Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Myrtle Beach water temperature by month! Understanding the water temperature can help you plan your activities, whether you’re here for swimming, fishing, or just enjoying the beautiful coastline. Let’s dive in and explore what each month has to offer.
Myrtle Beach Monthly Water Temperature Overview
- January: Low: 50°F, Average: 52°F, High: 55°F
- February: Low: 50°F, Average: 52°F, High: 55°F
- March: Low: 53°F, Average: 55°F, High: 57°F
- April: Low: 57°F, Average: 60°F, High: 64°F
- May: Low: 64°F, Average: 67°F, High: 70°F
- June: Low: 70°F, Average: 73°F, High: 77°F
- July: Low: 77°F, Average: 79°F, High: 81°F
- August: Low: 77°F, Average: 79°F, High: 81°F
- September: Low: 75°F, Average: 77°F, High: 79°F
- October: Low: 70°F, Average: 72°F, High: 75°F
- November: Low: 62°F, Average: 65°F, High: 68°F
- December: Low: 55°F, Average: 58°F, High: 60°F
January to March: Winter’s Chill
- January: The coldest month, with average water temperatures around 50°F (10°C). It’s not ideal for swimming but perfect for cold-water fishing.
- February: Similar to January, with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 53°F (10-11.5°C). Early spring fishing begins to pick up.
- March: Water starts to warm up, averaging 53°F to 57°F (11.5-14°C). Great for early spring surf fishing.
April to June: Warming Up
- April: Temperatures rise to about 57°F to 64°F (14-18°C). This is a popular time for catching Spanish mackerel and bluefish.
- May: Water warms significantly, averaging 64°F to 70°F (18-21°C). Perfect for swimming and spotting the first sea turtles of the season.
- June: Summer kicks in with temperatures around 70°F to 77°F (21-25°C). Ideal for all water activities, including paddleboarding and jet skiing.
July to September: Peak Summer
- July: The warmest month with water temperatures between 77°F and 81°F (25-27°C). Perfect for swimming, surfing, and kayaking.
- August: Similar to July, with consistently warm temperatures around 77°F to 81°F (25-27°C). A great time for dolphin-watching tours.
- September: Water starts to cool slightly, ranging from 75°F to 79°F (24-26°C). Excellent for fall fishing, especially for red drum and flounder.
October to December: Cooling Down
- October: Temperatures drop to about 70°F to 75°F (21-24°C). Still warm enough for swimming and fishing for species like king mackerel.
- November: Further cooling with temperatures around 62°F to 68°F (16-20°C). Great for catching speckled trout and black sea bass.
- December: Water cools to 55°F to 60°F (13-16°C). Ideal for winter fishing enthusiasts targeting striped bass.
Fishing Based on Water Temperature
- Winter Fishing (January – March): Target species include sheepshead, black drum, and tautog.
- Spring Fishing (April – June): Ideal for Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and cobia.
- Summer Fishing (July – September): Peak season for flounder, red drum, and tarpon.
- Fall Fishing (October – December): Best for king mackerel, speckled trout, and black sea bass.
Swimming and Water Sports
- Best Months for Swimming: June to September, when water temperatures are comfortably warm.
- Ideal Conditions for Water Sports: July and August, with the warmest water, making it perfect for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and surfing.
Interesting Facts About Myrtle Beach Water Temperature
The Role of the Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream, a powerful Atlantic Ocean current, influences Myrtle Beach’s water temperatures, keeping them warmer in winter and cooler in summer compared to inland areas.
Tide and Temperature
Tide changes can affect Myrtle Beach’s water temperature, with incoming tides generally bringing in cooler water. This can impact fishing success, as different species prefer different conditions. Check the local tides here.
Sea Turtle Season
From May to October, sea turtles come ashore to nest. Warmer water temperatures during this period make it an exciting time to spot these majestic creatures.
Understanding the water temperature in Myrtle Beach
Understanding month-by-month water temperatures can greatly enhance your visit, whether you’re planning to swim, fish, or simply enjoy the ocean. Each month offers unique opportunities and experiences, making Myrtle Beach a year-round destination.
For more tips and local insights, take a deep dive into our Carolinas Like A Local Blog!
Dennis Stemmle is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lecturer at Coastal Carolina University. He writes about travel, college success, and entrepreneurship.