The Best Time To Visit Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach offers 60 miles of sandy coastline for travelers who want a beachside destination on the East Coast. According to the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, as many as 17 million visitors annually choose the Grand Strand as their vacation destination of choice.

Here’s what to know about Myrtle Beach, the best time to visit, and top events and attractions.

The best times to visit Myrtle Beach

The best time of the year to visit Myrtle Beach will differ depending on your vacation preferences. Fortunately, no matter when you visit the Grand Strand, you'll find plenty of ways to make the trip memorable.

Shoulder season: March to May

Like any destination, Myrtle Beach’s shoulder season — typically from March to May — has its advantages and downsides.

A trip to Myrtle Beach during the spring months helps you avoid bustling crowds and peak-season pricing increases while still enjoying comfortable, mild weather.

March to April offers weather in the high-60s to mid-70s, with temperatures up to the low-80s in May.

It’s warm enough to lay out along the shore for a dose of vitamin D, or to visit the Grand Strand’s expensive golf courses. However, if your goal is to fully experience beach activities, this time of year isn’t ideal. The water is typically too brisk for a swim unless you visit later in May.

Local events

• Myrtle Beach Marathon (March).

• Canadian-American (Can-Am) Days Festival (March).

• Huntington Beach State Park Kite Festival (March).

• World Famous Blue Crab Festival (May).

» Learn more: The best Hilton beach resorts

Peak season: June to August

The summer months are among the best times to visit Myrtle Beach. During the daytime, the weather is humid and ranges from the high-80s to low-90s. It’s no surprise that anything near the water is the activity of choice over the summer.

At the beaches, the water is warm enough for a swim and other aquatic activities. Enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing and deep sea fishing. Myrtle Waves Water Park also opens daily starting in May which is ideal for families who need flexibility with water-play activities.

If splashing around in the water isn’t your idea of fun, the peak season guarantees that the area's leading attractions and events are open. Catch live music at Broadway at the Beach, or enjoy the nightlife at The Bowery, home of the country group Alabama.

Local events

• Carolina Country Music Fest (June).

• Conway Riverfest (June).

• Waves of Praise Gospel Fest (August).

» Learn more: The best Marriott beach resorts

Cooler weather: September to November

Falling toward the end of hurricane season, the weather cools down starting in September. But the weather is mild enough to enjoy some outdoor relaxation, like walking along the Boardwalk or beach. It’s also a great time to go shopping or attend one of the many fall festivals that bring together the Grand Strand’s 14 coastal communities.

Overall, you can expect noticeably fewer crowds compared to the summer season, and as such, competitive rates on accommodations while you’re in town.

Local events

• I Love Seafood Fest (September).

• Irish Italian Festival (September).

• Harvest Home Festival at Brookgreen Gardens (October).

• Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (October).

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Least crowded: December to February

For certain travelers, the winter season from December to February might be the best time to visit Myrtle Beach. Low humidity, balmy weather, and the fewest number of tourists during the year make it a cozy and charming time to wander the area.

Low season visitors can stop by the Carolina Opry for its seasonal show or see the Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles event.

Plus, visiting during these months is sure to help you lock in the lowest hotel rates of the year. Just make sure you plan ahead, as some businesses and attractions have shortened hours during the winter season — or are closed entirely.

Local events

• Vintage Market Days of Coastal Carolina (February).

• Nights of a Thousand Candles.

• The Christmas Show of the South at the Carolina Opry.

Top year-round attractions

Regardless of the time of year, there’s a lot to see and experience along this stretch of South Carolina coast. Here are just a few of the many attractions that are open year-round for your next visit:

• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.

• Ripley’s Aquarium.

• Brookgreen Gardens.

• Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.

• The Carolina Opry.

• WonderWorks.

Planning your visit to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach gives visitors abundant opportunities to enjoy what its local communities and businesses have to offer. Generally, if you prefer to keep warm and plan on keeping your itinerary on the sand and sea, aim for the summer peak-season months.

Otherwise, consider the kind of experience you want out of your trip to narrow down the best time to visit Myrtle Beach for you.