Throughout the spring and summer, Myrtle Beach sees plenty of visitors spending their days on the coastline soaking up the sun, playing in the surf, and building sandcastles. Even during the colder months, this exciting getaway destination in South Carolina attracts tons of beach enthusiasts. Myrtle Beach exudes Southern charm and offers moderate weather in the fall and winter, making it a terrific spot for snowbirds. When you book a stay at an oceanfront Myrtle Beach vacation rental, you can be situated within easy walking distance of the boardwalk and surf. Find out the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach and what to pack for an unforgettable vacation.
Visiting Myrtle Beach in the Summer
Families and groups of friends trek to Myrtle Beach in the summer to enjoy days filled with sunshine and an average temperature in the high 80s and a nightly low hovering around the 70-degree mark for evenings riding the roller coaster close to the boardwalk. Almost two-thirds of the summer days you spend in Myrtle Beach feature sunny days without a cloud in the sky. Pack an umbrella for the occasional afternoon shower, along with shorts, bathing suits, and flip-flops. You might consider a light sweater for the chilly evening breezes.
When you’re tired of sand in your vacation rental, take the family to Myrtle Waves Water Park to spend a day sliding down some thrilling water slides, and then spend the evening at Family Kingdom Amusement Park to enjoy kiddie rides and more grown-up rides. Stop by the Market Common farmers market for fresh fruit, homemade baked goods, and honey from local farmers. Walk along the boardwalk, browsing shops filled with souvenirs and everything you need for a day at the beach, restaurants for a quick meal or sit-down dinner, and entertainment, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium.
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Visiting Myrtle Beach in the Fall
Kids return to school and the crowds thin out in Myrtle Beach, but the weather remains gorgeous. In early September, it’s hard to believe that it’s already fall with daily highs in the mid-80s. By November, you find yourself walking on the beach in a sweater and jeans, with temperatures in the high 60s. In the evenings, you’ll be glad you added a jacket to your list of what to pack, as temperatures drop into the mid-40s by the end of November.
In early September, visit Ocean Drive Amusement Park on the weekends to enjoy rides, play games to win a teddy bear, and pig out on hotdogs on a stick, funnel cakes, and nachos. Enjoy dinner out at one of Myrtle Beach’s two hottest spots, Beach Bummz Cafe and Bandito’s. If the evening is warm enough, ask for a table outside. See some celebrities and take a few selfies at the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center on a rainy afternoon. The Big M offers a floating casino along with an all-you-can-eat buffet, but children aren’t allowed on these cruises. Leave the kids with a babysitter at your vacation rental when you visit Duplin Winery, and enjoy the Music in the Courtyard series with live music and a fine selection of wines.
Visiting Myrtle Beach in the Winter
Winter months cool off Myrtle Beach, but its temperatures are relatively mild, compared to more northern climates. You’ll need a jacket during the winter days, with the high temperatures only reaching the mid-50s to low 60s. Overnight, the temperatures drop and hover in the upper 30s most evenings. With many sunny days, pack clothes you can layer and take off or add on as the temperatures heat up and cool off throughout the day.
Hop on the SkyWheel to see all the Christmas lights as you ascend almost 400 feet in the air in a closed, climate-controlled car. At the Broadway at the Beach, do all of your holiday shopping with shops, such as Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and Lids. Book tickets for the Carolina Opry Christmas Special, and enjoy an evening of music and dance that gets your toes tapping. You can enjoy the spectacle of the Nights of a Thousand Candles at the Brookgreen Gardens. Many of the local golf courses offer a free game on Christmas Day.
Visiting Myrtle Beach in the Spring
As the temperatures warm back up, many college kids make Myrtle Beach their spring break destination. However, colleges stagger these breaks, so it’s not as crowded as you might think. March temperatures begin in the high 60s and steadily rise to an average of the low 80s by the end of May. Evening temperatures can drop by 20 degrees at night, so toss an extra jacket into your suitcase. Other things to pack include jeans, shorts, good walking shoes, and a swimsuit for the indoor pool at your vacation rental.
Plan your trip to be in the area for the annual Saltwater Highland Games and Heritage Festival in late March. Watch the competition, buy Scottish-themed goods, sign up for the 5K run, and enjoy some great eats. Brookgreen Gardens is a great place to see all the flowers in bloom, then stop by River Street Sweets at Broadway on the Beach for an afternoon sugar buzz. On the fourth Tuesday of each month, experience farm life at the Wash Day at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach?
Although you’ll have a great time no matter when you book your trip, the best time to visit Myrtle Beach is the spring. You can beat the summer crowds while the temperatures are warm enough to run around in shorts and a T-shirt. You can enjoy the indoor pool at your vacation rental and dip your toes in the cool Atlantic waters. Many of the attractions that close down in winter, such as Kingdom Family Amusement, return on the weekends for the start of the season.
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