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Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes, absolutely. Winter brings mild days, smaller crowds, and a full calendar of seasonal events.
The experience of visiting Myrtle Beach during winter is significantly different from the sunburned and traffic-jammed destination that it is during the summer months. The daytime temperatures in Myrtle Beach are typically milder when compared to many other parts of the United States. The crowds have also decreased to a manageable level, allowing people to enjoy their visit without having to navigate through large groups.
Additionally, since there aren’t as many visitors on the beach, the beaches are quiet enough to hear the sound of the surf. Golfers are able to obtain better tee times due to fewer people competing for them. Shoppers have ample opportunities to shop without being crowded by others. Nature lovers will find that they can walk through marshy areas filled with migratory birds.
In December, Myrtle Beach has numerous holiday displays, including Christmas light displays throughout the area, candlelit gardens, and several large-scale Christmas productions. In January and February, there are numerous concert performances and tributes to famous performers. There are also several indoor destinations available to provide warmth during cold winter days. For those of you who are looking for a less busy area to call home while traveling to Myrtle Beach, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers a quiet retreat located along the Intracoastal Waterway, and yet it’s also within a short drive of the area’s attractions.
This article provides information about winter weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, holiday events and winter activities in the area, January and February events, golf in Myrtle Beach, some of the best places to dine, and where to lay down your tired feet after a day of exploring.
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Expect sweater weather with plenty of sunshine: mild afternoons and cool mornings and evenings.
It does get chilly enough for a good jacket during the early morning hours or later in the evening, and if you’re walking along the Boardwalk on a windy day, then you’ll definitely need your jacket.
Snow is rare but possible. The most recent snowfall on the Grand Strand came at the end of January 2026.
As far as rain is concerned, Myrtle Beach averages about three inches per month from October through February, and usually these months do not see any extreme amounts of precipitation.The ocean will have its own chilliness. The average temperature for Myrtle Beach’s ocean waters during the winter months is around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The numbers shown above were obtained from the National Weather Service’s (NWS) climate normals for the period of 1991 through 2020 for North Myrtle Beach. The temperatures were rounded to the nearest whole number. It is always good to check a weather forecast prior to your trip, as actual temperatures can vary greatly by year.
You’ll want to bring layers of clothing that you can easily remove if it gets too warm. A medium-weight jacket would be fine. Comfortable walking shoes are always essential. If there’s a chance of rain while you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to bring either a waterproof jacket or an umbrella.
And if you plan on going golfing during this time frame, we suggest cooler-weather golf clothes. And, if the place you are staying has a heated swimming pool, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. A heated pool is a comfortable way to unwind on a cool evening.
Enjoy sun-kissed beaches, thrilling attractions, and endless adventure.
Some of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach during winter include:
Walking along the beach during the winter months may honestly be one of the least appreciated activities you can do on the Grand Strand. Taking a sunrise stroll is also very relaxing; fewer people come to the beach during the winter compared to the summer, so your chances of finding shells will improve, and the softer quality of winter sunlight creates wonderful photographs.
Dress in layers and enjoy miles of uncrowded shoreline. Since many beach services are seasonal, you’ll need to think about a simple “bring your own” type of beach day.
Golf is big business in Myrtle Beach, and winter may just be its best-kept secret. Because the temperature is cooler, playing 18 holes does not have to feel like you’ve spent the entire round sweating buckets. Many locals consider the Grande Dunes Resort Course, which is situated above the Intracoastal Waterway, to be among their favorites.
Also, if you want to make things even easier, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers golf packages. Availability for courses and tee times can vary depending upon the season and/or weather conditions, so please call ahead to confirm.
The end of November through mid-March is probably peak time for birdwatchers at Huntington Beach State Park. As the sun rises over the marshlands and freshwater ponds along the causeway, wading birds and waterfowl congregate in abundance, and the short, easy walks on the park trails provide great views.
In addition to these attractions, Atalaya (the Moorish-style winter residence of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington) is also a fascinating place for those interested in history.
During the winter, Huntington Beach State Park is open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. Atalaya opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m., although it occasionally closes for special events. Admission for adults to the state park costs $8, while admission to Atalaya for visitors six and older is $2.
Visit southcarolinaparks.com before heading out to see what other restrictions or closures may be in effect.
As well as a variety of natural features such as maritime forests and a long stretch of ocean frontage, Myrtle Beach State Park also has a nature center. Although the fishing pier suffered some serious damage in past storms, it was repaired and reopened in July 2024 after being closed due to damage from both Hurricane Ian and a subsequent nor’easter.
Before you go, please contact the park to find out about current pier and nature center hours, since weather conditions tend to force changes in visitor schedules.
While Brookgreen Gardens is world famous for its display of holiday candles, it’s definitely worth visiting in daylight during the winter months. Not only is there a beautiful collection of American figurative sculpture throughout the gardens, but the new Purdy Center provides an indoor location for visitors who wish to stay warm on cold winter days.
Additionally, its conservatory allows visitors to experience tropical biomes, such as a butterfly garden, regardless of outside weather conditions. During regular daytime operating hours (which begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.), visitors can spend as much time as they would like exploring the gardens and enjoying themselves. General admission to Brookgreen Gardens is valid for seven consecutive days.
However, it should be noted that January 2027 exhibitions and winter programs at Brookgreen have not yet been announced, so please refer back to this article as it gets updated with additional information.
If the wind begins blowing strongly, why not head indoors? While Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach is always a hit with crowds, WonderWorks also keeps young minds active and engaged. And for another fun-filled afternoon of silly pictures and memories, take a trip to the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, then perhaps the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum on Ocean Boulevard is the perfect choice for you. It’s not free, by the way: general adult admission runs $8, while discounted rates apply to seniors, and free admission applies to children 18 and younger, museum members, and full-time students.
These events are holiday-season only. Once the decorations come down in early January, so do these experiences.
Dates: November 27, 2026, through January 2, 2027Location: Downtown Myrtle Beach BoardwalkTickets / Info: Free general admission
What to Expect: An oceanfront lights display glows nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. along the Boardwalk, which means holiday lights with a soundtrack of crashing waves. 2026-27 details on live entertainment and special activities have not yet been announced. Check back as this guide gets updated when more information becomes available.
Dates: 21 select evenings: Nov. 27, 28, and 29; Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, and 31; and Jan. 1, 2, and 3Location: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells InletTickets / Info: Non-member tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 4 to 12, available only through Brookgreen’s official website or its ticketing partner
What to Expect: From 4 to 9 p.m., guests wander the gardens by the glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of lights, with live holiday music, seasonal food and drinks, and a nightly tree lighting. It is pure magic, and it sells out, so buy early. Note that this event wraps up January 3 and is not a February activity.
Dates: Monday, November 23, through December 30, 2026, closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas DayLocation: North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports ComplexTickets / Info: $25 per standard vehicle on Santa’s Village nights and $20 on select non-village nights through December 9. Just take note that tickets are sold only at the entrance gate, with no online or advance sales.
What to Expect: The gates open 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for a two-mile drive through more than two million lights. Afterward, park and walk over to Santa’s Village, which is open Thursday through Sunday from November 27 through December 6, then nightly December 10 through 30, excluding Christmas Day.
Myrtle Beach takes its Christmas shows very seriously. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special (often referred to as “The Christmas Show of the South”) has become one of the longest-running traditions in the area, and it offers music, comedy, and dance.
The Alabama Theatre’s holiday production (“The South’s Grandest Christmas Show”) runs in November and December.
Pirates Voyage also presents a festive holiday edition of its dinner show.
While all three are seasonal offerings, they are not attractions for the entire winter. Also, tickets to the better seats will sell quickly, so book early.
Barefoot Landing normally decorates the area with some festive decorations and activities along the waterfront during the holiday season. The full 2026 holiday schedule has not yet been published.
Please check back to this guide periodically, as it will be updated once we receive additional information about the 2026 holiday events at Barefoot Landing.
While Ripley’s Aquarium is always a good choice for an indoor attraction that is open throughout the year, the details for the 2026-27 Festival of Trees have not yet been released.
Please check back to this guide periodically; it will be updated once we receive more information regarding the 2026-27 Festival of Trees.
The tinsel may be packed away, but the stage lights stay on. Here are a few confirmed dates worth circling.
Date: January 17, 2027Location: The Carolina Opry Theater
This is a tribute for classic rock fans that blends the Beatles, the Doors, and Led Zeppelin.
Date: January 29, 2027Location: The Carolina Opry Theater
The disco legends will roll into town on their Get Down Tonight World Tour. It’s proof that January can still boogie.
Date: February 5th, 2027Location: The Carolina Opry TheaterA tribute to Journey and Heart, which is just perfect for belting power ballads (with a room full of strangers, no less).
Holiday shopping is a full-time hobby in Myrtle Beach. With fewer crowds and easier parking, there are no excuses not to get out and shop this holiday season. If you want to be in one place that has stores, restaurants, and entertainment all together, then come visit “Broadway at the Beach.”
There’s also Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach (which has great water views), Tanger Outlets (which has two locations), The Market Common (a shopping area with a small-town feel), and Coastal Grand Mall (which has your basic department stores).
Just remember some places may be closed due to the slower season, so always call to confirm the hours of operation before visiting.
If you would rather stay in your hotel room instead of going out for dinner, you’ll be glad to hear that there’s in-room dining at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. At Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, there are also three other dining options, including Reflections Coffee (morning coffee), WaterScapes Restaurant (waterfront view), and Reflections Kitchen & Bar (great place to grab a drink or a light meal).
The rest of Myrtle Beach continues to thrive throughout the holiday season. Restaurants in Myrtle Beach, such as Murrells Inlet seafood spots, downtown favorites, and comfort food restaurants, continue to serve guests.
To experience some of what Myrtle Beach has to offer in terms of local flavor, you need look no further than Grand Strand Brewing Co., which is located on North Kings Highway in downtown Myrtle Beach, where they also produce craft beers within walking distance of the Boardwalk.
A similar brewery is located in Murrells Inlet called Crooked Hammock Brewery. They offer craft beers and a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a backyard. Twelve 33 Distillery is located in North Myrtle Beach and produces small-batch distilled spirits.
Not all dolphins migrate to warmer waters during the winter months, but cruise schedules will be significantly reduced. There are some tour operators that will provide “winter dolphin tours,” although they will depart at much lower frequencies than during the peak summer months. The availability of these tours may also depend upon the current weather conditions, the status of the seas, and the number of interested passengers.
Take note that a cold and/or windy day could result in a canceled trip with short notice. If you wish to take advantage of a winter cruise schedule, it would be best to contact the individual tour operator directly prior to planning out your itinerary.
Winter is one of those times of the year when you get to see what the quieter side of the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has to offer. It sits next to the Intracoastal Waterway looking out over the Grande Dunes Marina, so it gives an upscale and much less hectic feeling than a busy or loud beach town.
A lot of people have come to realize just how important it is to have large rooms and suites during their trips. So many times, people may spend a little extra time inside their suite because they want to relax or just enjoy each other’s company. Some rooms and suites also have fireplaces, which folks can gather around.
The pools at the Marina Inn are open year-round. The infinity edge pool and both jacuzzis are open and heated 365 days a year from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There’s also a heated indoor pool as well as a fitness center for use when it’s colder outside. Take note that the Deep End Pool Bar is seasonal (April through September), so it will be closed during the winter months.
Another option that adds to relaxation after spending time playing golf or walking around Myrtle Beach is to take advantage of the in-room massages and spa services that are offered by the hotel.
On-site dining options include WaterScapes, Reflections Kitchen & Bar, Reflections Coffee, and in-room dining. Golfers can check into packages that allow them to combine a room reservation with tee times at local golf courses such as the Grande Dunes Resort Course.
If you’re planning on visiting Myrtle Beach for a longer period of time and need a long-term housing solution, the Marina Inn offers monthly rentals for the winter of 2026-27. These monthly rentals are available for two- and three-bedroom suites ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 sq ft. The availability begins on December 1, 2026, and ends on February 28, 2027. A minimum of 28 days is required for these types of rentals.
Two-bedroom condominium rentals are $2,000 in December, $1,500 in January, and $2,000 in February. Three-bedroom condominium rentals are $2,500 in December, $2,000 in January, and $2,500 in February.
In addition to the monthly rate, a daily 15% resort fee and 13% tax will also be charged. All renters should contact the Marina Inn directly for further information regarding cancellation policies, deposits, housekeeping fees, etc.
A bit of planning is helpful during the off-season. Be sure to look at the business hours for your destination attractions prior to leaving, as many cut back on operating hours (and days) when it gets cold. Many of the holiday shows and events sell out quickly, so book those early if you want to go. If you plan to go golfing, be sure to call ahead and confirm your tee time.
Prior to going outside, make sure to layer up and check the weather; it’s possible that what started out as a nice 60-degree sunny day will quickly become windy and chilly. Be sure to contact the dolphin cruise operator directly to verify availability as well.
Yes. Winter offers quieter beaches, excellent golf weather, and a steady calendar of entertainment, all at a slower pace.
Mild by most standards. Average highs run from the mid-50s to around 59°F, with lows in the upper 30s to around 40°F from December through February.
Not comfortably. Ocean temperatures generally sit around 50 to 55°F, which is too cold for most recreational swimmers. Heated pools are the better bet.
Generally, no. It’s much quieter than summer, though crowds can pick up around Christmas, New Year’s, and major events.
Yes, the Boardwalk itself is open, but individual businesses may have reduced or seasonal hours.
Many do. Some amusement attractions, tours, and beach services are seasonal, so confirm hours before visiting.
It takes place along the Downtown Myrtle Beach Boardwalk near Plyler Park, running November 27, 2026, through January 2, 2027.
Myrtle Beach during winter is more than just a crowded summer destination. It has milder daytime temperatures, fewer people on the beach, smaller crowds on golf courses, fewer hikers on nature trails, and plenty to do indoors when you want to stay inside.
There are also plenty of things to do during the month of December especially, as there are holiday light displays, garden candlelight nights, and Christmas performances. And then in January and February, there will still be many concerts and tributes to enjoy, and overall, the pace of life is just much slower.
In short, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes will provide all of the amenities of an upscale resort hotel, including waterfront views, heated swimming pools, and restaurants located on-site. It’s an ideal base for a relaxed winter stay on the Grand Strand.
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