Is Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting in May? Weather, Crowds & Top Family Attractions
Short answer: Yes! May is one of the best months to visit the Grand Strand with your family. You’ll find warm weather, smaller crowds than peak summer, lower lodging rates, and full access to every major attraction along the Grand Strand, including SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Here’s exactly what to expect.
What’s the Weather Like in Myrtle Beach in May?
Myrtle Beach weather in May is close to perfect for family vacations. Daytime temperatures sit between 75°F and 82°F, ocean temperatures climb into the low 70s by late May, and rainfall is lighter than in peak summer. Expect plenty of sunshine, breezy evenings, and humidity that hasn’t yet hit its July peak.
- Average high: 78°F
- Average low: 63°F
- Ocean temperature: 70–74°F
- Average rainy days: 8 (fewer than June, July, and August)
That mix of warm afternoons and cool evenings makes May ideal for daytime beach time and nighttime strolls along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Are the Crowds Smaller in Myrtle Beach in May?
Yes — significantly. The first three weeks of May are the quietest stretch of the month, after spring breakers head home and before Memorial Day kicks off summer tourism. May visitors typically enjoy:
- Shorter lines at top attractions
- Easier restaurant reservations along Ocean Boulevard
- Lower hotel and condo rates than June through August
- More open beach space, even on weekends
Memorial Day weekend is the exception — it marks the unofficial start of summer and draws a lively crowd around the boardwalk.
Quick Tips for Visiting Myrtle Beach in May
- Book early May for the best rates — prices jump sharply once Memorial Day arrives.
- Pack layers — evenings can dip into the 60s.
- Ride the SkyWheel at sunset — May sunsets fall around 8:00 PM, making golden-hour rides especially photo-worthy.
- Reserve weekend dinners in advance if visiting Memorial Day weekend.
Ride the SkyWheel For Labor Day
Planning multiple trips to Myrtle Beach this summer? The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Summer Pass is just $34.99 right now and includes unlimited rides through Labor Day — making it the best family attraction deal on the Grand Strand. Whether you’re a local catching weekly sunsets or a vacationer whose kids will want more than one spin above the Atlantic, the pass pays for itself after your second ride. Grab your SkyWheel Summer Pass today for $34.99 and ride unlimited through Labor Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ocean warm enough to swim in Myrtle Beach in May? Yes. By mid-to-late May, ocean temperatures reach the low-to-mid 70s, which is comfortable for swimming, especially in the afternoon.
Is Myrtle Beach family-friendly in May? Absolutely. May is one of the most family-friendly months of the year thanks to smaller crowds, mild weather, and full attraction operations across the Grand Strand.
Is SkyWheel Myrtle Beach open in May? Yes — SkyWheel operates daily in May with extended evening hours, ideal for sunset and after-dinner rides.
Kick Off Summer at SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
If you’re looking for the perfect way to start the season with your family, May is the month — and SkyWheel is the view. Whether it’s a sunny daytime ride or a glowing sunset spin over the Atlantic, SkyWheel is the unforgettable centerpiece of any Grand Strand vacation.
Ready to make memories above the boardwalk this summer? Book your SkyWheel ride today and see the Grand Strand shore from a whole new view. Questions? Give us a call at 843.839.9200