Honestly, most people think January in the Carolinas is just a "less hot" version of summer. It isn't. If you’re looking at the myrtle beach weather next week, you’re actually looking at a pretty wild swing between legitimate winter chill and those weirdly mild afternoons that make you wonder if spring is trying to cut in line.
I've seen people show up here in January with nothing but flip-flops and a light hoodie. Big mistake. Huge.
The Real Forecast Breakdown
Right now, the data from Google Weather shows we’re heading into a week that starts out crisp and ends with a genuine surprise. Monday, January 19, is looking like a classic winter beach day. We’re talking a high of 50°F and a low of 31°F. It’ll be sunny, but that 8 mph wind coming off the west is going to bite if you’re standing on the boardwalk without a windbreaker.
Tuesday gets even colder, dipping to a high of 47°F. This is the part people get wrong—they see "South Carolina" and think "balmy." Nope. Not this week.
But check this out: By Thursday, the mercury jumps up to 59°F. That’s almost a 12-degree swing in 48 hours. It’s that classic Grand Strand volatility. One day you’re wearing a wool hat, the next you’re actually comfortable eating lunch outside at Broadway at the Beach.
Wait, Is It Going to Snow?
This is where it gets interesting. According to current models, the weekend—specifically Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25—is showing a real chance of snow. Now, before you freak out and buy all the bread and milk in Horry County, remember that "snow" in Myrtle Beach usually means a few slushy flakes that melt the second they hit the sand.
Saturday is looking at a high of 42°F with a 35% chance of snow during the day, increasing to 40% at night. Sunday is even more aggressive with a 75% chance of light snow.
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Is it going to be a blizzard? Probably not. But with winds kicking up to 17 mph from the north/northeast, it’s going to feel significantly colder than the number on the thermometer. If you’re planning a walk on the beach next weekend, you’ll want layers. Lots of them.
Why Local Expertise Matters
I’ve spent enough time around here to know that the myrtle beach weather next week is basically a test of your packing skills. The humidity is going to hover between 43% and 75%. That high humidity on Sunday (75%) combined with a 41-degree high is a "wet cold." It gets into your bones. It’s not like a dry cold in the mountains; it’s a heavy, damp chill that makes a hot coffee from a local spot like Beach Hippie Coffee feel like a literal lifesaver.
The Myth of the "Winter Beach"
People ask me all the time if it’s worth visiting when the weather is like this.
Kinda depends on what you want.
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If you want to swim, obviously you're out of luck unless your hotel has a heated indoor pool. The ocean is sitting at a brisk 51°F. You aren't going in there without a thick wetsuit and a lapse in judgment. But if you want the beach to yourself? This is the week. You can walk for miles near the State Park and barely see another soul. It’s peaceful in a way the July crowds never allow.
What to Pack (Don't Be That Tourist)
Basically, you need a wardrobe for three different climates.
- The Heavy Hitter: A real coat for those 30-degree nights.
- The Layer: A fleece or cardigan for the 59-degree Thursday.
- The Shield: Something waterproof for the snowy/rainy mix expected Friday and Saturday.
The UV index is staying low—around a 1 to 3—so you don't need to go heavy on the sunscreen, but the wind is the real factor. Those 17 mph gusts on the weekend will turn a "chilly" day into a "stay inside and watch a movie" day real quick.
Actionable Tips for Next Week
Since the myrtle beach weather next week is looking a bit tumultuous toward the end, here is how you should actually play it:
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- Schedule outdoor stuff early. Monday through Wednesday are your best bets for clear skies, even if it's cold.
- Thursday is your "Spring" day. If you want to do the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk or Brookgreen Gardens, do it Thursday when it hits 59°F.
- Prepare for the weekend shutdown. If the snow actually sticks (rare, but possible), the area isn't great with ice. Keep your Friday night and Saturday morning plans flexible.
- Check the wind, not just the temp. A 50-degree day with 5 mph wind is lovely. A 50-degree day with 15 mph wind is miserable.
If you're heading down, enjoy the quiet. The Grand Strand is a different beast in the winter, and honestly, it's one of my favorite versions of this place. Just don't forget the heavy socks.