You’re thinking about hitting the Grand Strand in the dead of winter. Honestly, most people think Myrtle Beach just shuts down when the temperature drops, or they assume it's going to be a tropical escape while the rest of the country freezes. Neither is really true. If you're looking at a 2 week weather forecast myrtle beach, you’re going to see a roller coaster.
One day you're walking the boardwalk in a light hoodie with the sun hitting your face, and the next, you’re hunkered down because a northwest wind is cutting right through you. January in South Carolina is weird like that. It’s "off-season" for a reason, but for a certain type of traveler—the kind who hates crowds and likes cheap hotel rates—it’s actually the best time to be here.
The Reality of the 2 week weather forecast myrtle beach
Right now, we're looking at a bit of a split personality in the atmosphere. Today, January 14, 2026, it's pretty gray. We’ve got a high of 56°F with clouds hanging low and about a 31% chance of rain. It feels like a standard winter day on the coast—damp and cool. But don’t get used to it.
The immediate outlook is actually going to get a lot colder before it gets better. Tomorrow, Thursday the 15th, the sun comes out, which sounds great until you see the numbers. We’re dropping to a high of 46°F, and the overnight low is going to hit a bone-chilling 25°F. That’s actual "frost on the dunes" weather.
If you’re planning to be here for the full two weeks, here is the basic vibe of what to expect based on the current data:
- The Cold Snap (Jan 15–Jan 16): Sunny but sharp. Highs struggle to get into the mid-40s. Northwest winds around 15 mph will make it feel much colder.
- The Weekend Warm-up (Jan 17): This is the outlier. Saturday is looking fantastic with a high of 62°F. If you want to do the SkyWheel or walk the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet, this is your window.
- The Rain Reset (Jan 18): Sunday brings the rain back. Expect about a 65% chance of precipitation and temperatures sliding back down to 45°F.
- The Steady Middle (Jan 19–Jan 24): We settle into a groove of "typical" January weather. Highs will hover between 42°F and 62°F, mostly partly sunny.
The wind is the real player here. When it comes from the North or Northwest, like it will on Tuesday the 20th, that 42°F high is going to feel like a refrigerator. But by the following Saturday, January 24, we’re back up to 62°F with a southeast breeze. It’s total whiplash.
Why the Ocean Temp Matters (Even if You Aren't Swimming)
Don't even think about jumping in the water without a serious wetsuit. The sea temperature is hovering around 54°F to 57°F. That’s "gasp-inducing" cold.
However, that cold water acts like a giant ice pack for the beach. It keeps the immediate shoreline cooler than the inland areas during the day. If you’re staying at a resort right on Ocean Blvd, you might notice it’s 5 degrees cooler on your balcony than it is while you're shopping at Tanger Outlets a few miles inland.
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What to Actually Do When the Forecast is "Meh"
Since you aren't going to be tanning, you’ve gotta pivot. The good news is that Myrtle Beach in January is a playground for adults and families who don't want to wait in two-hour lines.
Indoor Escapes
When that 65% chance of rain hits on Sunday the 18th, head to Broadway at the Beach. Ripley’s Aquarium is actually better in the winter because you can actually see the sharks without being elbowed by a thousand tourists. Also, the Hollywood Wax Museum or WonderWorks are solid "hide from the rain" spots.
The Golf Situation
Golfers love this 2 week weather forecast myrtle beach. Why? Because playing in 55°F weather is a dream compared to the 95°F humidity of July. Just pack layers. You’ll start your round at 8:00 AM in a heavy jacket and likely be in a polo by the 12th hole if the sun is out.
Walking the Parks
If you get one of those sunny 46°F days, go to Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park. The "winter light" over the ocean is incredible for photos. Plus, January is prime time for bird-watching. You might even spot a bald eagle or some rare migratory waterfowl in the freshwater lagoons.
Packing for the Grand Strand in January
Basically, pack like you’re going to three different climates. You need:
- A heavy windbreaker or parka for those 25°F nights.
- A light fleece or hoodie for the 60°F afternoons.
- Solid walking shoes (the sand is cold, so flip-flops are a bad move).
- An umbrella. South Carolina winter rain isn't usually a monsoon, but a steady "sprinkle" can ruin a walk pretty fast.
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
The biggest misconception is that "Sunny" means "Warm." In the summer, sun equals heat. In January, a perfectly clear blue sky usually means a high-pressure system has moved in from the north, bringing dry, freezing air.
Actually, the "Cloudy" days are sometimes warmer because the cloud cover acts like a blanket, trapping the heat in. Look at Wednesday the 14th vs. Thursday the 15th. Wednesday is cloudy and 56°F. Thursday is sunny and 46°F. The sun is a liar in the winter.
Another thing? The humidity. It’s way lower now, around 41% to 50%. This makes the air feel "crisp." It’s great for your hair, but it’ll dry out your skin fast if you’re spending hours walking the shoreline.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're looking at this forecast and wondering how to move forward, here’s the plan. First, book your tee times or outdoor activities for Saturday the 17th or Friday the 23rd—those look like the "peak" days for warmth. Second, keep Sunday the 18th open for indoor stuff like the movies at The Market Common or a dinner show like Pirates Voyage; the rain will likely wash out any beach plans. Finally, check the wind direction before you head out for a walk. If it's coming from the North at 15 mph, stay on the leeward side of the buildings or stick to the shops at Barefoot Landing where you’ve got some protection.
This 14-day stretch is going to be chilly, but it’s remarkably quiet and peaceful. Embrace the "Big Coat" beach life. It’s a different kind of magic.