You’ve probably heard the rumors that the Grand Strand basically shuts down when the calendar hits January. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While the "Dirty Myrtle" reputation for wild summer parties takes a breather, the winter vibe is actually pretty chill—literally and figuratively. If you're looking at the weekend weather in Myrtle Beach SC for January 18, 2026, you’re going to need to swap the bikini for a decent windbreaker.
It’s not going to be a tropical paradise this Sunday. Let's just be real about that.
The Sunday setup: Rain and a bit of a chill
If you were planning on a sunrise yoga session on the sand this Sunday, January 18, you might want to move it indoors. The forecast is calling for rain during the day with a high of 48°F. That’s a bit of a dip from the usual mid-January averages we see around here, which typically hover closer to 56°F.
The humidity is sitting heavy at 90%, so that 48 degrees is going to feel a bit "soak into your bones" cold rather than a crisp, dry cold.
Wind is coming in from the northwest at 13 mph. It's not a gale, but it's enough to make the beach feel significantly colder than the boardwalk. Tonight, the temperature is expected to drop to 34°F. There’s even a 20% chance of snow overnight. Now, before you go buying a sled, remember this is Myrtle Beach. "Snow" here usually means a few confused flakes that melt before they even hit the pavement, but it’s a cool bit of trivia for your Sunday night.
Why the locals actually like this
You might think rain ruins a beach weekend. Kinda does if you’re only here for the tan. But for anyone who actually knows the area, this is prime "locals' season."
The crowds are nonexistent. You can actually get a table at the best spots without a two-hour wait. Plus, it’s Restaurant Week South Carolina right now (running through today, January 18). This is basically the Olympics for foodies in the Carolinas. Local heavyweights are offering fixed-price menus that make high-end dining actually affordable.
Better than sitting in your hotel room
So, it’s raining. What now?
Honestly, the weekend weather in Myrtle Beach SC shouldn’t stop you from doing much besides swimming. Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are still moving. If you’re a music fan, the Carolina Opry has the "Piano Men" tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel tonight. It’s indoors, it’s warm, and it’s way better than watching cable in a hotel room.
- Ripley’s Aquarium: Always a solid backup. You can walk through the shark tunnel and forget it’s 48 degrees and drizzling outside.
- The SkyWheel: The gondolas are temperature-controlled. You get the view of the Atlantic without the northwest wind whipping your hair into a bird's nest.
- Museums: The Myrtle Beach Art Museum is a hidden gem, and it’s a great way to kill a rainy afternoon without spending a fortune.
A quick look at the numbers
To keep things simple, here is what Sunday looks like:
The high is 48°F with a 75% chance of rain during the day. By the time the sun goes down, it’ll be partly cloudy and drop to 34°F. The wind is steady from the northwest at 13 mph. Humidity is high at 90%, and the UV index is a flat 0, so leave the sunscreen in the bag.
Most visitors get caught off guard because they see "South Carolina" and think "warm." January is the coldest month of the year here. We're currently in the middle of a "cool season" that usually lasts until early March. The average water temperature is around 51°F—definitely not swimming weather unless you're part of a Polar Plunge club.
Actionable next steps for your Sunday
If you’re currently in town or heading in, don't let the clouds bum you out.
First, grab a heavy hoodie or a waterproof jacket. The northwest wind is no joke when it's coming off the marsh. Second, check the Restaurant Week list. Since it’s the final day, spots like 21 Main or Hook & Barrel might be busy, but it’s worth a phone call.
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Third, if the rain lets up for even twenty minutes, get down to the shoreline. This is the best time for "shelling." With fewer people on the beach and the churning water from the wind, you’re much more likely to find shark teeth or lettered olives than you would in July.
Basically, Sunday is a day for good food, indoor entertainment, and maybe a quick, brisk walk on the sand to remind yourself why you love the coast—even when it's acting a little moody. Just stay dry and keep an eye out for those "snow" flakes tonight; it’s a rare sight for the Grand Strand.