Weather in December Myrtle Beach SC, the narrative unfolds in a compelling and distinctive manner, drawing readers into a story that promises to be both engaging and uniquely memorable.
The weather in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December is characterized by mild temperatures, moderate precipitation, and limited sunshine hours. The average high temperature in December is around 58°F (14°C), while the average low temperature is around 43°F (6°C). The city experiences an average of 3-4 inches of precipitation throughout the month, with a mix of rain and occasional cold fronts.
“Understanding the Climate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in December”
December marks the beginning of winter in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and it’s a time when the temperatures become quite chilly compared to the mild weather of the previous months.
The temperatures in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, experience a significant drop in December compared to the previous months of the year. The average high temperature during this month is around 63°F (17°C), while the average low temperature is around 43°F (6°C).
Temperature Ranges in December
The temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, can be quite unpredictable during December. However, it’s essential to understand the temperature ranges in specific weeks of the month to plan accordingly.
- Week 1 (December 1-7): The average high temperature in the first week of December is around 64°F (18°C), with a low of 44°F (7°C). This week is usually characterized by mild temperatures, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities.
- Week 2 (December 8-14): As we move into the second week of December, the temperatures tend to drop, with an average high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 42°F (6°C). This week might experience some light rain showers.
- Week 3 (December 15-21): The third week of December is typically the coldest part of the month. The average high temperature is around 59°F (15°C), while the low temperature is around 40°F (4°C). This week often experiences some cold fronts, leading to frost and freezing conditions.
- Week 4 (December 22-31): The last week of December tends to be relatively warmer, with an average high temperature of 62°F (17°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C). This week might experience some mild precipitation.
Historical Climate Data
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has experienced some of the highest and lowest temperatures ever recorded in the state during the month of December.
- Cold temperatures: The coldest temperature ever recorded in Myrtle Beach during December was 18°F (-7.8°C) in 1983. This extreme cold snap caused many roads to become impassable due to freezing rain and snow.
- Warm temperatures: On the other hand, the warmest temperature ever recorded in Myrtle Beach during December was 80°F (27°C) in 1979. This unusual warmth caused a prolonged period of mild weather, allowing for extended outdoor activities.
Average Temperature and Precipitation
The average temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during December is around 51°F (11°C), with a total precipitation of 3.3 inches (83.8 mm). The month of December experiences most of its precipitation during the first half, with an average of 1.7 inches (43.2 mm) of rain and 0.6 inches (15.2 mm) of snow.
Risk Factors, Weather in december myrtle beach sc
December is the time of the year when the risk of frost and freezing temperatures increases significantly. Homeowners should be prepared to take necessary precautions to prevent damage to their plants, buildings, and other exposed structures. The National Weather Service advises that anyone planning to spend time outdoors should dress warmly and be prepared for potential freezing conditions.
Weather Forecasting in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in December
Weather forecasting is an essential aspect of planning a trip or daily activities in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during the month of December. Accurate weather forecasts help visitors and residents plan their events, outdoor activities, and daily routines accordingly.
5-Day Weather Forecast in Myrtle Beach, SC in December
Given the subtropical climate of Myrtle Beach, SC, the weather remains relatively mild during December, making it an ideal time to visit. However, it’s essential to be aware of the expected weather conditions and prepare accordingly.
- December 1st
- High Temperature: 58°F (14°C)
- Low Temperature: 45°F (7°C)
- Chance of Precipitation: 30%
- Wind Speed: 12mph (19km/h)
- Humidity: 68%
- December 2nd
- High Temperature: 60°F (16°C)
- Low Temperature: 48°F (9°C)
- Chance of Precipitation: 25%
- Wind Speed: 10mph (16km/h)
- Humidity: 65%
- December 3rd
- High Temperature: 62°F (17°C)
- Low Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
- Chance of Precipitation: 40%
- Wind Speed: 15mph (24km/h)
- Humidity: 72%
- December 4th
- High Temperature: 61°F (16°C)
- Low Temperature: 49°F (9°C)
- Chance of Precipitation: 35%
- Wind Speed: 12mph (19km/h)
- Humidity: 70%
- December 5th
- High Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
- Low Temperature: 52°F (11°C)
- Chance of Precipitation: 20%
- Wind Speed: 8mph (13km/h)
- Humidity: 63%
Key to Representing Weather Conditions:
| Symbol | Description |
| — | — |
| | Sunny |
| | Partly Cloudy |
| | Mostly Cloudy |
| | Rain or Thunderstorms |
| | Low Temperature Warning |
In Myrtle Beach, SC, during December, visitors and residents can expect mild temperatures with average highs in the mid-50s to low 60s (13°C-18°C) and average lows in the mid-40s to low 50s (7°C-11°C). Precipitation is relatively low, with an average of 3.5 inches (89mm) throughout the month. Wind speeds are generally moderate, ranging from 8-12mph (13-19km/h), while humidity levels stay relatively low, averaging around 65-72%.
It’s essential to check the 5-day weather forecast before planning outdoor activities or events in Myrtle Beach, SC, during December.
Precipitation Patterns in Myrtle Beach, SC during December
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is famous for its subtropical climate, with December being one of the cooler months. However, it’s not uncommon for the coastal city to experience rainfall throughout the year. In this section, we’ll delve into the precipitation patterns in Myrtle Beach, SC during December and compare them with other nearby coastal cities in South Carolina.
December is the wettest month in Myrtle Beach, with an average rainfall of around 3.5 inches (8.9 cm). The rainfall is primarily due to the city’s location along the Atlantic coast, which is susceptible to the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season, although December typically sees less intense storms. The average temperature in December ranges from 43°F (6.1°C) to 62°F (16.7°C), contributing to the overall cooler and wetter climate.
Average Monthly Rainfall in Myrtle Beach, SC and Nearby Cities
We’ll compare the average monthly rainfall in Myrtle Beach, SC with other nearby coastal cities in South Carolina to understand the factors that contribute to the variation in rainfall.
| City | Average Rainfall (Dec) | Location |
| — | — | — |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) | Atlantic Coast |
| Charleston, SC | 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) | Atlantic Coast |
| Wilmington, NC | 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) | Atlantic Coast |
| Savannah, GA | 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) | Atlantc Coast |
In general, cities along the Atlantic coast in South Carolina tend to have higher average rainfall in December due to their location near the ocean. However, the exact amount can vary greatly depending on the specific location and its proximity to coastal areas affected by hurricanes or intense storms.
Factors Contributing to Variation in Rainfall
Several factors contribute to the variation in rainfall in coastal cities in South Carolina during December. These factors include:
- The city’s location relative to the Atlantic coast and the frequency of hurricanes or intense storms.
- The proximity of the city to warm ocean waters, which can contribute to increased moisture and rainfall.
- The city’s elevation and drainage, as well as the presence of any notable water bodies nearby.
The combination of these factors contributes to the unique precipitation patterns in coastal cities in South Carolina during December, with Myrtle Beach experiencing some of the highest average rainfall amounts due to its location along the Atlantic coast.
Sunshine Hours in Myrtle Beach, SC during December –
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the number of sunshine hours in December is affected by the decrease in daylight hours. As we move towards winter, the days get shorter, and the sunlight hours become less intense. This period marks the beginning of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, where Myrtle Beach is located.
Average Number of Sunshine Hours per Day
According to reliable data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina receives an average of 6 hours and 30 minutes of direct sunshine per day in December. This is a significant decrease from the peak summer months, when the city receives, on average, around 9 hours and 45 minutes of direct sunshine per day.
Illustration of Changing Daylight Hours
Imagine a graph that represents the changing daylight hours in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from April to December. The x-axis would represent the month, and the y-axis would show the number of hours of daylight. The graph would start with a peak of around 13 hours of daylight in June and July, and then gradually decrease to around 9 hours of daylight in December.
As the daylight hours decrease, the amount of direct sunshine also decreases. However, the sun still shines brightly for about 6 hours and 30 minutes per day in December, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
In the illustration, the graph would show a steady decline in daylight hours from April to December. The graph would have a slight dip in November, but it would eventually stabilize in December. The graph would also show that the number of sunshine hours per day is directly related to the number of daylight hours. As the daylight hours decrease, the number of sunshine hours also decreases.
The illustration would also show that the amount of indirect sunlight, which comes from the reflection of sunlight off clouds and other surfaces, increases as the direct sunlight decreases. This is because the sun’s rays have to travel through more layers of the atmosphere to reach the Earth’s surface, resulting in a softer, more diffused light.
Overall, the decrease in daylight hours in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, affects the number of sunshine hours in December. While the city still receives around 6 hours and 30 minutes of direct sunshine per day, the amount of indirect sunlight increases as the direct sunlight decreases. This is because the sun’s rays have to travel through more layers of the atmosphere to reach the Earth’s surface, resulting in a softer, more diffused light.
Marine Weather Conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC Harbor
The marine weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor play a significant role in determining the overall weather and safety of the surrounding areas. The harbor is located in a region prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can have a significant impact on the marine weather conditions. During the month of December, the marine weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor are characterized by mild temperatures, moderate winds, and moderate wave heights.
Wind Speed and Direction
The wind speed in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor during December is generally moderate, ranging from 10-20 knots (11.5-23 mph). The dominant wind direction during this time of the year is from the northeast, which can bring cold fronts and moderate winds. The wind direction can shift to the southeast during weak cold fronts and tropical systems, which can bring warmer air and more moderate winds.
Wave Height and Swell
The wave height in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor during December is generally moderate, ranging from 2-4 feet (0.5-1.2 meters). The dominant swell direction during this time of the year is from the east and southeast, which can bring moderate to strong waves. During strong cold fronts and tropical systems, the wave height can increase to 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) or more, making navigation hazardous.
Water Temperature
The water temperature in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor during December is generally mild, ranging from 50-60°F (10-15°C). The water temperature can drop to as low as 40°F (4°C) during strong cold fronts, but it usually recovers quickly.
Table of Average Marine Weather Conditions
| Date | Wind Speed | Wind Direction | Wave Height | Water Temperature | Precipitation |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Dec 1 | 15 knots (17 mph) | Northeast | 3 feet (0.9 meters) | 55°F (13°C) | 20% |
| Dec 15 | 20 knots (23 mph) | East | 4 feet (1.2 meters) | 50°F (10°C) | 30% |
| Dec 31 | 10 knots (11.5 mph) | Southeast | 2 feet (0.6 meters) | 55°F (13°C) | 10% |
Impacts of Marine Weather Conditions
The marine weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor during December can have significant impacts on navigation, fishing, and other water-based activities. Strong winds and high waves can make navigation hazardous, while cold fronts can bring rough seas and strong winds. It is essential for mariners, fishermen, and other users of the harbor to monitor the marine weather conditions closely and take necessary precautions to ensure safe passage.
Marine Life and Habitat
The marine life in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor during December is characterized by a variety of species, including fish, crabs, and shrimp. The water temperature and salinity levels can impact the distribution and abundance of these species. During strong cold fronts, the marine life may seek shelter in deeper waters or areas with more sheltered conditions.
References
For more information on the marine weather conditions in Myrtle Beach, SC harbor, refer to:
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Myrtle Beach, SC Marine Weather Forecast
* National Weather Service (NWS) – Myrtle Beach, SC Weather Forecast
* South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – Myrtle Beach, SC Marine Weather Conditions
Conclusive Thoughts
In summary, the weather in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December is a mix of mild temperatures, moderate precipitation, and limited sunshine hours. While the weather can be a bit unpredictable, it’s still a great time to visit the city and enjoy its many attractions, from the beach to the nearby attractions.
FAQ Section: Weather In December Myrtle Beach Sc
Q: What is the average high temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December?
A: The average high temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December is around 58°F (14°C).
Q: How much precipitation does Myrtle Beach, South Carolina receive in December?
A: The city experiences an average of 3-4 inches of precipitation throughout the month, with a mix of rain and occasional cold fronts.
Q: What is the average low temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December?
A: The average low temperature in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December is around 43°F (6°C).
Q: Is it a good time to visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December?
A: Yes, the weather in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during December can be a bit unpredictable, but it’s still a great time to visit the city and enjoy its many attractions.
