Myrtle Beach’s 60 miles of coastline attracts large crowds during the summer months. However, things calm down in the fall when festival season kicks off and the weather cools down for golfers.
Here are our picks for the best time to go to Myrtle Beach.
High Season: June to August
Best time for the beach and concerts
July and August see the busiest months, but crowds thin out in late August. All seasonal attractions are operational, along with several concert series including Hot Summer Nights and Sounds of Summer Concert Series. In terms of other festivals, this is generally a quiet time, as most visitors prefer to soak up the sun on the beach. It’s essential to remember that hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and runs through the end of November, with a higher risk beginning in late August.
Shoulder Season: March to May; September to October
Best time for golf and festivals
The advantage of shoulder season is the reduced crowds at most attractions and shows, resulting in shorter wait times at restaurants. From March to May, cooler temperatures make for excellent golfing conditions, although green fees trend higher. In the fall, you can enjoy festival season with plenty of sunshine and summer-like temperatures. The ocean remains warm enough for swimming through October.
Low Season: November to February
Best time for budget travelers
Hotel and resort rates are at their lowest, offering fantastic deals on oceanfront rooms. While some attractions close, holiday events and shows begin in early November and continue through the first weekend in January.
January
The cold weather keeps most visitors away, resulting in the cheapest hotel rates of the year. While there are no major events aside from Restaurant Week South Carolina, this period allows for one of the most affordable times to enjoy golf.
Key Events: Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles, Restaurant Week South Carolina
February
Although crowds are still sparse, hotel room rates begin to increase slightly despite the ongoing cold weather. Many theaters remain closed during the month as Myrtle Beach prepares for spring.
March
As Spring Break season starts, college students flock to the beaches seeking celebration. Many seasonal attractions and restaurants begin to reopen, and golf season is in full swing.
Key Events: Can-Am Days Festival, Myrtle Beach Marathon
April
April typically brings warm days paired with cool nights. While tee times and green fees can rise, accommodations tend to remain more affordable than during peak season. Spring Break for K-12 schools coincides with Easter, making it a popular time for families to visit.
Key Events: Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Horry County Fair
May
Early May is usually warm and less crowded. The spring motorcycle rallies kick off during the second week of May and run through Memorial Day, at which point both crowds and hotel rates start to rise.
Key Events: World Famous Blue Crab Festival, Atlantic Bike Week, Spring bike rally
June
Early June attracts families and recent graduates looking to celebrate. The heat and crowds significantly increase throughout the month. Although hurricane season officially starts in June, it remains a favorable time to visit with various waterparks and amusement parks open.
Key Events: Carolina Country Music Fest, Conway Riverfest, Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Hot Summer Nights
July
In July, the crowds and hotel rates peak. All attractions are open; however, expect longer wait times across the board. Numerous events celebrate July 4th, along with multiple outdoor concert series.
Key Events: Salute from the Shore, Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Hot Summer Nights
August
The heat and humidity persist, yet crowds start to diminish in late August as school resumes. It’s advisable to check the weather before visiting, as the risk for hurricanes begins to spike towards the end of the month.
Key Events: Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Hot Summer Nights
September
Post-Labor Day, crowd sizes drop significantly, allowing visitors to spread out on the beach and navigate traffic more easily. The weather remains warm, and most attractions remain operational. This time also marks the second busiest golf season, so expect higher prices.
Key Events: Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down, Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, Fall bike rally
October
By October, summer humidity and high season rates fade. Though nighttime temperatures begin to cool, the ocean stays warm enough for swimming. Importantly, the risk of hurricanes substantially decreases near the month’s end.
Key Events: Little River ShrimpFest, Loris Bog-Off Festival, Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
November
November brings significant discounts on hotel rates. Holiday attractions and shows commence early in the month, marking the end of hurricane season.
Key Events: Myrtle Beach Invitational, Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles
December
While December weather typically trends chilly, warmer days can still occur. Holiday shopping and festivities are at their peak.
Key Events: A Grand Strand Holiday, Myrtle Beach Bowl, Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles
