As summer bids farewell, North Myrtle Beach transforms into a serene coastal haven, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of September.
This is the perfect time to experience the delightful balance of warm ocean breezes and mild temperatures, where you can bask on nearly empty beaches, enjoy vibrant sunsets, and partake in some of the year’s most beloved local events (Music on Main is a favorite!).
Whether you’re looking to relax with a good book by the shore or embark on adventurous watersports, your North Myrtle Beach vacation rental in the fall promises an idyllic escape filled with both relaxation and discovery!
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about a September visit to NMB.
Why Visit North Myrtle Beach in September
There is no bad time to visit North Myrtle Beach. However, read on to find out why September may just be the best time to visit this South Carolina gem.
September Weather
One of the best reasons to visit North Myrtle Beach is the pristine end-of-summer weather. There’s no better season to wander Barefoot Landing and the Grand Strand, with the temperatures hovering between the high 60s and mid-80s.
After Labor Day Weekend, the crowds lessen, and you’ll find more room to relax and enjoy the beach weather. With the mercury not soaring in the heart of the day, you can experience your chosen outdoor activities and family fun in pleasant conditions.
The Perfect Getaway for Relaxation
Weather is just one part of the equation. At this time of year, beyond the summer months, life in North Myrtle Beach epitomizes “chill.”
From Labor Day onwards, beach regulations at all of the best spots ease. You can bring along your pets for a day on the sand. After they tire of chasing the ball (does that ever happen?), you can all relax in your beach tent, which isn’t allowed in the summer.
As for the surfers among us, fewer visitors means more room to ride. Great weather combines with greater access to the waves, so you can hang ten.
September Events in North Myrtle Beach
Irish Italian International Festival
- Website: nmb.us/393/Irish-Italian-International-Festival
- Address: Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC
The Irish Italian International Festival is one of our favorite September events. This one-day festival crams a lot into such a short period, with more than 15,000 people coming together to celebrate shared and different cultures.
Spread along North Myrtle Beach’s happening Main Street, visitors will find an array of festival food favorites and two stages for entertainment and music. Between the art and craft vendors, street performers go to work.
The SOS Fall Migration
- Website: shagdance.com
- Address: See Website
Perhaps the most unique event that happens this time of year in North Myrtle Beach is the SOS Fall Migration. No, we aren’t talking about birds; we’re talking about the Society of Stranders and the unofficial dance of North Myrtle Beach, “shagging.”
In September, all soulful dancers who possess “sand in their shoes and rhythm in their hearts” make their way to Ocean Drive. For ten days it’s the biggest party in town, as local bars like Fat Harold’s open up their dance floor and Main Street becomes the domain of shag dance instructors helping the masses improve their moves.
Music on Main
If you haven’t realized it yet, NMB’s Main Street is where the fun is. Through September, the town’s Music on Main Street extravaganza features weekly live music shows.
After a day lazing on the beach, families can kick back and enjoy the tunes. You could even break out some nice dance moves as Main Street becomes a pedestrian-only haven.
Best Things To Do in North Myrtle Beach in September
Celebrate Labor Day
For many, Labor Day marks the end of summer. But in North Myrtle Beach, that’s not the case. You can keep the good times rolling with a memorable Labor Day getaway with plenty of live music, watersports, and adventures for the whole family.
Explore North Myrtle Beach will keep you updated with this year’s Labor Day festivities. Music on Main is an annual highlight that brings good tunes and good times, mouthwatering food vendors, and a buffet of fun along Ocean Drive.
For more live entertainment, be sure to check out Carolina Opry’s Time Warp to rock to the best music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s in an action-packed show.
Explore Barefoot Landing
On the Waterway, Barefoot Landing is North Myrtle Beach’s answer to the famous Boardwalk Promenade a couple of miles south. Barefoot Landing is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination that will call your name morning and night.
With perfect evening weather, you can enjoy some retail therapy, peruse the long list of excellent restaurants (we recommend Flying Fish Market), and stay into the night dancing at House of Blues or enjoying craft tastings at Crooked Hammock Brewery.
Barefoot Landing is where you’ll also find the annual SeptemberFest! Stop by to see the slew of fun events, including the local winery’s Duplin Grape Stomp.
Explore the Beaches and Islands
After telling you about the weather, you’re probably already packing your bags for South Carolina. On arrival, you’ll be picking between six main beaches, all within close proximity.
Arguably, the most popular is Cherry Grove, which has its own fishing pier that creates some great waves. At low tide, beachgoers can walk to the pristine Waties Island. When the hunger strikes, there are plenty of fantastic nearby seafood restaurants.
Of course, the main beach is North Myrtle Beach. The downtown area is a great spot to enjoy waves, climb the playgrounds, bike along the waterfront trails, and grab some ice cream.
Take a Surf Lesson at a Sandbar
The waves in North Myrtle Beach aren’t just for swimming. Sandbars and northeasterlies can combine to create some great swell in September.
Cherry Grove Pier and local sandbars allow consistent surfing. However, you must be at least 300ft on either side of the pier.
You’ll find several surf shops in the area, including Kokopelli Surf Camp. This is also our top recommendation for North Myrtle Beach surf lessons.
Book a Tee Time
The South Carolina coast has some of the best golf courses on the East Coast if not the whole country. It won’t matter whether you’re a handicap golfer or a general enthusiast once you explore the beautiful fairways and enjoy the views at Tidewater or Azalea Sands.
The former is a challenging but rewarding championship golf course that adds a rich dose of coastal charm. Straddling the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Groce Inlet, the course has a natural beauty that is hard to match.
Recently renovated, Azalea Sands is perfect for a casual round of 18. You can celebrate or drown your sorrows back at the clubhouse, whose TVs play all the big games.
Explore the Coast
With much of the local fun out of the way, round out your experience by exploring the coast. Head south to experience Broadway at the Beach and its exciting attractions, including a Ferris wheel and escape room.
Another stop to add to the road trip is Brookgreen Gardens. Rated as one of the top gardens in the country, Brookgreen is a National Historic Landmark that boasts a stunning sculpture garden, the Low Country Zoo, and regular events.
There are some wonderful festivals happening just down the road. Head down to Myrtle Beach proper in September to experience the Beach ‘N Chili Fest. For over 50 years, the festival has showcased dozens of delightful chilis alongside live music, a beer garden, and food trucks.
Nearby Huntington Beach State Park will also host the annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. Come and enjoy local fine art, artisanal wares, and music.
Visit North Myrtle Beach in September
North Myrtle Beach’s family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches are perfect for a September vacation. Enjoy the best NMB has to offer with a Grand Strand vacation home!