Weather
Weather in the Coastal Carolinas
Ask Tonya about Carolinas weather, hurricanes, more
Tonya Root covers western Horry County towns of Aynor, Conway and Loris in addition to weather for The Sun News and has worked for the newspaper since 1998.
She previously worked in Huntington, W.Va., and Evansville, Ind., as well as a weekly in eastern Kentucky. She has received honors for investigative reporting, spot news writing and was named Western Kentucky University's outstanding journalist during her senior year.
Ask Tonya such questions as why a dense fog often forms along the beaches, how hurricanes always seem to miss the Grand Strand or what the average temperature is in January.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 15 of 125 (Page 1 of 7)Submitted by sandy from galax,va
Q: this is our first family vacation in myrtle beach, sc. we'd like to make it a rememberable time. it will be june 7-10. what should we do. we are 32, 15, and 11 years old and 18 months. we want fun and the best prices posssible. is the weather good at this time? Thanks!
Answered 05/14/09 08:36:50 by Tonya Root
A: Sandy, The average temperatures are in the 80s during the day and 60s at night and with the heat index it typically feels warmer than that. As always along the coast you might see a shower or two, but those come and go quickly. The average ocean temperature is about 77 degrees and getting warmer every day. You should expect good weather and I hope you enjoy your time in the area.Submitted by David Krenn from Delmar, NY
Q: How do the individual weeks in September vary as to air and water temperature for Myrtle Beach? Is there a significant decline in either as the weeks get later in the month?
Answered 02/25/09 08:01:38 by Tonya Root
A: September is fairly mild here in Myrtle Beach. The average air temperature last year was 83 degrees during the day and 67 overnight. The warmest temperature recorded at 92 degrees on Sept. 15 and the coolest recorded overnight at 58 degrees on Sept. 24. The ocean temperatures do decline more rapidly during the month. According to NOAA, the month begins with average ocean temperatures near 81 degrees, but in the last two weeks those average temperatures decline to 79 degrees. Thanks for the question!Submitted by margaret benjamin from london ky
Q: Tonya my family and I will be vacationing there the first week of June. We are looking at the Buena Vista Plaza 903 in Cherry grove. Is this a nice area and condo?Looking forward to some help from an expert.Love ya
Answered 02/25/09 07:56:01 by Tonya Root
A: I don't know too much about individual places to stay, but I can tell you that the first week of June is a perfect time to visit. The average daytime high is near 80 degrees with the overnight lows near 60 degrees. The average ocean temperature is 77 degrees so you and your family should enjoy the area as far as the weather is concerned. Good luck with the trip!Submitted by Patricia Ann Hacker from South Lebanon, Ohio
Q: Hi! Tonya, I plan on vacationing in N. Myrtle Beach from May 25th-30th this year. I typically wait until July or August. What is the average temperature then? And, are the condo pools open before Memorial Weekend? Thanks!
Answered 01/28/09 11:15:17 by Tonya Root
A: Hi Patricia, The average temperature for the end of May is in the upper 70s, but daily temperatures can vary from overnight lows in the low 70s to daytime highs in the 90s. The ocean temperature then is around 75 degrees. I would suggest you double check with the place you are staying to ensure their swimming pool will be operational for your visit, but most of the hotel pools here are open by that time of year. Good luck and thanks for writing.Submitted by Denise from Vanlue,Ohio
Q: Hi there...I was wondering if May is a good time to visit Myrtle Beach? I noticed the rates on staying were cheaper at that time also. Thanks!!
Answered 10/08/08 10:34:10 by Tonya Root
A: May is a great time to visit the area weatherwise. Temperatures can reach the 80s, but typically are in the 70s during the day.Submitted by Tracie from Wilkesboro, NC
Q: Hi Tonya, I will be visiting the Grand Strand June 7-10. What will the weather be like for these 4 days? And please tell me this is NOT Senior week!! Thanks!
Answered 05/29/08 13:42:19 by Tonya Root
A: Tracie, I can't say for sure you won't encounter some recently graduated seniors during your trip because it will be about that time. But I can tell you to expect sunny skies with daytime temperatures in the 80s, according to the National Weather Service. Overnight low temperatures should be in the upper 60s and the Atlantic Ocean water temperature should be near 77 degrees. Weather forecasters do not have an exact forecast available for those days yet, so I can not say for sure you won't encounter some rain showers. You might want to plan for at least one rainy day during your trip, just in case. Good luck with your visit to the area.Submitted by Natalia from Sterling, VA
Q: Hi, we are planning a trip to Myrtle beach either June 14-21 or August 9-16. Would you recommend waiting till August for warmer water temperatures? We are bringing two small kids and weren't sure which dates to select for travel. Thank you for your advice.
Answered 05/22/08 16:44:31 by Tonya Root
A: Natalia, June and August are both warm months in Myrtle Beach. The average temperature in June is 75 degrees while in August it is 80 degrees. Today May 22, the temperature topped 80 degrees, according to National Weather Service. You should be greeted with warm weather on either date, though August will probably be hot instead of warm. Daytime highs tend to be in the upper 90s during August. Good luck with your trip.Submitted by Lenore from Formerly, Maryland
Q: Tonya, I'm hoping to get together with an old co-worker for lunch soon while we're both in Myrtle Beach. We could eat outdoors. Is the end of May a good day for eating lunch outside? I heard it got kinda chilly there the other day.
Answered 05/22/08 16:32:03 by Tonya Root
A: Lenore, May is a perfect time to eat outdoors around here. The average temperature is near 70 degrees, but today the high was 80 degrees. I hope you enjoy your lunch.Submitted by Jamie from Festus, MO
Q: My family and I will be arriving on May 26- 30th. Can you tell me about the weather and if the water will be warm enough for swimming for 2 and 4 yr old? Thank you.
Answered 05/15/08 14:13:09 by Tonya Root
A: Jamie, You should arrive when sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s to mid 80s are the norm, according to the National Weather Service. Ocean water temperatures will be near 75 degrees so it should be warm enough to let your two little ones splash in the surf. Good luck with your vacation.Submitted by Bug Doc from Chicago, IL
Q: Hi Tonya, I have a "Getaway" house in Myrtle Beach and I know that the area has been in the midst of a moderate to severe drought over the last 18 months. My concern is our lawn. Has the rainfall in the area caught up with the deficit or are we still behind in overall rainfall?
Answered 05/06/08 20:28:02 by Tonya Root
A: Bug Doc, According to the National Weather Service, the area is nearly caught up on rainfall for the year. As of Tuesday, May 6, weather officials recorded a rainfall deficit of -0.01 since Jan. 1 for the area, with 13.54 inches recorded so far. That's not to say it won't be a dry summer. But as of right now, we're doing pretty good and your lawn should be green and growing.Submitted by tony dacanay from Haskell, New Jersey
Q: How hurricane always seem to miss South Carolina?
Answered 05/06/08 20:25:03 by Tonya Root
A: I don't know Tony. It's one of those great mysteries that we here in South Carolina are thankful for and feel blessed. But according to weather officials, the area is statistically due for a strike from a hurricane. We're all keeping our fingers crossed that it won't happen at least this year.Submitted by Therese Tilling from Ashville,NY
Q: I am planning a trip to Myrtle Beach during the last week of August till Labor Day....what can I expect for weather??
Answered 05/06/08 20:22:48 by Tonya Root
A: Therese, I hope you enjoy your stay here. The weather will be warm and wonderful during that time. The average ocean temperature is in the low 80s, specifically 82 to 84 degrees. The average air temperature is in the mid to upper 80s. You should plan for a rainy day or two during your stay. Otherwise I suspect you will have a pleasant trip weatherwise unless a hurricane is brewing off the coast. If that is the case, please listen to emergency officials and follow their instructions.Submitted by P from Kimball, Tennessee
Q: My family and I are planning a trip to North Myrtle Beach around May 19th - May 23rd. What will the weather be like? Also, how will the water be? Warm enough for swimming.
Answered 05/06/08 20:16:32 by Tonya Root
A: You can expect daytime highs in the upper 70s to 80s and the ocean temperature around 75 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C., which serves the Grand Strand. There will likely be a chance of rain one day of your trip, so plan accordingly. Good luck and enjoy your stay.Submitted by Margaret from Edmonton, Alberta
Q: We are coming to Myrtle Beach for a golf vacation on 5th March, 2008, can we expect good weather? any rain? Thanks!
Answered 02/27/08 10:08:36 by Tonya Root
A: Margaret, You should expect nice weather during your visit. According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C., which serves this area, temperatures will be in the upper 60s during the day and lower 50s overnight. The rain chances vary this time of year, but do plan for at least one rainy day if you're staying for the week. Good luck with your vacation and golf game while you're here.Submitted by tracy from shreve, ohio
Q: hi, we are planning a vacation may30-june 5th this year. We have 3 young children, is the water temp usually warm enought them for kids? Thanks
Answered 02/27/08 10:05:50 by Tonya Root
A: Tracy, You'll be arriving when things are heating up along the Grand Strand. I suspectd the ocean, which will be near 80 degrees, will be fine for your children to swim.- Man arrested after he got upset about Myrtle Beach club closing
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