Winter in Myrtle Beach isn’t what you might expect. While the Grand Strand is a year-round tourism destination, what you do in the summer isn’t quite the same as what you’ll experience during the holiday season and well into winter.
It may be too cold to dip your toes into the ocean (though warmer days are still perfect for collecting seashells along the shoreline and watching the waves crashing in). Yet, there’s so much more to do here. Winter in Myrtle Beach is fabulous, the ideal getaway whether you’re looking for something to do after Christmas or you’re planning a trip in the middle of the winter months.
Once you’ve booked a fantastic place to stay in either Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach, it’s time to start your trip planning.
Explore the best things to do in the Myrtle Beach area during the colder months.
Winter Weather in Myrtle Beach
Winter in Myrtle Beach isn’t as cold as some areas. The Grand Strand experiences an average high of 55 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit each day. However, the water is too cold for a swim at around 50 degrees.
Lows can drop into the 30s, and while it’s not necessarily common, a few snow flurries could welcome you to the area in the middle of the winter months.
Best Things to Do in the Winter
Getting indoors at this time of the year makes sense. Luckily, there’s plenty to experience. All those locations you duck into to escape the summer’s intense heat are now the perfect destinations to warm up when the boardwalk gets chilly.
Note that some attractions close for the season, including many of the smaller shops and restaurants along the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach itself. Yet, as any locals would tell you, winter is the best time to explore the area’s best amenities. Some of the best things to do for adults make this time of the year ideal, with very few crowds to worry about getting in your way.
Here’s what we suggest for a fantastic winter getaway:
Take in a Show
The theaters and performing arts locations throughout Myrtle Beach come to life during the winter months as everyone stops into the area. You’ll find everything from live bands and theater to fun, engaging activities.
There’s something here for everyone. Check out these venues for their daily changing schedule of shows:
- The Alabama Theatre at Barefoot Landing
- Broadway Theater at Broadway at the Beach
- The Carolina Opry Theater
- Charles Bach Wonders Theatre at Broadway at the Beach
- Greg Rowles Legacy Theater
Get Active
Notably, outdoor activities are weather-dependent. High winds, cold temperatures, and wetter-than-normal conditions can sideline some of these activities during the winter months.
If you’re in the area and want to try these activities, call before you head out to do so.
- Go parasailing over the oceanfront
- Check out the Skywheel
- Take a helicopter tour
- Explore the Huntington Beach State Park
- Head out on a boat for some wintertime fishing
Take in the Museums
Myrtle Beach museums are pretty fabulous places to explore throughout the year. Most are open this time of year for those taking a winter vacation, and you can often find discounts and promotional offers.
Some of the best locations to explore include:
- The legendary Hollywood Wax Museum
- Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
- Wheels of Yesteryear
- Beyond Van Gogh
- North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum
Explore Family Fun Attractions
Even in the off-season, Myrtle Beach is perfect for family activities. This area of South Carolina has far fewer crowds once November rolls in, and that trend continues through March.
If you are hoping to come to the area to experience classic Myrtle Beach fun, there’s no reason not to check out some of these fantastic experiences.
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for snacks and sightseeing
- Alligator Adventure (can be limited depending on temperatures)
- Mini Golf
- WonderWorks for hands-on activities and exhibits
Go Shopping
Plenty of people come to Myrtle Beach to shop, and we cannot blame them. While coming at the start of the holiday season gives you access to holiday shopping at its best, don’t overlook the malls and outlets during the middle of winter. While the golf courses may be closed, you’ll still find plenty of goodies discounted during winter clearance sales.
Dozens of boutiques and shops exist, though some of the more tourist-driven destinations close in the fall. The following are some of the best shopping areas in the city:
Winter Events in Myrtle Beach
Whether you’re a snowbird coming to the city for a less snow-filled winter or visiting on vacation, some fantastic events and activities happen throughout the winter months in Myrtle Beach.
That includes holiday events (like those celebrated each year) and wintertime fun meant to make everyone enjoy the beauty of this natural destination. If you plan to visit Myrtle Beach, any of these activities could be a reason to go on your own.
Brookgreen Gardens – Nights of a Thousand Candles
Perhaps one of the best ways to experience the holidays for more authentic reasons is to attend the Nights of a Thousand Candles, which happens evenings at Brookgreen Gardens. Walk along the paths to see the area’s gardens and groves decorated for the holidays.
After you’re done hearing the holiday music, you can enjoy a cup of hot cider and chat with friends as you warm up. It’s simple and perfectly suited for those looking to experience winter’s best.
Winter Wonderland at The Beach
This free light display turns the beach into a beautiful display of the holiday’s best. Winter Wonderland at The Beach happens along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (which is open all year). From light displays of favorite characters to those that offer fun themes, it’s the perfect way to bring the whole family together to celebrate the holidays.
Santa may make an appearance, and there are always fun activities going on. There could be a DJ-infused dance party at Plyler Park, or you could do some caroling of your own.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
For a Christmas show you will not find anywhere else, check out Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show. The event is all about “Yo ho-ing” for the holidays with a pirate theme.
It comes with a four-course holiday feast of classic food choices and lots of laughing. It’s hard to miss the fun of the acrobatics and the comical castaways you are sure to fall in love with and want to visit again.
Explore All That Winter in Myrtle Beach Can Bring to Your Experience
Celebrate the New Year and have some holiday cheer while you explore all that winter in Myrtle Beach has to offer. Myrtle Beach is far less crowded yet still exciting, with plenty to see and do throughout the season.
Even once the holidays are over, the fun doesn’t seem to stop. What you will find is a way to soak in the exceptional beauty of this area no matter the time of the year.
