January in Myrtle Beach isn't exactly a tropical paradise. Honestly, if you’re coming here expecting bikinis and sunscreen in the middle of winter, you’ve basically got it all wrong. It's beautiful, sure. But it’s a "light jacket and hot coffee by the ocean" kind of beautiful.
Planning a trip based on the 30 day forecast Myrtle Beach SC requires a bit of a reality check. Most people look at the monthly average and think it’s a steady climb. It’s not. It’s a roller coaster. You might wake up to a crisp 32°F morning only to be sitting on a patio in 65°F sunshine by 2:00 PM.
The Wild Reality of a Winter 30 Day Forecast Myrtle Beach SC
Weather along the Grand Strand is notoriously fickle during the transition from January into February. Right now, looking at the long-range outlook for 2026, we are seeing a pattern that meteorologists often call "active." That basically means the jet stream is dipping low, dragging cold Canadian air down one week, then letting the Atlantic humidity creep back in the next.
Expect a lot of back-and-forth.
For the latter half of January, the 30 day forecast Myrtle Beach SC suggests a dip in temperatures. We’re looking at daytime highs struggling to break 50°F between January 18th and 22nd. Nighttime lows will likely hover in the high 20s. If you’re staying in an oceanfront rental, that sea breeze is going to feel sharp.
But then, the flip happens.
By the end of the month, around January 28th to February 4th, we’re seeing a warming trend. We could hit the mid-60s. That’s the "false spring" locals talk about. It’s the perfect time for golf, but don't pack away the hoodie just yet.
Rain and the Dreaded "Grey Days"
Is it going to rain? Probably.
Statistically, January and February see about 3.4 to 3.6 inches of rain. It’s not the torrential downpours of hurricane season. It’s more of a persistent drizzle. The current outlook shows a high probability of "wet days" (at least 0.04 inches of rain) around January 25th and again in early February.
✨ Don't miss: Coney Island Explained: More Than Just a Run-down Boardwalk
The cloud cover is the real mood killer. In January, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 48% of the time. If you’re a photographer or just someone who needs vitamin D, aim for the mid-month windows where the High Pressure systems usually clear things out.
What the Stats Don’t Tell You (But I Will)
If you look at a standard weather site, they’ll tell you the average high is 56°F. That’s a lie—well, it’s a mathematical truth that feels like a lie.
On a sunny day in Myrtle Beach, 56°F feels like 65°F. On a windy, cloudy day? It feels like 40°F. The humidity here doesn't disappear just because it's cold; it just turns into a damp chill that gets into your bones.
Ocean Temperatures:
If you’re thinking about swimming, stop. Just stop. The water temperature right now is hovering around 50°F to 52°F. Unless you are a dedicated surfer in a 5/4/3mm hooded wetsuit with boots and gloves, the Atlantic is off-limits.
The Frost Factor:
We get about 42 frost days a year. Most of those happen right now. If you're driving in from further south, don't be surprised to see a thin layer of ice on your windshield at the hotel.
Why the Forecast Matters for Your Itinerary
Because the 30 day forecast Myrtle Beach SC is so jumpy, you have to be a tactical packer.
- The Layering Rule: You need a windbreaker. Not a heavy parka, but something that stops the Atlantic gusts.
- Indoor Backups: If the forecast shows that 75% chance of rain on January 29th, book your tee time for earlier in the week and save that day for the Ripley’s Aquarium or the Hollywood Wax Museum.
- The Golf Caveat: If you’re here for the greens, the morning frost often leads to "frost delays." If the forecast shows a low of 28°F, don't expect to tee off at 7:30 AM. The courses will hold you back until the grass thaws to prevent damage.
Actionable Tips for Navigating the Next 30 Days
Don't just stare at the app on your phone. Most of those generic apps use global models that miss the "coastal effect."
- Watch the Wind: If the wind is coming from the North/Northwest, subtract 5 degrees from whatever the forecast says. If it's coming from the South, it’s going to be a gorgeous day.
- Check Local Radar: Use local news stations like WMBF or WPDE. Their meteorologists understand how the Appalachian Mountains and the Gulf Stream play tug-of-war over our zip code.
- Book Flexibly: If you’re looking at the 30 day forecast Myrtle Beach SC and see a massive cold front, try to shift your outdoor activities to the "shoulder days" of that front.
The best way to handle Myrtle Beach in the winter is to embrace the quiet. The crowds are gone. The prices are dirt cheap. Even a "cold" day at the beach beats a snowy day in the Midwest. Just keep an eye on those late-January rain stretches and pack an extra sweater.
To make the most of your trip, track the daily pressure changes on a reliable local weather site and keep your schedule loose enough to swap a beach walk for a shopping trip at Barefoot Landing when the clouds roll in.