While northern driveways freeze over, families are discovering a warmer way to spend winter. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has become a favorite for extended winter stays—offering sunshine, space, and affordability that turns the off-season into an unexpected sweet spot.
When most of the country wakes up to snow shovels and icy windshields, Myrtle Beach mornings feel entirely different. The air hovers around 60°F. The beaches are calm enough to hear the waves break. Cafés stay open, but the lines are gone.
That combination—mild weather, smaller crowds, and off-season savings—is drawing families south for months at a time instead of just a week. According to local property experts at Grace Management Group, the trend is no fluke.
"We're seeing more families booking monthly rentals each year," a company representative shared. "Remote work and flexible school schedules make longer escapes possible, and Myrtle Beach fits that perfectly."
Winter is the most affordable time to visit. January often brings the year's lowest room rates, sometimes dropping to a third of peak-summer prices. A full month by the ocean can cost less than a single week in July, making the snowbird lifestyle accessible for families who work remotely or homeschool.
The crowds disappear, but the charm doesn't. Families trade long restaurant waits and packed parking lots for quieter boardwalk strolls and stress-free errands. The beach feels personal again—space for kids to build sandcastles without weaving between sun umbrellas.
Daily highs average between the mid-50s and low-60s Fahrenheit, perfect for hiking, golf, or just walking the shoreline in a sweater. The ocean may be brisk, but the sunshine averages 15 bright days a month. Rain is light, around four inches in December and January, and snow is almost mythical here.
Unlike smaller coastal towns that shut down after Labor Day, Myrtle Beach keeps its lights on. Theaters host seasonal shows like The Carolina Opry Christmas Special and The South's Grandest Christmas Show. Families wander Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens or visit indoor attractions such as Ripley's Aquarium and the Hollywood Wax Museum. Even the local Sky Zone trampoline park and 810 Entertainment arcade stay lively when temperatures dip.
Extended-stay rentals have adapted to this new winter rhythm. Many properties—condos, oceanfront homes, and high-rise penthouses—offer full kitchens, laundry rooms, and dedicated workspaces so guests can settle in rather than "check in."
Grace Management Group, which oversees long-term vacation rentals across northern Myrtle Beach, notes that family-friendly amenities are key: secure buildings, wide hallways for accessibility, and top-floor quiet that feels residential but still close to the coast. Some luxury penthouse units, for example, sit just minutes from beach ramps and local cafés while offering panoramic ocean views from private balconies. Utilities, Wi-Fi, and linens are typically bundled into a single monthly rate, simplifying extended stays.
Locals recommend layers: light sweaters by day, warmer coats by night. With average lows in the mid-30s, mornings start crisp but give way to sunny afternoons. Visitors often describe the weather as chilly for South Carolina, but perfect for everyone else. Many rentals include access to heated indoor pools or hot tubs—a welcome contrast to the January air.
Beyond the beach, families spend winter weekends exploring Myrtle Beach State Park, browsing shops at Market Common, or taking advantage of lower green fees at more than 80 golf courses. The calmer season invites slower days—coffee runs, bookstore detours, unhurried dinners.
For families tired of icy commutes and cabin fever, Myrtle Beach's off-season offers a rare middle ground: warmth without the crowds, comfort without the high-season price tag. The trend toward monthly winter rentals shows no sign of slowing, and for many, it's becoming the new family tradition.
If you're considering a longer coastal escape, exploring extended-stay options via experienced property professionals such as Grace Management Group can help you find the right fit—whether that means an ocean-view penthouse or a quiet condo near the dunes.
Because sometimes the best winter memories aren't made in the snow, but in the sound of waves outside your window.
