There is no question that Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a fabulous family vacation destination. The question isn’t if you should visit Myrtle Beach; it’s when. The best part about the Grand Strand is there’s really never a bad time to visit. Instead, the best time is based on what you’re hoping to do on your beach vacation and the environment you’re chasing.
Avid beachgoers will say the best time to go to Myrtle Beach is in the summertime. The peak summer months of June through August offer consistently hot and sunny days and perfect beach weather.
On the other hand, for lower room rates and more room to spread out, the best times to visit Myrtle Beach are the fall and winter months. If you want to enjoy the area attractions with minimal lines, spring is the ideal time for you.
So, let’s dive into each season and what they offer for your Myrtle Beach vacation so you can choose the best time to visit for you.
Spring in Myrtle Beach (March – May)
Average high temperatures:
- March: High 60s
- April: Mid 70s
- May: Low 80s
This time of year is perfect for families on spring break. The weather begins to warm up, making for exceptional beach days that do not quite reach the heat of southern summertime. In spring, you can expect great weather for beach walks or relaxing in the sun, but it may be a bit too cool for a swim in the ocean in the earlier part of the season.
While many Myrtle Beach attractions are open year-round, those that close seasonally typically reopen during this time of year, giving springtime visitors a chance to experience all that Myrtle Beach has to offer before summertime vacationers. Want to enjoy the amusement parks with barely any lines? This is your chance!
Springtime Events
There are a number of festivals held in Myrtle Beach in the spring. If young kids are joining your vacation, they are great options in this season!
- Broadway at the Beach KidzTime Festival: Typically held in March, this family-friendly festival brings games, activities, entertainment, and plenty to keep younger kids busy.
- Myrtle Beach Marathon: Held each March, this popular race weekend draws runners for its famously flat course and coastal setting.
- Spring Wine Festival at Brookgreen Gardens: Sip wines from a variety of vineyards while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Brookgreen Gardens, typically in May.
- Little River Blue Crab Festival: One of the Grand Strand’s favorite May traditions, with fresh seafood, live music, local vendors, arts and crafts, and festivities along the Little River waterfront.
Summer in Myrtle Beach (June – August)
Average high temperatures:
- June: High 80s
- July: Low 90s
- August: High 80s
June through August is considered Myrtle Beach’s peak season. For ideal beach weather and plenty to do, summer is a great time to visit. Our hot summer days are ideal for beach days, splashing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or at the resort’s water park.
All water sports are also in full swing in the summertime, making it the best time to visit for those that can’t get enough of the water!
Just know that you’ll have to trade in your quiet beach days for plenty to see and do if you decide to visit Myrtle Beach in the summer months. For the right guest, that trade off is an easy win!
Summertime Events
This time of year boasts many excellent events, from music and boats to fireworks and baseball.
- Carolina Country Music Fest: A must visit if you are in town. This major multi-day country music festival is held near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, typically in early June.
- Fourth of July Celebrations: Independence Day brings fireworks, parades, live music, and festivities throughout the Grand Strand.
- Murrells Inlet Boat Parade: A wonderfully coastal Fourth of July tradition, with decorated boats making their way through the inlet.
- Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade: A quirky, small-town parade where decorated golf carts, trucks, boats, and just about anything with wheels can join the fun.
- Summer Concert Series: Free and low-cost outdoor concerts pop up throughout the season at places like The Market Common.
- Pelicans Baseball: Not technically an “event,” but Myrtle Beach Pelicans home games are a quintessential summer-night activity, with themed nights sprinkled in throughout the season.
Fall in Myrtle Beach (September – November)
Average high temperatures:
- September: Mid 80s
- October: High 70s
- November: High 60s
Labor Day weekend in particular is a popular time to visit Myrtle Beach because you still get warm weather that the heart of summer brings but some of the cooler breezes along with it.
October and November also boast their fair share of mild weather, great fall festivals, and attractions still open for vacationers to enjoy. Given that the weather has cooled down and is perfect for spending time outdoors, it’s a great time for golfers to visit and play on any of the Myrtle Beach golf courses. If you’re not a golfer, enjoy a day spent outdoors at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet.
Plus, vacationers typically enjoy lower resort rates and hotel deals this time of year, making it ideal for a budget-friendly beach trip.
Fall Events
Locals call these few months ‘fall festival season’ for a reason, and that’s because practically every weekend there’s something exciting happening in the area.
- Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally: Typically held in late September or early October, the fall rally brings motorcycle enthusiasts to the Grand Strand for rides, meetups, live music, and events.
- Little River ShrimpFest: Held each October along the Little River waterfront, this festival combines fresh local seafood with live entertainment, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
- Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival: Typically held in the fall, this festival brings live jazz performances to Myrtle Beach over several days.
- Halloween Events: Throughout October, attractions and entertainment districts around Myrtle Beach host costume contests, trick-or-treating, haunted attractions, and other seasonal events.
Winter in Myrtle Beach (December – February)
Average high temperatures:
- December: Low 60s
- January: High 50s
- February: Low 60s
Although most people think of winter weather as snowy and cold as it is up north, it’s not unusual to see temperatures reach the mid 60s and low 70s during this time of year, perfect for strolling the beach, searching for seashells, and enjoying the views. Plenty of Myrtle Beach’s best indoor attractions are still open, and in many cases, you’ll get to enjoy them with very few crowds.
For those planning a winter getaway to Myrtle Beach, resort rates are typically low this time of year.
Winter Events
Myrtle Beach hosts many holiday events, including Christmas shows and New Year’s Eve extravaganzas.
- Nights of a Thousand Candles: Brookgreen Gardens glows with thousands of hand-lit candles and sparkling lights, along with live music and seasonal refreshments on select evenings from late November through early January.
- Winter Wonderland at the Beach: This free lights display takes over the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. These lights tend to last through December.
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Ring in the new year with parties, live entertainment, and special events at restaurants and entertainment districts throughout the Myrtle Beach area.
Choosing Your Season in Myrtle Beach
For those still having trouble choosing the best time of the year to visit the Grand Strand, there are some additional factors for you to keep in mind.
Myrtle Beach becomes a paradise for beach days and lounging around the pool thanks to temperatures reaching the high 80s during the peak season. This time of year stretches from early May to late September, so there’s plenty of calendar real estate to choose from if you plan on visiting during this time of year.
While the weather in Myrtle Beach is vacation-friendly during high season, the off-season also has its fair share of warm and sunny days. October, November, and December often see average temperatures reach over 70 degrees. These temperate conditions make for perfect weather to walk along the beach and enjoy outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Do note that Myrtle Beach’s driest months with the fewest rain showers are during the spring and fall (April and May, October and November).
Off Season
Many Myrtle Beach attractions are still open during the off-season, with some even offering special prices and rates for the fall and winter. Myrtle Beach also has its fair share of indoor attractions that are open year-round, and hosts many fall festivals and holiday events. Plus, vacationers will have even more room to spread out during this time of year.
While all this is pretty true for the entirety of Horry County, a few factors change depending on where exactly you plan to visit. Find out the best time to visit:
Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices: Peak Season vs. Off-Season
Myrtle Beach resort and hotel prices fluctuate seasonally, with rooms typically experiencing higher rates during the peak season. However, there are plenty of Myrtle Beach resort specials and deals that can be booked for your stay for extra savings and perks no matter the time of year.
The off-season can be a perfect option for the budget-savvy traveler. Myrtle Beach hotel prices in the off-season are typically lower than the peak season, with increased room availability. Visiting this time of year gives guests more leeway in terms of price, room types, and available stay dates. Select Myrtle Beach resorts also have their fair share of off-season perks, like indoor pools and amenities available to guests year-round.
Find out how you can get the lowest Myrtle Beach resort prices, no matter the time of year.
When Will You Visit Myrtle Beach?
There really isn’t a wrong season for Myrtle Beach, just a matter of what kind of trip you have in mind. Come in summer for long beach days and a lively Grand Strand, spring and fall for warm weather with a little more breathing room, or winter for a quieter look at the coast.
Once you’ve picked your season, the next decision is where to stay. Vacation Myrtle Beach offers a collection of oceanfront resorts along the Grand Strand, with options for family vacations, couples’ getaways, and everything in between. Explore Vacation Myrtle Beach resorts and find your spot by the ocean.