & Things to Do
Winter in Myrtle Beach feels a bit like cheating. Especially if you're coming from someplace where winter is an Olympic sport like I do.
After more than 30 years of visiting from Montreal, Canada, I’ve learned that this is the season when the Grand Strand truly shows off.
You skip the crowds, trade snowbanks for sunshine, and suddenly realize why so many northerners treat this place as their unofficial second home.
The off-season has a calm, creative energy to it: quiet beaches, cozy restaurants, and just enough sweater weather to make a hot coffee on the Boardwalk feel like a tiny daily luxury.
What's Myrtle Beach Winter Weather Like?
When considering an winter visit to Myrtle Beach, the first question people often ask is about the weather: "What’s it like there in the winter?"
Off-season weather along the Grand Strand is famously mild and enjoyable. Daytime temperatures typically hang out in the upper-50s to low-60s during the day, generally dipping into the 40s at night. Most days still offer enough warmth that a walk on the beach feels more like early spring or fall to folks from up North.
Water temperatures are cooler, usually in the mid-50s, so swimming and watersports are generally not on the menu, but you'll still see local surfers hitting the water in wetsuits and the temps aren't so cold that you can't enjoy a great dinner cruise, eco tour or dolphin tour boat during your trip.
Even in the dead of winter in January and February, you'll still find sunny days happen often and feel surprisingly warm. These days that range into the upper 60s or low 70s are perfect for exploring outdoor attractions without breaking a sweat.
Does it snow in Myrtle Beach?
Another common question first-timers will ask is about the possibility of snow in Myrtle Beach during winter.
Snowfall is very rare in Myrtle Beach, with the area averging less than one inch per year and often none at all.
In the past century, the area has only seen around 30–40 documented snowfalls, including the famous White Christmas of 1989 and the most recent occurrence, which saw 4-6 inches fall in January 2025.
How to Pack for a Winter Trip to Myrtle Beach
Layers are your best friend. Think light sweaters, a comfortable jacket, jeans or joggers, and maybe a hat for cooler evenings.
Mornings can start crisp, warm up by mid-afternoon, then cool down again once the sun dips. This is classic mild coastal winter behavior.
If you plan to stroll the beach or the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, comfortable shoes and a mid-weight jacket will keep you happy.
And even in winter, bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you plan to be outside for a long period — the sunshine is no joke here.
Winter Fun Activities in Myrtle Beach
Winter in Myrtle Beach comes with all the charm and none of the summer chaos. Start by exploring Broadway at the Beach, where shopping and attractions stay open year-round. Head to Barefoot Landing for waterfront dining, unique boutiques, and live entertainment sprinkled throughout the season.
This is also prime time for discovering local flavors. Cozy up with a bowl of seafood chowder at Sea Captain’s House, explore the fresh seafood and vibrant nightlife at the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, or check out the growing winery and craft brewery scene. Duplin Winery and Crooked Hammock Brewery, both at Barefoot Landing, are standout spots to unwind.
If you prefer your fun indoors, you’ve got options. From the massive collection at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum to arcade nostalgia at Fun Plaza on the Boardwalk. And don’t forget Myrtle Beach’s nationally known live entertainment scene: winter is an excellent season to grab tickets for shows at The Carolina Opry Theater, Pirates Voyage, or Legends in Concert.
Prefer nature? Stroll the quiet trails of Myrtle Beach State Park or the jaw-dropping sculpture gardens at Brookgreen Gardens, where winter highlights include seasonal blooms and occasional special events.
Even without summer temps, there’s plenty to warm up your trip. Winter here is cozy, calm, and just the right kind of bright.
I am originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am a retired firefighter from the City of Montreal, and I have been in the golf business for 25 years. I was also a golf professional for almost ten years and golf continues to be my passion. I have been visiting Myrtle Beach for 30 years and I can say that I consider the city as my home away from home. This is my favorite destination when the golf season is over north of the border. I love everything about Myrtle Beach: the beautiful weather all year round, the superb golf courses, a multitude of restaurant choices, shopping for all tastes, 100 kilometers of beaches and all kinds of activities that will make your stay an unforgettable experience, whether it is with your golf partners, your family, or simply to settle down there for a few months to escape the cold of winter.