There’s only one place where you can dance to festival music, indulge in fresh seafood, and stare out over the clear blue ocean: Myrtle Beach! If you’re planning a fall family trip, look no further than Myrtle Beach in September.
Why is September the Best Time of Year to Visit Myrtle Beach?
Fall is the shoulder season in the Grand Strand, so by September the summer crowds are gone and the temperatures are not as hot. The cooler weather and lower humidity is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, water sports, tennis, golf, and exploring the boardwalk. During the shoulder season, visitors can get amazing deals on accommodations, including activity and dining packages. Visitors are also able to enjoy all these activities without lines, crowds, or competition for beach lawn chairs.
Shoulder season or not, there are so many things to do for families, couples, and solo travelers. If you’re in the process of planning a trip, read on to learn what new experiences are waiting for you!
What is the Weather Like in September in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach temperatures in September range from 85°F (29°C) to 68°F (20°C). The first week of the month is the warmest, then temperatures drop by a few degrees as October approaches. You can expect some humidity as well as light rainfall. This time of year, the sky is partly cloudy for most of the month. However, visitors should still wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
The warm weather in September in Myrtle Beach is what makes it such a popular destination for visitors. If you want to run into the waves, you can expect the ocean water to feel nearly as warm as the air. The weather also lends itself to all manner of other outdoor activities, like hiking, golfing, attending outdoor concerts, and shopping on the boardwalk.
5 Must-Do Activities in Myrtle Beach This September
The Grand Strand is a warm, welcoming place to visit any time of year; however, the month of September offers a calmer pace of activities with moderate weather and fewer crowds. When you visit Myrtle Beach, be sure to check out the 5 most popular seasonal activities:
1. Relax at the Beach
Whether you’re traveling with the whole family or just with your partner, you’ll love to soak up sun at the beach! When you stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, you get all the guest perks of beach service. This includes access to the private beach, complimentary transportation to and from the beach, towels, lawn chairs, access to facilities, beverage service, lifeguard supervision, and shower use.
If you’re looking for a change of sand and scenery, here are some other places in the area to explore:
- Cherry Grove is located about 20 minutes and 10 miles north of Marina Inn in North Myrtle Beach. Beyond sunbathing and sandcastles, it is known for being an excellent fishing spot.
- Myrtle Beach State Park is located 11 miles south of Marina Inn, which is about a 20 minute drive. This smaller, quieter beach is home to all kinds of wildlife, including sea turtles. Visitors can stray from the sand to hike through the woodlands.
- Surfside Beach is the most family-friendly place to swim and splash because it has lots of shallow water. This beach is located 17 miles and 26 minutes south of Marina Inn.
- Huntington Beach State Park is a nature preserve with miles of untouched beach and maritime forest. This area is ideal for beachside camping, bird watching, surf fishing, and picnicking. Nearby is the Atalaya Castle, which dates back to the 1930s and is open for tours!
2. Check Out the Local Festivals
The South Carolina coast has a rich cultural history, so every year, the locals celebrate their heritage with art, music, and food. Here are 3 festivals that happen near Myrtle Beach in September:
- Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is a three-day arts fest that is held the last weekend of September every year at Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet. The event begins at 10 am and ends at 5 pm. When you attend, you can expect to see art from local artisans, live demonstrations, classes for kids, live music, and local culinary delights.
- Irish Italian Festival is a one-day event that also happens near the end of September. In 2025, it will take place September 27th from 10 am to 4 pm along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Locals celebrate their Irish and Italian heritage with live music on 2 stages, art vendors, street performers, vendor food competitions, and a spaghetti eating contest. This event is free and open to all no matter your heritage or how much spaghetti you can scarf down!
- Aynor Harvest Hoe Down Festival is a celebration of Grand Strand agricultural history that takes place on the third Saturday of the month every September. You can expect to see a parade marching down Aynor’s Main Street. Visitors are encouraged to taste all the Southern cuisine at each of the stalls and talk to the vendors about the beautiful history of Aynor.
3. Attend Live Entertainment Events
Perhaps it’s the warm, breezy weather in Myrtle Beach in September, but there’s something about the beginning of fall that really makes the area come alive with music. As you stroll down Main Street, you’re sure to hear live music leaking from every bar and restaurant.
When beach time is over for the day, the North Myrtle Beach Horseshoe becomes the venue for a summer concert series called Music on Main. Every Thursday night from 7 to 9 pm, families are invited to pull up a chair and enjoy the live entertainment. Dancing and shopping at nearby stores are encouraged!
If you’re in the mood for something more thrilling and death-defying, head over to Broadway at the Beach. The Broadway Theater is the premier venue for top-notch musical theater and circus shows. If you aren’t into musical theater and contortion, then check out Legends in Concert, where skilled impersonators resurrect the biggest names in music for epic performances.
When you leave the theater, consider swinging by Bar Louie, Crocodile Rocks, or Hard Rock Cafe to keep the groove going with a little jazz, blues, and rock music to accompany your dinner.
4. Golfing in Myrtle Beach in September
Spring is known as the golf season in the Grand Strand, but the locals will tell you that fall golfing is where it is really at. By September, the humidity has lessened to a comfortable level while the days hover at a comfortable 80°F.
The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is the place to stay for anyone who is on a golfing trip. The nearby Grande Dunes Golf Course is a premium par-72 course that combines spectacular ocean views with challenging terrain. This course was designed by the architect and golf legend Roger Rulewich.
If you want a change of terrain, drive 10 minutes to Pine Lakes Country Club, which is the oldest golf course in the area. This par-70 was designed by PGA president Robert White; the course rewards accurate technique as players navigate the subtle terrain features. After your round of golf, head up to the club house to experience exceptional service drenched in Southern charm.
If you are ready to perfect your form, then take a swing at Marina Inn’s inclusive golf packages. You can get access to all the major courses in the area with prime tee times and big discounts on food and drinks.
5. Get Active on Water and Land
Myrtle Beach in September is an athlete’s paradise, especially when the summer humidity finally breaks in time for fall. No matter your sport or your favorite way to move, the Grand Strand is the place to be for friendly competition, sports conditioning, and trying something new.
If you are dreaming of playing at the next US Open, then check out the Grande Dunes Tennis Club. Players can match up with other players at their experience level on state-of-the-art courts. If you want to elevate your skill, the club offers professional one-on-one coaching as well as skill clinics and beginners lessons.
Cycling enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Myrtle Beach is very bike-friendly with plenty of well-maintained trails that can take you all around town. Families and beginners might enjoy Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, which is an easy 18.6 mile paved trail that runs between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Advanced cyclists and mountain bikers simply must head over to Horry County Bike & Run Park where The Hulk trail will challenge your fitness and riding skills.
If you want to make a splash to beat the heat, look no further than Grande Dunes Marina, which is a hop, skip, and a jump away from your luxurious room at the Marina Inn. Adrenaline junkies will love renting a jet ski and taking it for a spin! If you love wildlife, consider joining a jet ski tour to go see dolphins, fish, and other aquatic wildlife.
Insider Tips for Visiting Myrtle Beach in September
The key to an amazing vacation is preparation! Before the trip, you’ll need to pack for Myrtle Beach weather in September. Although temperatures are usually pretty warm, visitors are advised to bring a light jacket for when it is cooler in the mornings and evenings. Be sure to also pack a raincoat or umbrella in case it rains, as well as sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
The second matter of preparation is booking accommodations and activities early before rooms fill up and tickets sell out. While September is a calmer and quieter time to visit the beach, you should still plan ahead. If you book your Marina Inn accommodations early, you can unlock special offers and exclusive packages.
There are certain festivities and attractions that are likely to be busy even in the calmer months. If you want to see one of these popular attractions, locals recommend visiting early in the day. This goes double for places like Selfie Wrld, Kingston Park, and Pier 14, which are all sought-after locations to take friends and family photos.
Where to Stay & What to Eat in Myrtle Beach
When you take a fall trip it matters where you stay. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is the premier luxury hotel in Myrtle Beach in September with a conveniently central location and an abundance of on-site activities.
While Myrtle Beach is full of unique local restaurants, Marina Inn has multiple in-house restaurants for delicious convenient dining. Reflections Kitchen & Bar is a casual option for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of American fare favorites like salads, sandwiches, and burgers, all with added seafood touches to celebrate the local cuisine.
Waterscapes Restaurant is the elegant option for dining where families and couples can savor new flavors in an upscale atmosphere. You have your choice of indoor and outdoor seating, which are both enjoyable in the comfortable September weather. If you are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free, Waterscapes is the place to dine because the chef specializes in adapting dishes to meet dietary needs.
Let’s say you just don’t feel like leaving your room to grab a bite. Given how comfortable and roomy the Marina Inn suites are, it’s entirely understandable. Especially if you and your beloved have just gotten settled in for the night in front of a crackling fire in the penthouse. Marina Inn also offers in-room dining from 7 am to 9:30 pm; you can savor the same dishes that you’d get in a restaurant downstairs but with extra peace and privacy.
FAQs
I. Is September hurricane season in Myrtle Beach?
Yes, September falls within the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), but major storms are rare. Visitors should check the weather forecast before their trip and consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
II. Are restaurants and attractions still open in Myrtle Beach in September?
Yes! Most restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues remain open in September, with fewer crowds than during peak summer months. Some seasonal businesses may adjust hours, but major attractions like Broadway at the Beach and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk operate year-round.
III. Is Myrtle Beach water warm enough to swim in September?
Absolutely! Ocean temperatures in September average around 80°F (27°C), making it perfect for swimming, surfing, and water sports. The warm water, combined with fewer beach crowds, makes September an ideal time to enjoy the coast.
IV. What wildlife can you see in Myrtle Beach in September?
September is a great time for wildlife spotting! Visitors can see dolphins on boat tours, sea turtles hatching at Myrtle Beach State Park, and a variety of coastal birds. If you love nature, consider visiting Huntington Beach State Park for prime birdwatching.
Do You Have More Questions?
Planning your trip to Myrtle Beach in September and need more details? Whether you’re curious about the weather, local events, or the best places to stay, just contact us. We’re here to help!
There’s No Better Time Than September to Visit Myrtle Beach!
The waves are warm! The sun is shining! And festivals fill the streets with music and art. Myrtle Beach in September is the perfect vacation destination because accommodations are more affordable, the weather is perfect to explore the outdoors, and you can join in on all the cultural festivities.
Don’t miss out on the best time to visit Myrtle Beach!
Book your stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes today and take advantage of exclusive fall packages!
