📅 The Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach in 2024 (2024)

Myrtle Beach is a favorite summer getaway spot in South Carolina for thousands of travelers every year. A vacation here brings the smell of the salty air of the Atlantic Ocean to you as you lounge on the sandy beaches.

Myrtle Beach boasts some of the best golf courses in the country while also housing amusem*nt parks and outlet shopping along the Atlantic Coast. It’s the perfect destination for every family member and travel style.

This seaside strip of paradise has countless fun things to do and see. Widen your eyes as you take in the impressive views on theMyrtle Beach SkyWheel.

If you want to plan your trip during the best time to visit Myrtle Beach, keep reading. Below, we’ve got the answers to the cheapest, busiest, and best times to visit Myrtle Beach.

Why You Should Visit Myrtle Beach

It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is a fantastic destination to visit. This seaside city boasts a population of around 30,000 locals. But during the high season, Myrtle Beach explodes with nearly 350,000 visitors.

What makes Myrtle Beach such a popular destination? This South Carolina city has 60-miles of sandy beaches called theGrand Strand. There are also excellent golf courses, delicious seafood restaurants, amusem*nt parks, great deals atoutlet shopping centers, and more!

Myrtle Beach is a great destination for families looking to enjoy the summer holidays at the beach without heading outside of the United States or spending a fortune on vacation.

Ready to learn more about when to visit Myrtle Beach? Keep reading for travel tips and advice for all seasons.

Overall Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

The best time to visit Myrtle Beach is during the shoulder seasons, before and after the summer high season.

Come to Myrtle Beach between March and May or September to October to get the best of Myrtle Beaches’ great weather and impressive scenery without the bustling crowds, traffic, and lines.

Hotel rates are generally lower during this time, but they are not yet at their lowest. However, there are fewer people, and more attractions will be open than in the winter.

March marks the beginning of springtime in Myrtle Beach, which brings a beautiful energy to the beachside city. Hotel rates will have started to rise after the off-season in preparation for the high season, but you’re still likely to find good deals.

Myrtle Beach begins to come alive in April as golf courses reopen and the weather is balmy enough to enjoy the beach.

Additionally, the hotel prices haven’t yet reached their peak.Be aware that April has an average of five days of rainfall, so come prepared with an umbrella and sunscreen.

May is a beautiful time to visit Myrtle Beach because it is just before the summer high season crowds, and the weather is perfect!

Theweather in Myrtle Beachwill range from the lowest temperatures in March being around 43°F to the highest temperatures in May being around 80°F.

Cheapest Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

The optimal time to visit Myrtle Beach to get the best value for your money is during the winter off-season, between November and December.

Between these months, Myrtle Beach tourism is at its all-time low. During this time, hotels offer discounted rates to attract budget-conscious travelers.While you’ll save on hotel costs, not all Myrtle Beach attractions are open year-round.

Many attractions in Myrtle Beach are open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so you’ll often find that restaurants close after the summer crowds leave the city.

In addition, some attractions reduce their operating hours or close entirely for the off-season.The temperature in Myrtle Beach drops in November. Temperatures reach highs of 68°F and lows of 44°F.

December is a bit of a mixed bag. The weather is unpredictable, with highs of 59°F and lows of 38°F and about six days on average of rainfall throughout the month.

January is the month with the cheapest hotel rates, but it is also the coldest month and has the least available options for open attractions and restaurants. Therefore, the cons outweigh the pros.

Least Busy Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

The least busy times to visit Myrtle Beach are the same as the best times to visit. Come to Myrtle Beach between August and September or March and May to avoid the crowds before or after the summer high season rush.

You’ll experience this beachside paradise with significantly fewer crowds than in June and July.Coming off of the busy summer season, Myrtle Beach slowly begins to quiet in August.

It is the area’s least crowded summer month, especially towards the end of the month. However, this means some attractions and restaurants could operate at reduced hours or have closed for the season.

Like July, Myrtle Beach in August gets lots of rain. In addition to the increase in precipitation, the humidity in the air in August creates a higher likelihood of thunderstorms.

While these can be spectacular light shows to some, travelers with kids or animals afraid of thunder should plan to visit during the earlier summer months.In August, you can expect highs of 87°F and lows of 71°F.

However, September is one of the best times to visit Myrtle Beach to take advantage of the great weather without the crowds, with temperatures reaching highs of 84°F and lows of 66°F.

The fall golfing season in Myrtle Beach brings sports lovers and their families to this South Carolina stretch of paradise. Hotel rates are still higher than in the off-season, but you’re more likely to get good deals in September.

October is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach for a relaxing beach getaway. The weather is more temperate during this time, with highs of 76°F and comfortable yet cozy lows of 55°F. October in Myrtle Beach sees an average of five days of monthly rainfall.

Out of these three months, hotel rates are the lowest in October, and the beaches are virtually empty but with still enough sun out on most days to make it enjoyable.

Worst Time to Visit Myrtle Beach

Two times during the year are deemed the worst times to visit Myrtle beach: January and February and the summer high season.

January and February

These two months are the worst times to visit Myrtle Beach because of lousy weather. There is also a minimal chance of snow during this time. It is rare but has happened in the past, specifically during this time of year.

However, Myrtle Beach does see five days of average rainfall in February. January in Myrtle Beach has the coldest temperatures and an average of six days of rainfall per month.

So while January has the best hotel rates, it is because the temperatures usually don’t exceed 57°F and can reach below 30°F.February temperatures also reach the low 30s, while highs usually don’t reach higher than 60°F.

It is also the windiest month of the year, so pack enough warm clothes and jackets to protect you from the chilly coastal winds.

There are virtually no crowds, and because of this, most attractions are closed or operating at reduced hours. Therefore, finding things to do and places to eat in Myrtle Beach is the most difficult during this time.

The benefit of visiting during January and February is that you’re likely to have the beach all to yourself, but it might be too cold to wear a bathing suit! However, if you enjoy sitting on the beach and enjoying the open ocean views, you’ll have plenty of room to do so.

The Summer High Season

The second worst time to visit Myrtle Beach is during the high season. If you visit Myrtle Beach in June and July, you’ll likely experience crowded beaches, busy restaurants, congested traffic, thunderstorms, and the highest hotel rates of the year.

Summer travelers flock to beautiful Myrtle Beach in crowds in June and July.

As a result, hotel rates rise, and some even sell out if you don’t book far enough in advance. All Myrtle Beach restaurants and attractions are open but will often require reservations or should be booked ahead because of the number of people visiting.

June gets an average of seven days of rainfall throughout the month, and thunderstorms are possible. July is the hottest month in Myrtle Beach, yet also one of the wettest.

With eight days of monthly rainfall, you’re likely to experience a rainy day and maybe even a thunderstorm during your trip in July.The highs in June and July can exceed 90°F. The lows in June can get as low as the mid 60s, but they will rarely break below 70°F in July.

Things to Consider

As with all places, there are key points to remember when planning your trip to Myrtle Beach.

Beach Safety

Myrtle Beach, unfortunately, has the nickname Dirty Myrtle because some beaches haveadvisories against swimmingdue to bacteria levels in the water.Most of the time, bans on swimming are lifted after a few days when the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.

Bacteria levels rise after heavy rainfall, so have a couple of beach options picked out if you visit during the rainy season between June and October.

Family-friendly Beaches

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic vacation destination for families with kids, especially during summer. This South Carolina city has many attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy.

If you prefer to visit Myrtle Beach with fewer children, plan your trip after the school semester starts in September.

More Than Just a Beach

Despite its name, Myrtle Beach is much more than just a place to build sandcastles or splash in the waves.

Myrtle Beach has impressive restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and many activities, shopping, and sights to see. If you expect to just lay on the beach your whole trip, you might be surprised at how active your trip was in the end!

Hurricanes

While it has been a few years since a hurricane has hit Myrtle Beach directly, this area is at moderate to severe risk of getting a storm surge during hurricane season.

For the East Coast of the United States, the typical hurricane season can be any time betweenJune to November, with some cases happening outside of this range.If you plan to travel during this time, keep up to date with the weather and have an evacuation plan if necessary.

In Myrtle Beach, you’ll most likely experience increased rain, thunderstorms, and wind, but it is better to be on the safe side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to your top questions about visiting Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand below.

Where is the best place to stay in Myrtle Beach?

The best place to stay in Myrtle Beach is theHilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave Myrtle Beach is the best place to stay in Myrtle Beach.

This four-star hotel boasts oceanfront views, outdoor swimming pools, and a convenient location close to the top Myrtle Beach attractions.Room rates range between $160 to $646 per night, depending on the month and room.

Is it safe to swim in Myrtle Beach?

Yes, it is safe to swim in Myrtle Beach. After heavy rains, some beaches may have swimming advisories due to high bacteria levels from storm drain runoffs. The water gets tested frequently to ensure the safety of swimmers. You’ll be advised if it is not optimal for swimming.

How long should I spend in Myrtle Beach?

Spend four days and three nights in Myrtle Beach to explore the top sights, soak up the sun on the beach, and eat at the best restaurants. Plan to spend more time if you want several days doing nothing but relaxing on the beach.

What is the best way to get around in Myrtle Beach?

It’s easy to get around Myrtle Beach on foot. However, if you want to explore all 60-miles of the Grand Strand, public transportation is an affordable and convenient way to go farther faster. Otherwise, ask yourMyrtle Beach hotelto call you a taxi.

What are the top things to do in Myrtle Beach?

Apart from lounging on the sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is bursting with fun activities worth checking off your travel bucket list while here. Some of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach include:

• Broadway at the Beach
• Dunes Golf and Beach Club
• TPC Myrtle Beach
• Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach State Park
• Hollywood Wax Museum
• Savannah’s Playground

What is the population of Myrtle Beach?

As of 2022, thepopulation of Myrtle Beach is 37,341. However, during the high season, the number of people in Myrtle Beach rises to an estimated 350,000 people.

So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach is an ideal getaway spot along the coast of South Carolina. This stretch of beach paradise has fun activities and amusem*nt parks, sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing or playing beach volleyball, and golf courses that are challenging and breathtaking.

The best time to visit Myrtle Beach is just before or just after the summer crowds when the weather is warm, attractions are open, and hotel rates are more reasonably priced.

Travel to Myrtle Beach in May/June or September/October to experience this idyllic place almost all to yourself.Ready to check Myrtle Beach off your travel bucket list? This affordable and easy to get to vacation spot is calling your name.

Happy travels!