If you’re staring at the 20 day weather forecast myrtle beach sc hoping for a definitive "yes" to your beach chair and swimsuit, I’ve got some news. It’s complicated. Not bad, just... fickle.
The Grand Strand in late January and early February is a wild card. Most people think South Carolina is a year-round tropical paradise, but honestly, the locals are currently wearing beanies. We’re in that weird transition where the Atlantic is freezing, but the afternoon sun still tries to convince you it's May.
The Realistic Look at the Next 20 Days
Right now, looking through the end of January 2026 into the first week of February, we are seeing a classic "roller coaster" pattern. The jet stream is acting up. One day you'll have a high of 64°F that feels like a gift from the heavens, and the next morning you're scraping frost off a windshield because it plummeted to 31°F overnight.
Expect a bit of a cold snap around Jan 23rd to 25th. The models are showing some moisture moving in, which usually means "chilly rain" in Myrtle Beach terms. It’s the kind of damp cold that gets into your bones if you aren’t layered up properly.
But then? February looks like it might pull a fast one on us. Historical data and the latest long-range outlooks suggest a warmer-than-average start to the month. We’re talking highs consistently hitting that 58°F to 61°F sweet spot by the second week of February.
What the Numbers Actually Mean
You'll see a lot of "averages" when you Google this stuff. Average high: 56°F. Average low: 36°F.
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Averages are lies.
They don't tell you about the 72°F day that happens once every three years in January (it happened in 1932, and it's happened as recently as 2025). They also don't mention the "Appalachian Wedge" – that's when cold air gets trapped against the mountains and spills over to the coast, keeping us in a gray, 40-degree drizzle for three days straight.
If you're coming for golf, the next 20 days are actually pretty decent. Most of the rain coming through is scattered. You’ll get 9 days of "some" rainfall over the next month, but it’s rarely a total washout.
The Ocean Temperature Reality Check
Forget about swimming. Just don’t.
The water temperature right now is hovering around 51°F. To put that in perspective, anything below 60°F is considered high risk for hypothermia if you're just out there in trunks. Even the most hardcore surfers are decked out in 4/3mm full suits, boots, and hoods.
- Average Air Temp: 57°F (Late Jan/Early Feb)
- Average Water Temp: 51°F
- Sunny Days: About 15 per month in winter
If you want to be in the water, find a resort with an indoor pool. Places like Monterey Bay Suites or some of the bigger spots at Broadway at the Beach keep their indoor sections humid and tropical precisely because they know the Atlantic is a block of ice this time of year.
Why the 20 Day Weather Forecast Myrtle Beach SC Still Matters
So why look this far ahead? Planning.
The "off-season" is the best time to see the gardens and the boardwalk without feeling like you're in a mosh pit. Brookgreen Gardens is hauntingly beautiful in the winter light. You can actually walk through Barefoot Landing without dodging a thousand strollers.
The wind is your biggest enemy. A 55-degree day is lovely. A 55-degree day with a 20mph gust coming off the ocean feels like 40 degrees. If you’re checking the 20 day weather forecast myrtle beach sc, look at the wind speeds as much as the temperature.
Packing for the Unpredictable
You need layers. Seriously.
I’ve seen tourists show up in February with nothing but shorts and a "Life is Good" t-shirt, and they look miserable by 4:00 PM. The sun goes down, the heat vanishes, and the coastal humidity turns into a damp chill.
Bring a windbreaker. Pack a light puffer jacket. You’ll probably peel them off by noon, but you’ll want them the second you step into the shade of a high-rise condo.
Actionable Strategy for Your Visit
- Monitor the "Fronts": Watch for cold fronts moving from the Midwest. They usually hit Myrtle Beach 24-48 hours later.
- Book Flexibly: If you're coming for outdoor activities, try to keep your itinerary fluid. Golf on the sunny days; hit the Hollywood Wax Museum or Ripley's Aquarium on the "gray" days.
- Check the Tide: On these cooler days, a low tide in the mid-afternoon is the best time for a beach walk. The sand is firmer, and the sun reflects off the wet shore, making it feel a few degrees warmer than the boardwalk.
Basically, the next three weeks are going to be a mix of "light jacket weather" and "stay inside and drink coffee weather." It’s the quietest the beach will be all year. Embrace the silence, keep an eye on those wind gusts, and don't expect to work on your tan.
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To get the most out of this window, download a high-resolution radar app to track the scattered showers in real-time. Check the wind direction—if it’s coming from the North or East, add a layer.