According to the experts, there are three times of year that are best for visiting Myrtle Beach: Spring, Summer and Fall. The reason is simple – it’s just not hot enough in the other two seasons! And because we’re so popular with families, most hotels offer great family deals during these off-peak months. Now let’s talk about what you can expect when you arrive on our sandy shores.
Best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach:
The tourism agency in Myrtle Beach considers spring and fall as the best times to visit. Due to the mild temperatures, these seasons are often very busy there. If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting during winter or summer – even though it will be colder and hotter, respectively.
The best month to visit Myrtle Beach:
The best month to visit Myrtle Beach depends on what you are looking for. The most optimal time of year to visit is usually between May and September, but the seasons vary from one year to another. For example, in 2018, the fall has been very busy with an 8% increase compared to 2017. We recommend checking out our article about how to avoid the busiest times at popular destinations, which includes some useful tips on when’s best for you to go.
The cheapest time of year to visit Myrtle Beach:
Myrtle Beach is visited by more than 14 million people each year – so prices can be quite high depending on what part of town you’re staying in. However, wherever you stay, it will still cost less if booked during the low season (November through March). The average hotel price in Myrtle Beach for this period is $132/night, which is 13% lower than peak season (June to August) and 15% lower compared to shoulder season (April and May).
IMPORTANT: If you’re considering the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach, we recommend checking out our articles about weather and hurricane seasons in Myrtle Beach.
High tourist season:
Not surprisingly, the high tourist season in Myrtle Beach falls in line with the majority of other popular US destinations. The best time to visit Myrtle Beach for warm weather, sun, and sand is between June and August when temperatures are at their highest (this applies to both locals and tourists). This time period coincides with summer holidays in the northern hemisphere which means it’s much busier too.
Low tourist season:
The shoulder seasons are late fall (November) and early spring (late March/April), while the winter months are January through March. These periods are especially good if you’re looking for cheaper hotel rates but don’t mind slightly colder or hotter temperatures respectively. The difference between peak season and low season prices can be up to $80 per night.
Visit Myrtle Beach in Fall:
Fall in Myrtle Beach is often referred to as ‘Indian summer’ or ‘shoulder season’ because it lies between peak tourist season and winter. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the mid-60s during the day to the high 30s at night. Fall is also hurricane season in South Carolina but since most storms hit further north, September is actually one of the best times to enjoy sunny weather with fewer crowds.
Finally, fall hosts a variety of festivals including the families-oriented Fall Family Festival in early October which includes special activities for kids. Another well-known festival is Spoleto Arts Festival – a renowned international performing arts festival held every year since 1977. It’s one of the oldest largest performing arts festivals in the US and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Visit Myrtle Beach in winter:
Winter in Myrtle Beach is a great time of year for a visit. Temperatures are milder than in the summer and crowds are thinner, so it’s a better time to explore attractions, indoor shopping malls, and restaurants. This period may have the best combination of the 4 seasons!
Visit Myrtle Beach in the summer:
The summer season (June to August) in Myrtle Beach is hot and very busy. The humidity can be hard to deal with, especially if you’re visiting from a typically dry area of the US or Europe where it’s often chilly during this period.
If you do visit Myrtle Beach in summer (we definitely recommend trying out our favorite seafood restaurants while there!), we advise you to take advantage of water sports and outdoor activities like surfing and kayaking which will still be pleasant at this time.
At the end of the day, we recommend checking each month individually before coming up with your general schedule for when to visit Myrtle Beach – just remember that high tourist seasons are June through August and low seasons are November through March!
In order to see what’s considered peak season, shoulder season, and low season for 2019, you’ll need to check out our articles that cover monthly weather forecasts.
All things considered, if you’re looking for the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach – we suggest visiting in late spring (May) or early fall (October). Both times are relatively unknown as tourist destinations which mean fewer crowds and cheaper hotel rates!
May is particularly good because it shares some similarities with summer (longer days, warm weather) but doesn’t have quite as many tourists. If you love nature walks, this is also the month when the wild indigo flowers bloom on the dunes across from Crescent Beach.
Visit Myrtle Beach in spring:
Spring in Myrtle Beach lasts from late March until mid-May. It is very similar to fall, with temperatures still being quite comfortable during the day but getting colder at night. The weather tends to be more unpredictable during this season when compared to others – but one thing’s for sure: you’ll get plenty of sunshine if you go in May or April!
Weather in Myrtle Beach:
If you’re considering a visit to Myrtle Beach, check out our article about the weather here. It has all the information you need including average temperatures and precipitation. Here’s a quick summary:
The overall Myrtle Beach weather is warm and sunny – with some rain in summer. The air temperature usually ranges from lows of 45 F (7 C) in winter to highs of 86 F (30 C) during the summer months. Get more details on our Madelyn’s Weather page for Myrtle Beach.
Conclusion
The Myrtle Beach weather is warm and sunny – with some rain in summer. The air temperature usually ranges from lows of 45 F (7 C) in winter to highs of 86 F (30 C) during the summer months.
Get more details on our Madelyn’s Weather page for Myrtle Beach. What time of year should you visit?
We recommend visiting late spring or early fall as both times are relatively unknown as tourist destinations which means fewer crowds and cheaper hotel rates! May is particularly good because it shares some similarities with summer (longer days, warm weather) but doesn’t have quite as many tourists. If you love nature walks, this is also the month when the wild indigo flowers bloom on the dunes across from Crescent Beach.
