Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Myrtle Beach, United States showcases a vibrant transition into summer, featuring daily temperatures that soar to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), while settling at a comfortable average of 23°C (73°F). The pleasant warmth is occasionally interrupted by cooler nights dipping to a minimum of 9°C (48°F). This month also brings 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, typically over 10 days of precipitation, contributing to a subtropical climate characterized by 78% humidity. Visitors can expect a blend of sunny days and refreshing showers, perfect for beach outings and exploring the scenic coastal vistas.
In May, Myrtle Beach begins to embrace the warmth of spring, with temperatures showing a significant upward trend. Minimum temperatures gently rise to 9°C (48°F), while the average climbs to a pleasant 23°C (73°F), setting the stage for outdoor activities. The most striking aspect is the peak of 36°C (97°F), inviting beachgoers to enjoy the sunny shores. This month marks a transition to the sultry summer months ahead, where the escalating warmth will be a precursor to even hotter days in June and July. With the daytime highs already reaching their peak, May is a brilliant time for visitors to experience the joyful atmosphere of Myrtle Beach before the summer crowds arrive.
May ushers in a significant increase in precipitation in Myrtle Beach, with 122 mm (4.8 inches) of rain typically falling over 10 days. This marks a noticeable rise from the previous months, reflecting the transition into a wetter season. As spring gives way to summer, the rainfall paves the way for lush landscapes, but it also indicates that outdoor plans may need a rain check. In contrast to the milder showers of January to April, May sets the stage for even heavier downpours in the coming months, culminating in June and July, where the rain often intensifies. This trend underscores a seasonal shift that is characteristic of the coastal climate, inviting both the vibrancy of nature and a need for adaptability in daily activities.
As spring transitions into summer, May in Myrtle Beach showcases a consistent humidity level of 78%, mirroring the previous month and setting the stage for the warmer months ahead. This stability in humidity indicates a gradual shift rather than a sudden rise, as both April and May maintain the same comfortable levels. Notably, June and July bring a slight uptick in moisture, with July peaking at 82%, while winter months exhibit higher humidity levels, particularly in November and December. Overall, May serves as a pleasant bridge between the refreshing spring air and the more humid summer, offering visitors a lovely coastal experience.
As summer approaches, the UV Index in Myrtle Beach escalates dramatically, peaking in May at a striking 11, categorizing it as extreme exposure risk. Following the trend from earlier months, where the January and February indices ranged from moderate to high, the intensity sharpens significantly by March, soaring to 8, and then reaching an alarming 10 in April. By May, sun seekers should be particularly cautious, as the burn time plummets to just 10 minutes under the intense sun. This pattern persists into June, July, and August, underscoring the importance of protective measures during this time. For those looking to stay informed about UV exposure, checking real-time updates is essential; explore more at Myrtle Beach UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As May unfolds in Myrtle Beach, the sun truly begins to shine, offering an impressive 337 hours of sunshine—the highest for this early summer month. This period marks a significant leap from the 309 hours of sunshine in April, suggesting that the days are stretching luxuriously as warmer weather approaches. Following May, the sun remains generous with June delivering 319 hours and July peaking at 343 hours, showcasing the summer's vibrant embrace. Conversely, the months leading into winter such as November and December reflect a decline, with only 247 and 216 hours respectively. This sunny trend highlights a delightful cycle of brightness in Myrtle Beach, making May an enchanting time for visitors to soak in the warmth before the summer crowds arrive.
As May rolls into Myrtle Beach, the likelihood of sunny weather stands at 49%, marking a slight dip from the previous month’s 59%. This moderate chance of sunshine reflects a transitional phase as spring gives way to summer, with warmer days looming ahead. Interestingly, while May sees a higher chance of sun compared to the summer months of June and July, which drop to 31% and 39% respectively, it sits just above the more promising autumn month of September at 53%. This pattern highlights a unique aspect of Myrtle Beach's climate: while summer may be synonymous with beach outings, the variability of sunshine can be just as intriguing, prompting visitors to embrace the pleasant unpredictability of May's weather.
As spring blooms into summer, May in Myrtle Beach continues to bask in a comfortable 13 hours of daylight, mirroring the longer days of April. This stable daylight duration indicates the onset of a consistent transition towards the sun-soaked months ahead, peaking in June and July, when the region enjoys an impressive 14 hours of daylight. The progression of longer days is a clear invitation for outdoor activities, beach outings, and enjoying the vibrant community life that Myrtle Beach is known for. As the month wraps up, the gradual shift toward slightly shorter days begins, but the warmth and brightness of May leave a lasting impression.
In May, Myrtle Beach experiences a gentle shift in its wind dynamics, with an average wind speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph). This slight decrease from April's 3.7 m/s reflects a broader trend of gradually diminishing winds as summer approaches. The overall pattern showcases a consistent wind speed around 8 mph from January to April, after which a notable decline begins, with the lowest winds recorded in August at 2.5 m/s (6 mph). This transition signals a calmness that many beachgoers enjoy during the onset of warmer weather, allowing for serene days by the shore as the winds continue to mellow into the summer months.
The weather in Myrtle Beach changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Myrtle Beach and find detailed weather information for every month.
May and January present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, accumulating 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, January sees much colder weather, with temperatures dipping as low as -9°C (15°F) and peaking at 25°C (77°F), averaging around 10°C (50°F). The month receives less rainfall, totaling 66 mm (2.6 in) across 8 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check Myrtle Beach weather in January.
May and February present distinct contrasts in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a chilly 9°C (48°F) at night to a warm average of 23°C (73°F), reaching highs of 36°C (97°F) during the day, while February experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). May is also considerably wetter, receiving 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, compared to February's 87 mm (3.4 in) over just 9 days. Humidity levels are fairly consistent, hovering around 78% in May and 79% in February, creating a moist atmosphere in both months. For more details on February weather, check out Myrtle Beach weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, it's evident that May brings significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 36°C (97°F) compared to March's maximum of 28°C (83°F). While March starts with cooler nights as low as -3°C (27°F), May maintains a milder minimum of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is more prevalent in May, with 122 mm (4.8 in) over 10 days, whereas March sees less precipitation at 71 mm (2.8 in) over 8 days. Both months have similar humidity levels, with March at 79% and May slightly lower at 78%. To learn more about the specifics of March weather, you can check Myrtle Beach weather in March.
May brings noticeably warmer weather compared to April, with average temperatures rising from 18°C (65°F) in April to 23°C (73°F) in May. The maximum temperatures also climb higher, reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in May, compared to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in April. Despite the increase in warmth, May sees more precipitation, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over 10 days, while April experiences 94 mm (3.7 in) over just 8 days. Interestingly, both months maintain the same humidity level of 78%, indicating that the air feels similarly muggy during this transition into the warmer season. For more detailed information, check out Myrtle Beach weather in April.
May and June both feature warm temperatures and high humidity levels, but there are some notable differences between the two months. In May, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month sees a total precipitation of 122 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 10 days. In contrast, June offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). However, June is wetter, accumulating 156 mm (6.2 in) of rainfall over 17 days. For more details on weather conditions during this time, check out Myrtle Beach weather in June.
When comparing the weather in May and July, there are notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. May typically sees a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) and averages around 23°C (73°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F), while July starts off warmer with a minimum of 18°C (65°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation also increases in July, totaling 179 mm (7.0 in) over 18 days compared to May’s 122 mm (4.8 in) across 10 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly higher in July at 82%, compared to May’s 78%. For more details, you can check Myrtle Beach weather in July.
May and August present distinct weather patterns, showcasing the transition from spring to summer. In May, temperatures range from a cooler 9°C (48°F) at night to a warm 36°C (97°F) during the day, while average temperatures settle around 23°C (73°F). However, May experiences significant rainfall with 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 10 days and humidity levels hovering around 78%.
In contrast, August tends to be warmer and wetter, with minimum temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and average highs reaching 34°C (93°F). The overall average temperature is around 27°C (80°F), but it also sees increased precipitation, totaling 212 mm (8.4 in) over 22 days, and slightly higher humidity at 81%. This shift in weather highlights how August can feel more muggy and stormy compared to the milder, although still humid, conditions of May. For more details on how the weather can vary in August, check out Myrtle Beach weather in August.
May and September offer distinct weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a warm maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month sees a moderate rainfall of 122 mm (4.8 in) over approximately 10 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 78%. In contrast, September has slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures at 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 25°C (77°F). Precipitation increases to 178 mm (7.0 in) over about 12 days, while humidity rises slightly to 81%. For a detailed overview of what you can expect in September, check out Myrtle Beach weather in September.
May and October present distinct yet pleasant weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average temperature of 23°C (73°F). The month is characterized by higher precipitation, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 10 days, while humidity remains relatively high at 78%. In contrast, October features a cooler climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), and an average of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is reduced to 61 mm (2.4 in) across 8 days, but the humidity stays the same at 78%. For a more detailed look at October's climate, check out Myrtle Beach weather in October.
May and November showcase contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a scorching maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month experiences significant precipitation, totaling 122 mm (4.8 in) over about 10 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 78%. In stark contrast, November features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 27°C (82°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). Although it also sees precipitation on about 10 days, the total is lower at 86 mm (3.4 in), and humidity remains high at 82%. For more details on November weather specifics, you can check Myrtle Beach weather in November.
May and December weather present a stark contrast in temperature and conditions. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a high of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 23°C (73°F). The month sees 122 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, and humidity levels are moderately high at 78%. In contrast, December experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is slightly higher at 130 mm (5.1 in), occurring over just 9 days, and humidity increases to 84%. The difference in warmth and moisture creates distinct seasonal atmospheres in this coastal locale. For more specific details on December weather, check out Myrtle Beach weather in December.
In May, Myrtle Beach begins to embrace the warmth of early summer, showcasing a delightful average temperature of 23°C (73°F) that contrasts sharply with the cooler months. While the maximum highs can reach up to 36°C (97°F), evenings offer a refreshing dip, with lows dropping to around 9°C (48°F). This month also brings a noticeable increase in humidity at 78%, making the air feel quite balmy. Although you might encounter around 10 days of precipitation, these rains are often brief, allowing ample opportunity to enjoy the sun. Overall, May serves as a beautiful transition into the summer season, making it an ideal time to experience all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. For more insights, check out Myrtle Beach Climate.