Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination renowned for its beautiful coastline, busy boardwalk, and a wide array of options when it comes to attractions and activities. Choosing the best time to visit will depend heavily on what you’re hoping to get out of your vacation. Each season has unique advantages with different activities, so let’s take a look at what Myrtle Beach offers visitors throughout the year, so you can plan the perfect trip for you and your family.
Spring: March to May
Spring is considered by many to be one of the best times to visit Myrtle Beach. From March to May, temperatures range from the mid-60s to the high 70s, which offers a comfortable range for outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer. The ocean is just beginning to warm up, so it’s pleasant to swim in, and the beaches are far less crowded than they are in the summer.
In Myrtle Beach, spring is also the time for festivals and events. March brings the annual Myrtle Beach Marathon for runners, while foodies will love the Blue Crab Festival, which comes around each May and includes live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of local seafood. May is also home to Spring Bike Week, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts to the area.
Spring is also a great time for enjoying outdoor activities, like golfing or checking out the boardwalk. Families can also check out attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park without the long lines that tend to come along with summer.
Summer: June to August
Summer is peak tourist season in Myrtle Beach, drawing large crowds due to the prime beach weather as well as school being out. Those southern temperatures climb quickly into the 80s and 90s, making for perfect weather for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Summer is also a great time for events and entertainment. Broadway and the Beach as well as the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk both have fireworks and live music most nights. You can also enjoy the Carolina Country Music Fest in June — it brings in top country music stars, as well as fans from around the country, making it a real highlight of the summer.
One drawback to traveling during the summer is because it’s so busy, you need quite a bit of advance planning for your accommodations. Hotels, resorts, and other rentals fill up fast. Prices are also often higher during this peak season. However, there’s plenty of dining options, and you don’t have to worry about any places being closed for the off season.
Fall: September to November
If you prefer milder weather, fall may be a great time for you to visit Myrtle Beach! It’s still pretty warm in September, so you can still enjoy the water, but by November it’s dipping back into 60s and 70s, which is great weather for golfing, hiking, and sightseeing.
There’s also no shortage of festivals to enjoy during the fall! September is home to the Greek Festival, then October brings Oktoberfest. If you love seafood, you’ll also enjoy the Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival in October.
One of the biggest benefits of traveling in the fall is the costs. Since it’s out of peak season, the cost of accommodations drops significantly, and you can often find special deals and discounts. The smaller crowd also makes for a more relaxing experience than the busy summer season.
Winter: December to February
It may be winter, but you’re not likely to have to worry about cold weather in Myrtle Beach — temperatures usually average in the 50s and 60s, making it too cool for swimming but perfect for most other outdoor activities. Winter is when costs are at their lowest here, and lines are also at their shortest. If you enjoy indoor attractions, winter is the perfect time to check them out!
Explore Myrtle Beach
No matter when you come to Myrtle Beach, at Visit Murrells Inlet, we’re here to help make it memorable. We offer boat tours, including day and evening cruises, in and around the Myrtle Beach area. Whether you’re interested in checking out local wildlife or want to book an exciting pirate cruise for your kids, we’ve got you covered. Call or book online today!