The beach … in winter?
Oh, yes. If you haven’t made your way to Myrtle Beach in the chill of winter, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s not like the coast goes into hibernation when fall ends. Some places shutter up until spring, but so many things here are open for business.
All with smaller crowds, lower rates, and the same beautiful Myrtle Beach allure.
Winter beach wanderers know these 5 reasons (and more) for loving the coast in December, January, and Februrary. Myrtle Beach doesn’t go away this time of year. In a lot of ways, it’s just coming alive.
Cool weather in Myrtle Beach is all relative. Daytime highs in January and February – the coolest of the year – still top out around 55-60 degrees. Nights will dip to the 40s usually. That’s relatively mild. Myrtle Beach averages less than an inch of snow a year, and hasn’t had at least 3 inches of snow since 2010!
5 reasons Myrtle Beach rocks in the winter
Smaller crowds
In July, Myrtle Beach is typically packed with sun-craved travelers. In December, there’s a different vibe. Snow birds, visitors from the north and into Canada, have chosen the Carolina coast as a welcome respite from harsh winters back home.
With fewer tourists, tee times are pretty easy to tie down as compared to summer, too. Some folks don’t crave a big crowd for a getaway, making Myrtle Beach an ideal destination.
We suggest: Locales in The Grand Strand, such as Debordieu, Garden City, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and more. Out of the way, yet close to the action.
Lower prices
Green fees drop a bit in winter, despite weather conditions conducive to year-round play. That’s good news for the player traveler. Golf isn’t the only place to catch a break in the price. Hotel rates come down. You might even get longer turns on rides and lower restaurant prices.
You might not notice it readily, but prices on things such as buffets and even souvenirs might take a plunge during the beach offseason.
We suggest: Checking the deals available around town, especially those at Breakers Resort. You can save a lot of dough with a good special.
Less competition for seashells
By simple math, you’ll have less foot traffic to crunch pretty seashells on the beach. Also, you won’t encounter as many beachcombers on your quest for that perfect Carolina seashell. Head out at low tide or when the waves are going out.
Many seashell collectors swear prime time is after a full moon or a beach storm. These phenomenon produce stronger waves, which carry in more shells.
We recommend: Starting on the walk to the beach from your resort. Look for the lettered olive – South Carolina’s state shell. It’s shiny, cylindrical and has brown markings. See one here.
Peace and quiet
Solitude. You can’t easily find it during Bike Week. Admittedly, folks aren’t in search of serenity then. When you visit Myrtle Beach in the winter, there are more opportunities to have a portion of the beach to yourself. To jetski or parasail or read a book on a blanket all by yourself.
Especially during the most tranquil times, such as sunrise and sunset, you can find a special kind of peace at Myrtle Beach. And winter is just the time for finding that.
We suggest: Want to feel like you have the beach all to yourself this winter? Venture to Myrtle Beach State Park, whether you hit the walking trail or rent a cabin.
Better birdwatching
You don’t have to wait until spring. Migratory birds show up in more backyards and refuges, such as Huntington Beach State Park, a prime birdwatching spot. Myrtle Beach hosts an eclectic mix of landbirds, marsh and ocean birds, shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl, and more.
So many rare sightings have happened on The Grand Strand, species such as the Easter Phoebe, gray-cheeked thrush, purple sandpiper, and tundra swan. This is the spot.
We suggest: Bring binoculars if you simply want to observe; bring a quality camera with zoom lens if you want to capture the memories. A mobile phone camera just won’t do.
Bundle up and get beach-bound
It’s simple: You can do SO many things outside this winter in Myrtle Beach that you just can’t as often in Madison, Wisc., Memphis, Tenn., or even Matthews, N.C. Read a book, take a walk at dusk, hang out on a lawn chair, and more. You can still get sunkissed this winter.
Find warm hospitality this winter at Breakers Resort
Can you imagine a more amazing way to spend a winter week than in Myrtle Beach? Tidy, gorgeously appointed rooms make the perfect home base for your winter adventures. The Breakers Resort can become your go-to place in Myrtle Beach. Select the special that suits you best and book your stay at Breakers Resort today.
