Trying to time your move to Murrells Inlet or Garden City? On the South Strand, the right week can spare you heat, crowds, and coastal surprises. You want a plan that respects your schedule and budget without fighting hurricane season or tourist traffic. This guide breaks down local weather patterns, tides, school calendars, and mover demand so you can choose the best month and the best day. Let’s dive in.
Weather patterns to expect
The South Strand has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters. The wettest stretch is July through September, while May and November are typically drier. Average highs hover near 82°F in May, 88°F in June, 91°F in July, 90°F in August, and 77°F in October, according to local climate averages from Visit Myrtle Beach. These patterns shape comfort, truck access, and the risk of weather delays.
Spring: March to May
Spring brings warming temps and relatively lower rainfall in April and May. This is a pleasant window for moving and often aligns with more listing activity. You can usually avoid peak heat and heavy storms by targeting morning load times. If you want balance, spring is one of the easiest seasons to work with.
Summer: June to August
Summer is the hottest and most humid period, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. It is also peak tourism and national peak moving season, which means heavier traffic and higher mover rates. If you must move, book early and plan for early morning starts to beat the heat. Keep a rain plan for quick tarp coverage and short weather holds.
Early fall: September to October
Temperatures ease and crowds thin after Labor Day. September remains one of the wetter months and falls inside the hurricane peak, so keep plans flexible. If conditions are calm, early fall can be a comfortable time to move. Always check the forecast in the week leading up to your date.
Winter: November to February
Winters are mild with fewer visitors and typically the lowest moving rates. Shorter daylight hours are the main tradeoff. With fewer crowds and cooler temps, winter can be a cost‑savvy time to schedule movers. Watch for holiday weekends when availability tightens.
Hurricane season facts
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The most active period is mid August through mid October, with a statistical peak near September 10. If you are moving in this window, build in flexibility and confirm mover weather policies. Review seasonal context from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center before you lock dates.
Tides and local flooding
King tides and seasonal high tides can trigger nuisance flooding in low‑lying parts of Garden City and Murrells Inlet. Local reports note temporary issues on streets like Atlantic Ave, Basin Dr, and Dolphin St during coastal flood advisories. Even minor flooding can complicate truck access or parking. Keep an eye on local advisories like this WMBF coastal flood update.
Tourism and traffic timing
The Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area welcomes millions of visitors each year, with activity concentrated in late spring and summer. Expect busier roads like US‑17 and limited curb space near the beach, especially on weekends and holidays. More visitors can also mean tighter schedules for movers and rental trucks. Review regional seasonality from the Myrtle Beach Area CVB when mapping your timeline.
Best months to move
- Best balance of weather and availability: mid spring and mid to late fall. You get comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than peak summer, and often better mover availability. Local climate data from Visit Myrtle Beach supports these windows.
- Family calendar considerations: Horry County Schools typically start mid to late August and end in early June, so many households aim to finish by early August. Check dates on the district calendar.
- Cost‑focused: Off‑peak months, especially late October through February, usually bring lower rates and more flexibility. National patterns show May to September is peak moving season, with June to August the busiest according to moveBuddha.
Smart scheduling tips
- Avoid end‑of‑month and holiday weekends. Target mid‑month weekdays for better pricing and availability, a common mover recommendation cited by movers.com.
- Start early in summer to dodge peak heat and afternoon thunderstorm windows.
- Check for king tide dates and coastal flood advisories in the week before your move.
- Confirm mover weather and cancellation policies if your date falls in hurricane season.
- Plan alternate parking or loading zones if your street is low‑lying.
South Strand move checklist
- Know your evacuation zone. Use the statewide tool at SCEMD’s Know Your Zone.
- Verify flood risk. Review Horry County’s flood information and discuss insurance needs using the county’s Know Your Flood Hazard page.
- Confirm school dates. See the Horry County Schools calendar if timing around the academic year matters.
- Book early for summer. Peak months fill fast; national guidance recommends securing movers well in advance, especially June to August, per moveBuddha and movers.com.
- Build a weather buffer. If a tropical system is forecast, consider rescheduling and keep hotel or storage backups in mind. Check NOAA CPC outlooks as your date approaches.
Plan your move with confidence
If you want a timeline that fits your goals, we would love to help you weigh weather, tides, demand, and neighborhood logistics. For local guidance rooted in decades on the South Strand, reach out to Mariah Johnson. We will help you line up the right week, the right vendor team, and a smooth handoff on keys.
FAQs
How does hurricane season affect a South Strand move?
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with the most active period mid August to mid October, so build flexibility and confirm mover weather policies using NOAA CPC guidance.
What months are cheapest for movers in Murrells Inlet and Garden City?
- Off‑peak months like late October through February usually have lower rates and more availability because national demand dips outside the May to September peak noted by moveBuddha.
Which Garden City or Murrells Inlet streets can flood during king tides?
- Local reports cite low‑lying corridors such as Atlantic Ave, Basin Dr, and Dolphin St that can see nuisance flooding during coastal flood advisories, per WMBF News.
When should families plan around Horry County Schools?
- Many families aim to complete moves by early August to settle before classes begin mid to late August; confirm timing on the district calendar.
What are the best days of the month to schedule movers on the South Strand?
- Mid‑month weekdays often offer better availability and pricing than end‑of‑month dates and holiday weekends, according to common guidance from movers.com.