• Blog Home
• FAQ: Does Myrtle Beach Shut Down in the Winter?

FAQ: Does Myrtle Beach Shut Down in the Winter?

We are often asked, “Does Myrtle Beach shut down in the winter?” and the answer is - not at all! Myrtle Beach isn’t your typical beach town that rolls up the boardwalks in the winter months. The weather in Myrtle Beach is generally mild, with temperatures typically reaching high 60s and low 70s. While a few outdoor water parks and amusement parks do close for a brief time during winter, there’s still plenty open to provide entertainment and fun.

What’s the Weather Like in the Winter in Myrtle Beach?

You may be wondering what the weather is like in the winter in Myrtle Beach. Can you sit out on the beach in the winter? Look for shells? Absolutely! Our mild winter weather makes beach-going activities still fun and enjoyable any time of the year. While you might not spend the winter swimming in the ocean, you can still enjoy the warm sand and take in the views and sounds of the Atlantic.

• December averages a high of nearly 60 degrees
• January averages a high of 57 degrees
• February averages a high of nearly 60 degrees

Plus, it’s not that uncommon for us to hit 70-degree days throughout the winter. You will be happy to know we also do not have many washout days here in Myrtle Beach in the winter. We only average between five and six days that experience rain each month. Chances are you will have lots of sun during your winter Myrtle Beach getaway!

Winter Beach Rules & Regulations

There are some extra bonuses for visiting Myrtle Beach in the winter, including some relaxed beach rules and regulations.

• Tents on the Beach: From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed in Myrtle Beach city limits. Feel free to set up this extra shading option during your winter vacation beach days.
• Dogs on the Beach: During the off-season leashed dogs are allowed on the beach any time of day.
• Bicycles: Did you know that you can ride your bicycle on the Boardwalk any time of day during the winter? Grab your bike for a unique view on the city on our wooden Boardwalk.

*Noted items are for the city of Myrtle Beach and may vary based on municipality. Subject to change.

Myrtle Beach Resorts Open in the Winter

There are many options for your winter vacation when it comes to resorts and hotels in the Myrtle Beach area. Plus, many resorts have amenities that are great any time of the year, ranging from heated pools to enclosed waterparks to indoor dining. Myrtle Beach resorts that are open in the winter include:

• Captain’s Quarters Resort, featuring an indoor lazy river, heated outdoor Shipwreck Lagoon Kids’ Waterpark, on-site 20-lane bowling alley, and more.
• Landmark Resort, featuring a large indoor poolscape as well as multiple hot tubs, an indoor lazy river ride and on-site dining.
• Forest Dunes Resort, which includes an indoor pool, scenic oceanfront cabana and easy access to the beach for afternoon strolls.
• Beach Cove Resort, located in North Myrtle Beach, boasts an indoor pool, sauna, large game room and more.
• The Caravelle Resort, which is host to an indoor pool and whirlpool, relaxing sun deck with hammocks and more.
• Carolina Winds offers free nearby tennis, an on-site indoor pool and spacious oceanfront lawn.
• Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, a south-end option with a seasonally enclosed indoor pool as well as a year-round waterpark featuring two giant slides, plus various heated pools.
• Ocean Creek Resort, featuring 57-acres, perfect for walking or biking, sunsets over the natural creek and an indoor pool, open year-round.
• Beach Colony Resort, offering guests a beautiful oceanfront lawn, indoor pool, racquetball court and more.

There’s no lack of winter amenities and resorts for your getaway. Learn more about these options here.

Large Outdoor Shopping/Dining Attractions

Do the primary spots in Myrtle Beach shut down in the winter? Absolutely not!

While you may have visited popular tourist spots like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing in the busy summer, they remain open in the winter for year-round shopping, strolling, dining, and entertainment. You may even find them more enjoyable in the cooler temperatures than during the heat of summer. The Market Common is a local's favorite spot, which offers an entire day full of luxury shopping, exquisite dining, and views of the lake and the "Uptown Downtown!" Or, you can stroll along the iconic Boardwalk or head south to the Hammock Shops for some low-county shopping all winter long.

Most restaurants and bars remain open, and some even offer outdoor seating if the weather is nice. Museums, art galleries, stores, and entertainment typically remain open as well. Check each spot for their updated winter operating hours.

What can I do outdoors in the winter in Myrtle Beach? 

Mild South Carolina winter temperatures make it a pleasure to walk along the beach, Boardwalk, or piers in cooler months. With fewer people on the beach, it also is the prime time to look for seashells to bring home as a memento!

While walking the beach, be sure to stop at the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, because a visit to Myrtle Beach isn't complete without it! Take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop the tallest Ferris wheel east of the Mississippi. The enclosed buckets are seasonally heated and cooled, making it a great option for any type of weather.

Many outdoor attractions, such as Alligator Adventure, and Brookgreen Gardens remain open during the off-season. Afterwards, treat yourself to a glass of wine or two at the beautiful Duplin Winery in North Myrtle Beach! 

Winter is also a productive fishing season in the Myrtle Beach area. You can still book fishing charters and look forward to a great catch with fewer crowds out on the water. The Big M Casino boat offers an afternoon of on-the-water gambling! 

Bonus: Click here for more off-season itinerary ideas.

What can I do indoors? 

Arts & Crafts

• Enjoy a free visit to the Myrtle Beach Art Museum 
• Create your own art workshop project at Board & Brush DIY studio

Family Entertainment 

• Dive under the sea at Ripley's Aquarium and check out the new penguin exhibit! 
• Turn your vacation upside down at WonderWorks upside down house at Broadway at the Beach
• Get your game on at Dave & Buster's at Broadway at the Beach
• Grab your bowling shoes for a day of fun at 810 Billiards & Bowling at the Market Common

Live Shows

• Visit the iconic Alabama Theater for a spectacular show you'll never forget 
• Laugh the night away at the Comedy Cabana
• Travel back in time at Medieval Times Dinner Theater

Shopping

• Visit one of the two Myrtle Beach locations of the Tanger Outlets for low prices on your favorite brands
• Stroll through the shops and grab a bite at Barefoot Landing
• Visit Pawley's Island and browse through the Hammock Shops Village

Museums 

• Play by the hour at the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
• Learning can be fun is certainly true at EdVenture Children's Museum at the Market Common 
• Travel back in time at Wheels of Yesteryear - an antique car museum 
• Get your photo op with your favorite celebrities at Hollywood Wax Museum 
• Revel in Myrtle Beach's very own art museum: Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, which offers visual arts exhibits and year-round galleries

Myrtle Beach in the Winter by Month

Check out our monthly roundups for what to do in the winter in Myrtle Beach:

• Things to do in December | Christmas & Holiday Events
• Things to do in January
• Things to do in February

Visit our link for more info about which of your favorite Myrtle Beach attractions are open year-round.

So, don’t let winter keep you away from Myrtle Beach. There’s still plenty of vacation fun to be had.

Check out our resort deals page to get the best deal on your winter Myrtle Beach vacation!

Related Entries