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The Absolute Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

By Julia Diem Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022

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. Let’s get to the bottom of when is the best time to travel to Myrtle Beach.

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.

As you can see, there are pros for visiting Myrtle Beach at any time of year. Discover what makes each season so unique for vacationers:

Spring In Myrtle Beach (March - May)

Average temperatures:

March: Up to the high 60s
April: Up to the mid-70s
May: low-60s to 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 chilly for a swim 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 spring-time visitors a chance to experience all that Myrtle Beach has to offer before summer-time vacationers. Want to enjoy the amusement parks with barely any lines? This is your chance!

There are a number of festivals held in Myrtle Beach in the spring. If your kids are joining your vacation, they’ll love the Broadway at the Beach Kidztime Festival held each March. Also held in March is the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Best for adults is the Spring Wine Festival in the Gardens at Brookgreen Gardens and the Little River Blue Crab Festival both held in May.

Resort and hotel rates are typically lower in the spring than in the summer so it’s also the perfect time to get more bang for your buck on your beach vacation.

Summer in Myrtle Beach (June - August)

Average temperatures:

June: high-60s to high-80s
July: low-70s to low-90s
August: low-70s to low-90s

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!

This time of year boasts many spectacular events and dozens of excellent attractions are open for vacationers to enjoy. One of the biggest events to hit Myrtle Beach each year in June is Carolina Country Music Fest. For nightly entertainment in the summer, there’s always something going on at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, or Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Fall in Myrtle Beach (September - November)

Average temperatures:

September: mid-60s to mid-80s
October: Up to the high-70s
November: Up to the high-60s

Many vacationers enjoy celebrating the end of summer before the kiddos go back to school with a September vacation. Labor Day in particular is a popular time to visit Myrtle Beach.

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.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week’s Fall Rally is held at the end of September or early October each year, in addition to the week each spring. In nearby Murrells Inlet, each September you can shop local artists’ collections at the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival.

On top of all of that, vacationers will typically enjoy lower resort rates this time of year!

Winter in Myrtle Beach (December - February)

Average temperatures:

December: Up to the low 60s
January: Up to the high-50s
February: Up to the low-60s

Myrtle Beach hosts many holiday events including Christmas shows and New Year’s Eve extravaganzas.

Although most people think of winter weather as snowy and cold, 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.

How's the Weather?

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 are during the spring and fall (April and May, October and November).

Attractions & Available Activities

Vacationers can enjoy Myrtle Beach's many attractions and restaurants during the peak season. Many of Myrtle Beach's biggest events and festivals are also held from late spring through fall, making this time of year a very popular choice for visitors.

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 entire Grand Strand, 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. Though, there are tons 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.

It can be difficult to pick which season is the best to visit Myrtle Beach. But the question you should ask yourself is: “When is the best time for me to visit?” Whether you're visiting on a golf trip, taking a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, taking these factors into consideration should hopefully make that decision a little easier.

If you're still unsure when to visit, see the available homes for sale in Myrtle Beach, and make this place your little getaway.