Hilton Head Island, on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, features a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, breezy winters. The island enjoys abundant sunshine, warm ocean waters, and moderate rainfall year-round. These conditions make Hilton Head a popular destination for beachgoers, golfers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout all seasons.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Hilton Head Island’s climate is defined by its coastal location and southern latitude, resulting in four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with daytime highs of 31–32°C and warm nights around 23°C. Ocean breezes provide some relief, and the sea temperature peaks at 28°C. Rainfall is highest in summer, with July and August each averaging 170–190 mm and 13 rainy days, usually as brief afternoon thunderstorms. Sunshine is abundant, with up to 9 hours per day, and UV levels are very high.
Winters (December–February) are mild and breezy, with highs of 14–16°C and lows of 4–6°C. Snow is extremely rare, and the island enjoys 6–7 hours of sunshine daily. Rainfall is moderate, and humidity is lower than in summer. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, featuring pleasant temperatures (20–28°C), moderate humidity, and fewer crowds. Spring brings blooming landscapes and outdoor festivals, while early autumn offers warm sea temperatures and ideal beach weather. Winds are generally light to moderate year-round, with occasional brisk breezes, especially in winter and spring. Daylight ranges from about 10 hours in winter to 14 hours in midsummer.
Hilton Head’s climate supports lush vegetation, long beach seasons, and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle. While hurricanes are possible from June to November, direct hits are rare. Visitors should be prepared for summer humidity, occasional rain showers, and mild, changeable winter weather.
| Average climate data for Hilton Head Island, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 24 | 19 | 16 | 31 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 8 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 13 | 10 | 8 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 26 | 31 | 37 | 54 | 52 | 101 | 107 | 156 | 95 | 68 | 36 | 60 | 824 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 12 | 176 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 73 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 75 | 74 | 73 | 77 | 75 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 14 | 14 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 21 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 32 | 38 | 34 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 30 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
The best time to visit Hilton Head Island is in spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures are warm, humidity is moderate, and rainfall is lower. These months offer ideal conditions for beach outings, golf, and outdoor events, with fewer crowds and vibrant natural scenery.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak of summer (July–August), when heat, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms can make outdoor activities less comfortable. Hurricane season (June–November) also brings the risk of storms, though direct impacts are rare.
Hilton Head Island has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, breezy winters. Rain falls year-round, but summers are wettest. The island enjoys abundant sunshine and warm ocean waters in all seasons.
Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) are best for visiting Hilton Head, offering warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and fewer crowds. These periods are ideal for beach activities, golf, and festivals.
Summer highs reach 31–32°C, with high humidity and warm nights. Ocean breezes provide some relief, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. The sea temperature peaks at 28°C, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Snow is extremely rare on Hilton Head Island. Winters are mild, with highs of 14–16°C and lows of 4–6°C. Rain is more common than snow, and the island remains green throughout winter.
Yes, Hilton Head’s long beach season runs from May to October, with warm sea temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Even in winter, the island is pleasant for walks, though the water is too cool for swimming.
For summer, pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a rain jacket. In spring and autumn, bring layers for variable weather. Winters require a light jacket or jumper for cool mornings and evenings.
Hilton Head is in the Atlantic hurricane zone, with hurricane season from June to November. Direct hits are rare, but travellers should check weather forecasts and be aware of potential storms, especially in late summer and autumn.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (31 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (14.1 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 23.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (25.4 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (7.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.2 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (28.5 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (14.1 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 21.4 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is August (156.2 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (26 mm). Over the whole year there are 823.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is August (25 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (8.4 days). Over the whole year there are 175.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is January (1 mm). The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 1 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is February (0.2 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are March, May, June, August, September, October and December (0 days). Over the whole year there are 0.6 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is December (77 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is January (72.9 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 74.7 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is April (15.6 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is August (12.6 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 14.5 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (38.2 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is October (25.3 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 29.7 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 11 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 4.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.9 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index: 7). The month with the lowest average UV index is January (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.5.
